Life After Release began inside a Maryland prison in 2017 where incarcerated Black mothers began organizing to address prison conditions and to build a hopeful future after release. We realized that the state was not only failing to provide us transitional support and services but also that it was counting on keeping us in a cycle of policing, supervision and incarceration. Today, our mission is to build an abolition movement among Black women and families, rebuild our devastated communities and keep each other safe.
Description
Courtwatch PG is a growing community of volunteers from Prince George’s County, Maryland and the surrounding Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area - and beyond. We observe bail hearings in PG County District Court to document our county’s policies in action and to hold judicial actors accountable for injustice in the court system. Courtwatch PG is powered by Life After Release, and founded and led by formerly incarcerated Black women. We courtwatchers represent all ages and backgrounds. We are joined by the call to anti-racist action and by faith in abolitionist futures. Our Goals
Gather real-time, objective data that will illuminate patterns and long term trends in the PG County Court System.
Let PG County officials know that the public is paying attention to the bail process.
Create an informed and involved public by educating communities about the court system
