FORTE House Statements
We Celebrate Ketanji Brown Jackson
Our FORTE House family is filled with hope, pride and overwhelming joy at the confirmation this past week of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States. In her speech at the White House on Friday, Justice Jackson honored her ancestors, expressed appreciation for her nomination and confirmation, and affirmed her love of our country--despite all she has endured in the process. Imagine the hundreds of thousands of young people she has already inspired, and how many more will be empowered by her example.
A True “Fair Chance” Requires More than Banning the Box
Now, landlords can only request information if the prospective tenant is a registered sex offender, or was convicted of making methamphetamines in federally-assisted housing. Once a landlord makes a conditional offer to a tenant, he or she can run a criminal background check, but can only consider offenses of the first degree within six years, second- or third-degree crimes from the previous four years, or fourth-degree offenses from within a year.
Observe Juneteenth by Advocating for Complete Abolition of Slavery in NJ Jails and Prisons
This year marks the first “official” observation of Juneteenth in New Jersey: last September Governor Murphy signed the legislation making the third Friday in June a state holiday. This means all state government employees are given the day off with pay. The state holiday sets a precedent that also encourages NJ towns, cities and businesses to follow suit.
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History Was Made Last Week!
On February 16, Tia Ryans was named to the Board of Trustees of Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, becoming the first formerly incarcerated person to join any advisory board of the New Jersey Department of Corrections.
Read our full announcement here.
Stop the Abuse and Stand for Dignity for
Women at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility
We must use our voices to ensure that no one will ever again be subjected to abuse while incarcerated in a New Jersey prison. We must seize this moment to demand justice and permanent change. Incarcerated individuals all have a right to safety, security, and human dignity.
We Stand in Passionate Support for Restorative & Transformative Justice: Bill A4663/S2924
New Jersey has the opportunity to lead, by example, a formulated plan of best practices. If passed, the Restorative and Transformative Justice for Youth and Communities Pilot Program will establish pilot programs in Paterson, Newark, Trenton and Camden. We urge our representatives to pass Assembly bill A4663/S2924 so that our kids in New Jersey can have the opportunity to heal, learn, and thrive in a system that we can collectively create.
Our Communities Shall Not Be Silenced:
A Message from F.O.R.T.E House
On behalf of the entire F.O.R.T.E. House family, we stand in solidarity with our national, local, and incarcerated communities who have suffered and continue to suffer the brutality of state-sanctioned violence. The time for radical and lasting change is now....
