People Don’t Belong in Cages

Dear Young Hustla,

3 months ago Congress gave itself a big pat on the back for passing The First Step Act.   A law intended to reform the prison judicial system and give prisoners with good behavior and opportunity to shorten their sentences, particularly for nonviolent drug offenses.  It also attempts to curve recidivism, meaning the rate at which convicted individuals engage in further criminal activity upon release.  The Act was a huge win for the Administration and is overwhelmingly supported by both sides of the aisle.  So far 16,000 individuals have benefited from the Act by avoiding jail and entering drug treatment programs.  Positive news for the blacking community being that it is the main minority group afflicted by the drug epidemic and the harsh U.S.  judicial system.

The Act has had a few bumps in the road. The bill required the development of a risk and needs assessment tool.  A tool that would evaluate each inmate and determine what types of programs they could participate in and benefits they could receive.  However, the Justice Department has failed to make the first deadline for the tool. The tool is essential to developing the new network of programming, and without it, it’s unsure if released prisoners will get the needed help successfully reintegrate back into society.  It’s my guess that without these programs many will end up back in jail and the blame will be placed on the individual and not the system.

But there is more to come, the next step planned by the Administration is the Second Step Act.  President Trump announced on Monday, April 1, “Today I’m announcing that the Second Step Act will be focused on successful reentry and reduce unemployment for Americans with past criminal records and that’s what we’re starting.”

Reform is a step in the right direction.  I’m all for my brother’s and sisters who often are born into circumstances that leave few options Like Cardi B said, “They gave me two options stripping or lose.”  This mentality is the mindset of many from America’s ghettos. I’m all for the First Step Act, but I pray the Second Step act goes further to address the root issues of the problem- the lack of real opportunities for black people and positive role models.

Hat tip,

Geechie Dan