The point of unity for this collective begins at the abolition of the institution of prisons, but it does not end there. Prisons and police are an extension of slavery and inflict some of the most brutal and racist forms of violence in this country and targeting the prison system is a strategic way to build a movement for collective liberation. We recognize that prison abolition is intrinsically t
ied to the end of white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy and all other forms of oppression. Therefore, the fight for abolition must center the voices of those most affected by these systems of oppression. We are abolitionists — and we wish to honor the legacy of all the great abolitionists that came before us, especially the ones right here in Boston. As abolitionists, we see our community’s fight against gentrification and displacement as an effort towards self-determination for poor people and people of color. We fight to create stronger communities so we don’t have to rely on the police and prisons to address harm. We organize so that our work is informed by the experiences and wisdom of currently incarcerated people, to build authentic relationships with them, so we can struggle together to make a better world. We see radical education as a tool for empowerment and collective liberation. Finally, our aim is to create a world that lifts up the voices of all oppressed people.
