A19: Millions for Prisoners March and Strike

A Millions for Prisoners Human Rights March was called by prisoners to give voice to their demand: Get rid of the slavery clause in the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Amend the 13th! IWOC answered the call, mobilizing members in DC and across dozens of cities on the outside, and resisting inside prisons as well.

The 13th Amendment to the Constitution declared that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”

On Saturday, August 19, 2017, people marched in Washington DC and at least 16 other cities demanding the abolition of legal slavery, and calling on people to organize against mass incarceration and abuse in U.S. prisons. Participants addressed the importance of the history of our revolutionary prisoner-led human rights movements. All over the country, people spoke of the great love, determination, and resilience that has kept them carrying on, in the face of extreme state violence, isolation, and family/community fragmentation.

 

Location 
Washington D.C.
Campaign Scope 
National
Demands 
Abolish the 13th amendment enslavement clause
Congressional hearing on the 13th Amendment enslavement clause being recognized as in violation of international law and the general principles of human rights.

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