Photo by Johnny Perez Gazing across the water towards Alcatraz Island, it's fascinating to reflect on its diverse history. This small piece of land has served multiple roles: a fort, a military prison, and a maximum-security federal penitentiary. In 1969, it became a symbol of liberation and Native American civil rights when the Indians of All Tribes group occupied it for 19 months, asserting their quest for freedom.
As a member of the prison programs advisory council for The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), I am part of a national effort mobilizing people of faith to advocate against torture and for human dignity across the United States. NRCAT, a Washington, D.C.-based interfaith organization, is steadfast in its mission to end torture in U.S. policy, practice, and culture. With over 300 religious organizations and 75,000 individuals participating in our initiatives, we strive to promote human rights and dignity, advocating for an end to all forms of torture without exception. Through grassroots organizing, public education, and policy advocacy, we engage communities of faith and leaders nationwide to push for legislation abolishing solitary confinement and mitigating the harms of cruel carceral conditions. The inhumane conditions within American prisons demand immediate intervention and policy support. Highlighted below are distressing examples from across the country, which illustrate the urgent need for systemic change: Solitary Confinement of Detained Immigrants: A disturbing report, resulting from a collaborative analysis by Harvard and the nonprofit Physicians for Human Rights, reveals that the U.S. government has subjected detained immigrants to solitary confinement over 14,000 times in the last five years. The duration of these confinements is nearly double the 15-day limit considered by the United Nations as potentially constituting torture. This analysis, supported by The New York Times through a review of federal records and interviews, exposes not just the excessive use of solitary confinement but also instances of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. The escalating detainee numbers, particularly in privately run facilities, signal a dire need for accountability and reform. Cover-Up of Civil Rights Violations in California: In a revealing case, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California, has charged former correctional officers at California State Prison – Sacramento with falsifying records and perjury to conceal the unlawful assault of an inmate. This incident underscores the systemic issues within prison management and the urgent need for transparency and justice. Missing Organs from Deceased Inmates in Alabama: A federal lawsuit has brought to light a horrifying situation where the bodies of incarcerated individuals were returned to their families missing vital organs. This egregious disrespect for human dignity and the rights of families to properly mourn their loved ones is appalling and calls for immediate investigation and accountability. Unnotified Burials in Mississippi: The discovery of hundreds of inmates buried in a pauper's field next to the Hinds County Penal Farm without family notification has sparked outrage and demands for a federal investigation. The secretive nature of these burials, marked only by numbered metal tags, reveals a profound disregard for human life and the sanctity of death. These examples demonstrate a sense of urgency to address the systemic failures of our prison system. The dehumanizing conditions under which many incarcerated individuals live are contrary to the principles of justice and rehabilitation. It is imperative that we, as a society, shift our focus towards restorative justice approaches that prioritize the dignity, health, and reintegration of those within the prison system. Call to Action!!! We must not remain silent. I urge you to check on your incarcerated loved ones, ensuring they are treated with the dignity and respect every human being deserves. Support politicians and policies that advocate for the transformation of our prison system into one that values rehabilitation over punishment, human dignity over degradation. Together, we can create a more just and compassionate society that heals rather than harms, restoring hope and humanity to those who have been marginalized and mistreated by an unjust system. Isaac I. Scott is Five-time Change Agent Award winner, Multimedia Visual Artist, Journalist, and Independent Consultant.
0 Comments
PHOTO BY MERCY BAEZ BY ISAAC I. SCOTT
As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, it is not merely a ritual of remembrance but a call to action, an invitation to examine the enduring relevance of his teachings in our complex world. Dr. King's principles, rooted in nonviolent resistance, justice, equality, and a vision of the "Beloved Community," serve as a compass for navigating the challenges of 2023. Nonviolent Resistance Domestic and Global Perspective: In the spirit of Dr. King's commitment to nonviolence, it is paramount that we reject violence as a solution. From street violence to global conflicts, the lessons of history show that violence begets more violence, especially to the detriment of the oppressed. In 2023, honoring Dr. King's legacy means advocating for nonviolent solutions, fostering understanding, and refusing to enable destructive cycles. Integration and Beloved Community: As we witness debates over immigration and asylum seekers, Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community" becomes a guiding light. Recognizing that the history of the Americas is a tapestry of migrations, we must welcome new neighbors fleeing dangerous conditions. True integration requires dismantling entitlement and embracing the diversity that has defined the American story. Justice and Equality/Poverty and Economic Justice: The persistence of Million Dollar Blocks and food insecurity highlights the ongoing struggle for racial and economic justice. Dr. King's dedication to eradicating poverty and linking it to racial injustice is a call for equitable distribution of resources. In 2023, we must relentlessly oppose the punishment paradigm by persistently pursuing the allocation of financial resources to community-based organizations working to offset injustice, inequality, poverty, and economic injustice. Civil Disobedience: Dr. King's advocacy for civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws resonates strongly today. In 2023, we must recognize the moral responsibility to resist injustice peacefully and effectively. Silence is complicity, and speaking out against injustice is an imperative to evoke positive change. Coalition Building: Building on Dr. King's emphasis on coalition building, initiatives like the Arts Justice Safety Coalition (AJSC) exemplify the power of diverse groups united for a common cause. In 2023, recognizing the benefits of sustained networks, shared responsibility, and constructive criticism, we should strive for collaboration to amplify efforts for systemic, cultural, and social change. Education and Empowerment: The battle against revisionist history and miseducation is ongoing. Dr. King's belief in the power of education remains a beacon. In 2023, the imperative to provide the best quality education for all, countering efforts to rewrite history, must become a commitment to empowering the next generation. Faith and Values: Dr. King's principles were deeply rooted in his Christian faith. In 2023, embodying the essence of treating others with love, embodying the principle of being judged by character rather than skin color, becomes an homage to Dr. King's values. In conclusion, as we honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday in 2023, let us draw inspiration from his principles and apply them methodically to our present challenges. Dr. King's teachings remain a source of wisdom and guidance, urging us to continue the journey towards justice, equality, and a society where love and understanding triumph over hatred and violence. Isaac I. Scott is Five-time Change Agent Award winner, Multimedia Visual Artist, Journalist, and Independent Consultant. Photo by Pioneer Works By Isaac I. Scott
As the founder of Isaac’s Quarterly, Isaac Scott, I've faced the uphill battle as an artist who was formerly incarcerated, where my work was unjustly devalued, and my personal narrative exploited. These experiences propel Isaac’s Quarterly's unwavering commitment to establishing a platform where artists receive fair compensation and acknowledgment. Navigating the challenging terrain of being a strictly practicing artist is an uphill battle, and Isaac’s Quarterly acknowledges the inherent struggle. Artists, especially those with a history of incarceration, often find it difficult to sustain themselves financially. Our commitment extends beyond fair compensation to addressing the broader issue of artists struggling to make a living solely through their art. Isaac’s Quarterly stands at the intersection of art, justice, and social change. Our journey underscores the urgent need for fair compensation and acknowledgment in the creative industry. Far too often, artists, especially those with a history of incarceration, find their stories commodified without due recognition or compensation. Our tireless commitment includes a strong emphasis on the role of artists in social change movements and legal and political advocacy strategies. The arts are a powerful catalyst for change, and Isaac’s Quarterly believes in harnessing this potential for a more just and equitable society. Artists should be recognized as integral contributors to social change, and their perspectives should inform legal and political advocacy strategies. In this pursuit, we've established The Confined Arts (TCA), a charitable program developed by Isaac's Quarterly, LLC. Fiscally sponsored by Another Choice Youth and Family Outreach Inc., TCA cultivates and showcases the talents of artists directly impacted by mass incarceration and intersecting social justice issues. TCA empowers artists to express their voices through various art forms, aiming to abolish inhumane narratives and socially degrading stigmas associated with past experiences. Through collaborative activism, research, education, and training, TCA equips artists to influence policy change and advocate for a world anchored on empathy and healing. Formerly incarcerated artists face unique challenges in obtaining fair compensation for their stories, and TCA actively addresses this by providing a platform for artistic expression and advocacy. Exploitation for the sake of an organization's fundraising campaign is an unfortunate reality that TCA seeks to combat, advocating for ethical storytelling practices that prioritize the artist's agency and dignity. Racial disparities persist in the entertainment industry, with black actors and producers encountering distinct challenges. Black women, in particular, may receive more than they have in the past, yet the gap between their worth and actual compensation remains evident. Isaac’s Quarterly and TCA are vocal about addressing these disparities and promoting equity in the creative sector. To better support local community-based artists, we propose concrete solutions. Establishing industry standards for fair compensation, promoting diversity in decision-making roles, fostering mentorship programs, raising awareness about the vital role of artists in social change movements, and supporting community arts programs like TCA are crucial steps. Collaboration with grassroots organizations and advocating for inclusive policies will contribute to a more just and equitable creative landscape. In conclusion, Isaac’s Quarterly and TCA invite the artistic community and industry stakeholders to join us in building a future where artists are not only acknowledged but also compensated fairly for their invaluable contributions. Through collective efforts, we can create a thriving artistic ecosystem that reflects the richness of diverse stories and experiences, which plays a pivotal role in social change and advocacy, and supports the flourishing of community arts programs. Isaac I. Scott is Five-time Change Agent Award winner, Multimedia Visual Artist, Journalist, and Independent Consultant. A FILM BY THE ARTS, JUSTICE AND SAFETY COALITION CLAIMING THE JUSTICE NARRATIVE PROJECT BEFORE TIME/AFTER TIME is a film produced as the culmination of the Claiming the Justice Narrative media and advocacy project, which seeks to support recent incursions in the felony court space by furthering alternatives to incarceration policy shifts.
Beginning in the fall of 2021, twenty system-impacted people participated in eight workshops led by teaching artists from four organizations: Recess, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC, Dances for Solidarity, and The Phoenix Players Theatre Group. During these sessions, participants were introduced to various performance techniques in movement, improvisation, and autobiographical storytelling. SUMMER SCHEDULE IS NOW AVAILABLE. REGISTER TODAY The Strategic Arts and Education Initiative summer schedule is available, and REGISTRATION IS OPEN. Please see the workshops and courses below and share them with the community and participate.
The Ford Foundation has awarded The Confined Arts, in partnership with Another Choice Youth and Family Outreach Inc, with a grant to launch the Strategic Arts & Education (SAE) initiative to provide free artistic literacy, and capacity building, training, and workshops to new and existing community-based artists (specifically those that have justice-involvement), young adults, students, advocates, teaching artists, practitioners, legal advocates, and organizations who want to learn more about entrepreneurship, community enhancement and/or how they can use the arts to mitigate the imprint of the criminal legal system. In conjunction with Coby Kennedy’s Summer 2021 exhibition Kalief Browder: The Box, Pioneer Works, For Freedoms, and Negative Space presented Beyond The Box, a four-part program series that considered the realities of mass incarceration through the lens of art and activism. Over the course of four weeks, The Broadcast is releasing Beyond The Box’s accompanying video series, each paired with a newly commissioned text that further elaborates on the thematic pillars charted by For Freedoms: Awakening, Listening, Healing, and Justice. Below, for Listening, Pastor Isaac Scott speaks to the harms of incarceration and introduces works by several writers whom he’s worked with through his program The Confined Arts.
Isaac Scott, founder of the Confined Arts, sits in his studio. "Mental health is stigmatized in this space. If I show you the scars of my incarceration, it’s only going to make you have more judgments," Isaac said. "I’m carrying two stigmas simultaneously. You feel like you have to show your best self coming home, wear these masks. You can’t show the trauma. That becomes more emotionally distressing." Art gave him a space to express his emotions.
Pastor Isaac Scott, who founded the Confined Arts at the Columbia University Center for Justice, said the group’s work and outreach actually expanded during the pandemic since everything went virtual “It’s kind of bittersweet, but you can actually do more work when everyone is Zooming,” he said. “It was easier to reach across state lines to get to people. We’ve been able to collaborate with artists all across the country.”
OP-ED BY PASTOR ISAAC SCOTT IN COLUMBIA DAILY SPECTATOR BY ISAAC SCOTT • APRIL 6, 2021 AT 2:11 AM
America is a violent, petty nation. The people of this country call for humane justice from the highest hills, but “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is the way this nation handles its own failures. I’ve said much in the past about the hypocrisies of the current movement to abolish prisons. Until we clearly define exactly what true justice looks like for every group of people, we will continue to see people protest against systemic oppression in the form of incarceration for some people and justify state violence incarceration as a system of punishment. America’s go-to response, prison, is a violent monster without taste buds but with an inexhaustible appetite. The immediate emotional response when a person breaks the law is to seek out punitive responses to deter their behavior rather than invest resources and time into addressing the root causes of the issues that led to the crime. Moving toward and creating a more harm-reductive criminal legal system means that we must define accountability outside of the context of punishment. We live in a nation where the line between accountability and punishment is not clear, and because there is no distinction, the two concepts become one in their application. The most important reason that we as a nation must abandon the punishment cycle and begin to find alternatives to incarceration for every person, especially for people who are convicted of violent crimes, is because violence only begets violence, and responding to a person who becomes violent by placing them in a violent system is a recipe for disaster. Research shows that incarceration has negative psychological effects on people, including but not limited to “a dependence on institutional structure and contingencies. Hypervigilance, interpersonal distrust, and suspicion. Emotional over-control, alienation, and psychological distancing. Social withdrawal and isolation. Incorporation of exploitative norms of prison culture. Diminished sense of self-worth and personal value. And post-traumatic stress reactions to the pains of imprisonment.” Every year, hundreds of thousands of people enter the New York state prison system and while everyone is chewed up, not everyone is spit back out into society the same way, and many are left to live with the remnants of the psychological aspects of incarceration. Public safety can no longer be an excuse for this nation’s reliance on incarceration. Research shows us that prison does not keep us safe. We need to think outside of the box if we truly seek to identify nonpunitive methods for accountability, especially for people who commit heinous crimes. I admit: In my 38 years of life, I have seen and heard things that made me consider whether jail was the best place for people who commit certain acts. Likewise, as an abolitionist who is following the Derek Chauvin trial, I still struggle with the dilemma of navigating the emotional space between healthy accountability and retribution. While I want this man to be held accountable for his despicable actions, at the same time, I wouldn’t wish prison on my own worst enemy. No doubt, any time physical harm is at stake, there is a culturally responsive need for temporary separation that is time-sensitive and concerned for the well-being of all parties involved, but I do not believe that jail or prison is the separation that is needed for any form of safety prevention. Are we seeking accountability that humanizes every person involved, or are we seeking revenge against people who break certain laws? Prison should not be the answer for addressing crime or any societal issue. Prison should not be the answer to the people that society feels are irredeemable. The deprived social environment of prison can potentially impede one’s social capacity to navigate various social obligations post-incarceration, such as employment, housing, and other family and social obligations. The secondary effects of incarceration are being emotionally ignored in the heat of the moment and rather than humanizing each person by putting resources into dealing with the roots of our societal issue, the popular pejorative fosters an out of sight, out of mind attitude and casts certain people away never to be remembered again, while others are worth giving a second and third chance. Before we remain content that we can continue to send people through this violent state apparatus, we should understand that many people do not survive incarceration and that just because a person is able to avoid being rearrested, it doesn’t mean that safety is present for that individual and that the psychological effects of incarceration are not haunting them and causing equal stress in their lives and in the lives of their families. Recycling punishment is not the solution—prevention is. If we truly want public safety, then we must begin providing preventative harm-reductive solutions in four significant areas: first, mental health in order to prevent the incarceration of people who would benefit from medical support; second, social support and wellness in order to provide more therapeutic and intervention work with struggling families; third, educational support to foster knowledge, access, capacity, and opportunity amid difficult living circumstances; and fourth, economic support to address poverty and food insecurity. Until then, we will continue to be a nation reliant on incarceration. Preventing incarceration by addressing the socioeconomic issues that lead people to commit crimes is a leap toward human justice and the thoughtful abolition of our current criminal justice system. Isaac I. Scott Five-time Change Agent Award winner, Multimedia Visual Artist, Journalist, and Independent Consultant. Follow him on Twitter @IsaacsQuarterly. |
EDITOR IN CHIEFISAAC I. SCOTT, Archives
February 2024
Categories |