Abolition

Abolish Police, ICE, and Prisons have become more popular demands in recent years but abolition is a movement with a long history. From Black abolitionists who fought and resisted slavery in a variety of ways to prison abolitionists and advocates of abolition democracy today, abolition has been a longstanding movement. With more mainstream coverage, though, comes cooptation into reformist goals. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to ending policing and imprisonment and to building the alternatives for healthy and dignified lives for our communities. (This list is adapted from abolitionistfutures.com) Pieces that are bolded are those we recommend you start out with.

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Articles

What is Abolition? by Critical Resistance

Short primer article explaining what we mean by abolition and the prison industrial complex.

What is Abolition? by Critical Resistance

‘Police “Reforms” You Should Always Oppose’ by Mariame Kaba

A simple guide for evaluating any suggested “reforms” of U.S. policing.

‘Police “Reforms” You Should Always Oppose’ by Mariame Kaba

Reformist Reforms vs Abolitionist Steps in Policing Critical Resistance

Visual diagram that breaks down the difference between reformist reforms which continue or expand the reach of policing, and abolitionist steps that work to chip away and reduce its overall impact.

Reformist Reforms vs Abolitionist Steps in Policing Critical Resistance

Statement on Gender Violence and the Prison Industrial Complex by Critical Resistance and INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence

Statement connecting the Prison Industrial Complex and Gender Violence and calling for solutions that don’t rely on prisons.

Statement on Gender Violence and the Prison Industrial Complex

Books

Videos & Podcasts