Session 5: #SayHerName - Women and Incarceration

Presenter:

Dr. Pamela Keye

Addressing the Impact of Incarceration on Women and Families: Considering Dr. Keyes' insights on the disproportionate impact of the carceral system on women of color and their families, particularly mothers, what steps can your ministry take to support these women and their children both during and after incarceration? How can your community address the specific challenges they face, such as economic hardship, trauma, and social stigma?
Developing Gender-Responsive Ministry Programs: Dr. Keyes highlights the lack of gender-responsive approaches in the prison system. Reflect on the current programs and outreach initiatives of your ministry. How can they be adapted or expanded to more effectively meet the unique needs of incarcerated or formerly incarcerated women, including those dealing with issues like trauma, substance abuse, and reintegration into society?
Advocacy for Systemic Change: Reflecting on Dr. Keyes' exploration of systemic racism and its effects on incarcerated women, especially women of color, what advocacy strategies can your ministry or community organization implement to challenge and change these systemic injustices? How can you use your platform and influence to advocate for policy reforms, increased awareness, and support services that specifically address the needs of incarcerated women and their families?

Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Tenth anniversary edition. New York: New Press, 2020.
Anderson, Carol. White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide. Reprint edition.
Crenshaw, Kimberlé. #sayhername: Black Women’s Stories of Police Violence and Public Silence. Chicago, Illinois: Haymarket Books, 2023.
Douglas, Kelly Brown. Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2015.
Gilliard, Dominique DuBois. Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2018.
Hattery, Angela, and Earl Smith. Policing Black Bodies: How Black Lives Are Surveilled and How to Work for Change. Updated edition. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2021.
Schiraldi, Vincent. Mass Supervision: Probation, Parole, and the Illusion of Safety and Freedom. New York: The New Press, 2023.
Walker-Barnes, Chanequa. Too Heavy a Yoke: Black Women and the Burden of Strength. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2014.

Call to Action: Create an awareness campaign piece (e.g., a poster, blog post, or social media post) highlighting the issues faced by incarcerated women. Share your creation in the forum and discuss ways to support affected women.
To prepare for session 6, consider how you might leverage your beliefs and community connections to act as a catalyst for change and healing in times of crisis? Reflect on a specific situation where faith-based leadership could make a significant difference, and envision the role you could play in mobilizing and guiding your community towards justice and support.