The start of a new year gives us time for reflection — time for setting intentions; for imagining futures; for recommitting to ourselves, our values, and one another. As we move into 2018, now is the time to reflect on the trials and triumphs of last year and to strengthen our resolve for the new.
January at the RYSE Center begins with a commitment to knowing our rights, as individuals and communities, as we assert our need for safety, dignity, opportunity, and justice. It is essential that we have a deep understanding of our comrade- and ancestor-won rights, even as they are assailed by state and institutional power. And, in the radical spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., we must also remember that our rights as marginalized and resilient peoples are not confined to the boundaries of the law — that law alone is insufficient as our sole protection.
“One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.”
When we know our rights, we study the contours and confines of the law and where we may find safety, refuge, temporary reprieve. We study too the practices, implementation, and shortcomings; where we must bolster, pressure, challenge — where we must make demand, without apology, without the weight of hesitation or placation.
There is much to be hopeful for this year. January marks the implementation of SB-190, repealing county authority to charge specified fees to parents, guardians, and youth for a youth’s involvement in the juvenile legal system. As part of a broad support coalition, RYSE celebrates the end of these unfair and discriminatory practices and demands clear implementation and immediate retroactive refunding of these fees.
The sweeping juvenile legal reforms signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown give us much to celebrate in this fight for youth justice. The work ahead, on many fronts, is to ensure that institutions and centers of power are held accountable to the will of the people and the youth. The work ahead is to reflect, celebrate, and educate — to demand, with radical imagination, what we know will set us free.
Andrew Yeung
Economic Justice Program Manager
January at RYSE:
RYSErs start the year strong with community convenings, national conferences, and free, fun programming like Tasty Tuesday cooking class, screenprinting and visual arts "pop-up" workshops, "Game Nights", open recording studio hours and artist development, and more.
Allies & Ales...
Support RYSE Center!
This month, each pint purchased from the "Ally Tap" at Armistice Brewing Company means $1 for RYSE!
Visit Armistice Brewing Company at 845 Marina Bay Pkwy, Ste 1, Richmond CA 94804.
Save the Date
BE A KID: 90s House Party
RYSE Center's Annual Fundraiser
Friday, April 27th 2018
6 - 10 PM @ RYSE Center
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