Peace & Justice Center Presents the 2015 Ed Everts Social Justice Award to Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform and Filmmaker Eugene Jarecki
On November 21st at 7pm at Main Street Landing Union Station in Burlington, the Peace & Justice Center will be awarding the 2015 Ed Everts Social Justice Award to Vermont filmmaker Eugene Jarecki and Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform for their work toward reforming the America's unjust system of mass incarceration and the War on Drugs.
Presented by Allen Gilbert, Executive Director of Vermont's ACLU chapter, the award honors Eugene Jarecki for his film The House I Live In which is described by media critics as "a shattering case against the War on Drugs" and an "attack on America's War on Drugs [that] contends it is a grotesquely wasteful public-works scheme." Since its release in 2012 the film has won the Grand Jury Prize for a Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival as well as a Peabody Award in 2014. A special screening of The House I Live In will take place on Thursday, November 12th at 7pm at the Main Street Landing Film House in Burlington.
The Social Justice Activist Award also honors Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform for their dedicated work to advance criminal justice reform in the Green Mountain State. In working toward a more restorative and effective criminal justice response, Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform has highlighted racial bias in our policing and sentencing practices and has consistently called upon the State to end its use of private prisons. Additionally, they have also served as a vehicle for inmates and families to have a voice before the press, the Department of Corrections, and the legislature.
"The war on drugs is a hoax and a failure. Our incarceration rate is out of control. It is fueling and fueled by corporate interests. It's time we stand up against these systems of economic and racial injustice," said Peace & Justice Center Executive Director Rachel Siegel. "Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform and Eugene Jarecki are doing this," she continued. "I'm excited that we can shine a light on their work and celebrate together. It's time for a party!"
Sponsored by Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, WRUV 90.1 FM Burlington, Switchback Brewery, Citizen Cider and Vermont Tent Company; the event will be featuring live entertainment by DJs Melo Grant and Infinite in addition to an art auction. Free food includes chili and Indian fry-bread made on site along with a cash bar.
Tickets range from $25-$500 are available through pjcvt.org or through in-store purchase at the Peace & Justice Store, 60 Lake Street. Free for people living with convictions or who have incarcerated family members. Also free for high school students and younger.
United States