Join us at Hidden Nation (Ummah) Unfolded to delve into these critical issues and uncover hidden truths and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Current issues focus on the injustices faced by incarcerated individuals, with attention to cases such as Br. Khalifah, Br. Jamil Al-Amin, and Br. Amir, a 19-24-year-old incarcerated man who has been mistreated and denied religious freedom. Advocacy for Sister Aafia Siddique is a priority, with plans to invite Br. Mauri Salaakhan from the Aafia Foundation for further engagement. 

Volunteer activities include letter-writing campaigns to incarcerated individuals and influential policymakers, including governors, judges, and parole officers, aiming to highlight critical issues like youth incarceration, the treatment of aging prisoners, and the need for community-focused alternatives to incarceration, particularly in Baltimore. There is an emphasis on restorative justice, community courts, and diversions to help shift the focus from building more jails to investing in community resources.

Research and education also play a key role, with efforts to raise awareness about youth incarceration in Palestine and cases like Adnan Syed's, whose convictions were reinstated. Volunteers are encouraged to read books on prison reform and justice, including The Sun Does Shine, Just Mercy, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X. There is a push to write articles and mobilize for pardoning political prisoners like Aafia Siddiqui and Leonard Peltier. Additionally, efforts to engage with the Biden administration are underway to explore the possibility of pardoning aging prisoners and political prisoners through ongoing research and advocacy.

Event Details

• Date:  Tuesday Oct 22nd, 2024  ~ Rabi Thani 19, 1446

• Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

• Location: 4903 Liberty Heights ave, Baltimore MD 21207 & Online

• Who: All invited

Suggested Topics for Exploration

1. Prison Industrial Complex: Trace the historical evolution of the prison system from its inception to its current state, examining its impact on marginalized communities.

2. Youth and Juvenile Incarceration: Investigate the factors leading to the incarceration of young people and the long-term effects on their lives.

3. School to Prison Pipeline: Understand the systemic issues that funnel students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, from educational institutions into the criminal justice system.

4. Abolition Movement: Explore the history and current efforts of the abolition movement, focusing on key figures and organizations advocating for the dismantling of the prison system.

5. Restorative Justice: Examine restorative justice practices, including cultural and indigenous systems in Canada, US court applications, and middle/high school programs in places like California.

For more information, Please contact us, ss@islamicleadership.org