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Every Monday at 9:00amAbout the Show
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.
Monday, July 17th, we open the hour with host Craig Lubow speaking to Sharon Brett, Legal Director of the ACLU of Kansas, about the Smart Justice program and some about a narrow aspect of the abortion issue in Kansas.
https://www.aclukansas.org/
Nationally, the ACLU’s Smart Justice movement seeks national reforms to the front end of the criminal justice system from policing to sentencing. This includes putting an end to racially motivated policing and sentencing, increasing government accountability and transparency, and reversing the shift toward excessive incarceration.
The ACLU of Kansas legal department has worked consistently to defend the constitutional rights of Kansans who are incarcerated or otherwise involved with the criminal legal system. They also work in the legislature to advocate for policies that increase police transparency, balance the three branches of government, and protect the integrity and independence of the judiciary system. The ACLU is partnering with other organizations in Kansans for Smart Justice, an unprecedented and diverse coalition to bring common-sense reform to the states’ justice system.
Their primary focus for Smart Justice work is fines and fees. The justice system imposes fines and fees on youth from their first interaction with law enforcement to the outcome of their case. These financial burdens are imposed on young children, youth entering early adulthood, and sometimes directly on their parents – with the burden often falling on entire families. Many families go into debt trying to pay. Others must choose between paying court debt or necessities like rent and groceries. Often, the money is simply not there to be collected – resulting in a system of punishment without a purpose. In partnership with Kansas Appleseed, Progeny, and the Juvenile Law Center, the ACLU of Kansas developed a bill to eliminate fines and fees for juveniles in the criminal-legal system. Sharon Brett will give listeners the status of this legislation.
Further, voting has opened on the proposed abortion amendment to the Kansas Constitution. Sharon Brett will talk about this issue and provide voters information.
We’ll play our calendar at the midpoint of our hour.
Next, host Melvin Merritt is going to tell our listeners about the upcoming Penny Mill event, which will be July 23rd 2022 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Spring Valley Park, right off 27th ST in Kansas City Missouri. They intend to have live music and much, much more.
https://www.facebook.com/Penny-Mill-Foundation-225153134292585
This will be your opportunity to come and donate to the Penny Mill Foundation. The mission of Penny Mill Inc., which is a non-profit organization focused on bringing the various ethnic groups together to empower our communities. To do so, they hold an annual Penny Mill event and party all day.
Melvin will speak with some of the participants at this year’s Penny Mill, including TJ Hooker, singer and son of Johnny Taylor, legendary R&B singer, along with members of the Scotty Dennis band who will be featured at Penny Mill on July 23rd, 2022 at Spring Valley Park.
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 July 18th:
- The Kansas City Chapter of Missouri Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants has a monthly virtual meeting. MO CURE advocates for the human rights of prisoners in Missouri prisons and jails as well as those who have returned to society. For info call Keith Brown El at 816-377-2873.
- You can find Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense events at https://momsdemandaction.org/events/. Open to all, Mothers and others!
- MON, July 18th, 7:30 PM, A one-time dramatic reading of Will Brumley’s play “The Clinic” will take place at Upside Bungee, 1101 Mulberry St., Kansas City, Missouri during KC Fringe Fest. Written years prior to the overturn of Roe v. Wade, “The Clinic” follows the friendships and struggles of health care providers in one of the last abortion clinics in Kansas.
- THURS, July 21st, 5 PM, Hope and Healing Support Group meeting for Survivors of Homicide will be at 3200 Wayne AVE, KCMO, contact Latrice Murray at 816)912-2601 or email mailto:[email protected]
- FRI, July 22nd, 11 AM, Empower Missouri’s Criminal Justice Coalition meets on zoom. Access info at https://empowermissouri.org/events/
- SAT, July 23rd, 4 PM, “Everything People are Too Afraid to Talk About ‘Race’,” is a forum about race relations in the greater KC area. At Community Christian Church, 4601 Main Street KCMO. For more info, contact https://more2.org/
- A list of services, meals, and hot lines are available at https://lawrenceprogressivecalendar.blogspot.com/ There are many demonstrations concerning reproductive freedom on that calendar.
Thanks to all our listeners, stay close to your dial and stay well!
