Youth Justice

Children’s Defense Fund “Break the Chains” Protest Action against Unjust Criminal Justice System

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, March 1, 2017

For More Information Contact:

Patti Hassler
Vice President of Communications and Outreach
202-662-3554 office
phassler@childrensdefense.org

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, March 2, 2017 the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) will help launch a new art installation titled, Dismantling the Cradle to Prison PipelineTM on the lawn facing the U.S. Supreme Court. Created by gifted artist, former death row prisoner and advocate for justice, Ndume Olatushani, this is the first stop on a unique “Stations of the Cross” exhibition at 14 locations ending at the National Cathedral. It tells the story of the Passion of Christ in a powerful new way for people of all faiths raising Jesus’s question when He was on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” The self-taught artist, wrongly convicted of murder, came to work at the Children’s Defense Fund as an organizer in Nashville, Tennessee after nearly 28 years in prison, 20 on death row. The interactive exhibit tells his story, and the story of millions of other children and adults of color who have been snared by our morally unjust criminal justice system.  Learn more about the “Stations of the Cross” exhibition.  All media welcome.

WHAT: CDF “Break the Chains” Protest Action to Demand Justice for All 
WHEN: Thursday, March 2, 2017
4:30 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Lawn of the General Board of Church & Society of the United Methodist Church Building facing the U.S. Supreme Court
100 Maryland Avenue, N.E.
Washington, D.C.
WHO: Ndume Olatushani, Artist and Children’s Defense Fund organizer
Rev. Michael Parker, Pastor, St. John United Methodist Church
Tai Dixon, Children’s Defense Fund National Director of State Offices and Field Operations
STAY: UMC Event: 6:30 p.m. Panel Discussion inside Church Building
WHO: Ndume Olatushani, Artist and CDF Organizer
Rev. Susan Crowe, General Secretary of the General Board of Church & Society
Organizers
, for the “Stations of the Cross” exhibition

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The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.