Annual prison ministry program tackles tough topics
New London — How much money is too much for somebody to pay to get out of jail after being charged with a crime? Would it be in the person’s interest, and the public interest, to free him so he can continue working and supporting his family while his court case is pending?
How could the jury selection system be reformed so that more diverse participants, including people of color, are called to serve and then selected to hear cases?
Community members and elected officials from throughout the state will tackle bail policies and jury selection practices in Connecticut at the upcoming eighth annual Community Prison Awareness and Pre-
vention Gathering at Shiloh Baptist Church. The free event for adults and youths will take place from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Shiloh Family Life Center, 3 Garvin St., in New London.
Winston Taylor, facilitator of Shiloh’s prison ministry program, said that each year, the gathering’s organizers select segments of the criminal justice system to tackle with the goal of creating systems that work for everybody, eliminate mass incarceration of individuals who could be better served by remaining in the community and empower young people to participate in the betterment of their communities.
The event is drawing presenters from across the state and also will feature sessions on community activism and the importance of voting, Taylor said.
Brett Davidson, founding director of the Connecticut Bail Fund, will talk about continuing efforts to reform the bail system so that people who don’t have money for bail receive equal treatment in the justice system. Lawmakers in 2017 passed a bill that restricts state judges from setting money bail for most misdemeanors, barring cash-only bails and requiring biweekly bond reviews for many who are held in prison.
State Representative Chris Soto, D-New London, will lead a class on why every vote counts in elections, what the average person can do to be heard in the community and how to connect with and hold accountable lawmakers and those in power.
State Rep. Brandon McGee, D-Hartford, will talk about bringing community stakeholders together to advocate for a cause, according to Taylor.
Kevin Booker Jr., a parent-education coordinator and community activist from New London, will lead a workshop for youth on developing leadership skills and making their voices heard on issues of importance, such as school safety.
The afternoon session will feature a panel discussion on jury selection and bail, moderated by Shiloh clergy member Lorraine Thomas. Panelists include Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lonnie Braxton II, retired chief probation officer and NAACP criminal justice Chairwoman Tamara Lanier, and Andre Baumgartner, a member of the Groton Town Council and former state representative.
Taylor said the prison ministry would be presenting community service awards at the event to people who have been serving the community through politics, prison reform work and mentoring young people.
The National Council for Negro Women will conduct voter registration, and community providers and organizations, including Safe Futures and Naval Sea Cadets, will set up informational tables.
The event is free but registration is required by calling Taylor at (860) 889-3232 or emailing him at Winston_Taylor@sbcglobal.net. Youth participants should specify their age so that the coordinators can plan accordingly, Taylor said.
Doors open at 8 a.m., and a continental breakfast will be served. The program starts sharply at 9 a.m., and breakout sessions are from 9:45 a.m. to noon. A free lunch will be served, followed by the afternoon panel discussions.