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Jaws of Justice Radio
It is the intention of Jaws of Justice Radio to investigate how to achieve justice in America, this includes issues of economic injustice, political injustice and the criminal justice system. We want to put a human face on those caught in the grasp of injustice and those that are part of an unjust system. We strive to dispel the misconceptions created by the news and entertainment industry, politicians and our educational system.
On March 13th, host Bev Livingston will speak with her guests, Angelica Jime´nez of the National Center for Youth Law and Janay Reliford of Camp Choice. They will be talking about their recent event Eliminate Fines & Fees Rally, supporting debt free justice for youth in Missouri.
Youth deserve the opportunity to be our next leaders, liaisons, and legends. But fines and fees based on racist policies and handed down by courts are blocking youth from building the futures they envision for themselves and leaving youth and families with crushing debt. Youth and community leaders are coming together to urge Missouri policymakers to end fines and fees in the juvenile legal system.
Missouri House Bill 1142 (Burnett) is part of a nationwide effort led by youth, families, community leaders, and juvenile court lawyers in the Debt Free Justice campaign to end court fees and fines for all youth funneled into the juvenile legal system. Missouri House Bill 1142 would eliminate fines and fees for cases in juvenile court in Missouri. It was read a second time on 2-15-23. It is time to show your support of this bill and Bev and her guests will explain why this is important.
Angie Jime´nez is a senior attorney on the Justice and Equity Team at National Center for Youth Law, focusing her efforts on the Debt Free Justice Campaign. Janay Reliford-Davis is Founder of Camp CHOICE, Inc, the mission of which is to provide youth life enrichment experiences to benefit spiritual, educational & social well-being.
Unlocking the chains of debt is something we can do for our youth.
For the second half of our hour, host Latahra Smith of KC Freedom Project will speak with Cliff Middleton about the impact of new Missouri legislation that could free his father, Ken Middleton from a wrongful incarceration.
In 2005, the Middleton’s were optimistic that the nightmare gripping their family might be over, but nearly 20 years later, the 78-year-old Missouri man is still behind bars for murder despite the fact a judge has overturned his conviction.
The Missouri legislature passed a law in 2021 that allowed St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner to seek Lamar Johnson’s release from prison. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker used the statute to absolve Kevin Strickland on murder charges. There is a way to free Ken Middleton from prison, if there is the will.
We bring you vital information underserved or ignored by mainstream media. We pride ourselves on digging in and sharing the issues that entertain and inform our listeners by providing a curated, unique and independent voice.
On Jaws of Justice, we examine how to find justice in our society. Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
Calendar for the week of March 13th:
- Legal Aid of Western Missouri provides free civil legal services to low-income and vulnerable people in Jackson CTY Missouri. Interested individuals can call 816-474-6750 to apply.
- Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a very active group of Mothers and others. You can learn where their virtual meetings this week will occur at https://momsdemandaction.org/events/
- MON, March 13th, 6 PM, is the MORE2 monthly Issues2Action meeting. Every second Monday of the month, leaders and members from across the metro gather online to advance racial and economic equity. These meetings are open to any who are interested in getting involved. Usually there are some general updates and announcements, then teams will break out by issue focus to plan their next steps of action. The zoom link is available at https://more2.org/
- WED, March 15th, 1:15 – 2:15, Along with partners, MORE2 will be in the Kansas statehouse at a Rally for KanCare Expansion! More details on the Facebook event.
- THURS, March 16th, 5 PM, Hope & Healing for Survivors of Homicide is a monthly support group sponsored by KC Mothers in Charge. Robert J. Mohart Multipurpose Event Center, 3200 Wayne AVE, Kansas City MO. RSVP by phone or email (816)912-2601 or [email protected]
- FRI, March 17th, 11 AM, Empower Missouri’s Community Justice Coalition meets virtually. The Community Justice Coalition (CJC), is a multi-sector team of dedicated advocates who envision a future without mass incarceration. Through deep policy research, field work and legislative advocacy, battle the harms of mass incarceration in our communities.More info at https://empowermissouri.org/events/
- A list of services, meals, and hot lines specific to sheltering are available at https://lawrenceprogressivecalendar.blogspot.com/ It is updated daily.
Stay safe. Thanks to all our listeners, stay close to your dial and stay well!
