by Michael SimmonsCW: This post includes stories about suicidal ideation.I remember the first time I wanted to kill myself. It was the day of what was supposed to be a fun game of football between two teams of freshman high school students. During the game, a play was called in the huddle, and our [...]Read More
Locked in Solidarity 2023: Addressing Mental Health and Trauma from Juveniles through Reentry
Navigate this webpage:Introduction to LIS 2023It’s that time of year again! Locked in Solidarity, CCDA’s awareness & action week on mass incarceration, is February 5-13, 2023. Mark your calendars and rally your community for this important annual focus. We were able to gather [...]Read More
A Call to Remember those in Prison
by Douglas Cupery, Church Mobilization Director at Crossroads Prison MinistriesAt Crossroads Prison Ministries, we are keenly aware of the many challenges that mass incarceration poses to the thousands of men and women we serve—and to our nation. In anticipation of the Christian Community [...]Read More
Is there hope to end mass incarceration?
I occasionally speak to churches and other Christian gatherings about my research, on the history of American religion, crime, and punishment. After I walk through the history of Christian contributions to the creation and maintenance of America’s systems of mass incarceration, I often receive some [...]Read More
The Imago Dei in Us All
Written by: Rev. Dr. Kevin Riggs & Rev. Kevin BurnsJohnny is only in the fourth grade, but he has already been labeled by his teachers as a problem. He can’t sit still. He is disrespectful. He can’t keep his hands to himself. He is picked on by other students and is constantly getting in fights. [...]Read More
Addressing issues of Justice, Incarceration, and ReEntry through Innovation and Partnerships
By Charles Cheek, CCDA Hampton Roads Local Network ConnectorThe Hampton Roads Christian Community Development Network's focus on addressing Justice System issues is multi-layered and is developed around partnerships and assisting in developing and supporting existing resources where needed. Our [...]Read More
A Rock In a Weary Land
A Rock in a Weary LandThe churches call to action an Era of Mass-ReintegrationBy. Rev. Dr. Lori E. BanfieldExodus 13:17-18 NLTGod said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the [...]Read More
The Church’s Role in Mass Incarceration
by Dominique GilliardEvery year, Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) dedicates a week to national awareness and action to engage mass incarceration, a time where we call our members to consider what a faithful response to mass incarceration entails. Locked in Solidarity has always [...]Read More