Over the last few days, we have all felt the effects of extremely cold temperatures. In cities like Chicago, temperatures fell as low as -23 degrees. In times like this, our prayers and thoughts are with those that are without shelter or winter clothing. While we continue to send our best wishes to those in Chicago’s polar vortex, we also send our thoughts and wishes to those in and around the Brooklyn Detention Center.
#Breaking Huge clash in #Brooklyn at Metropolitan Detention Center Officers pepper spray crowd after a mother tires to get in to see her son, 1 of more than 1000 inmates in cells w little or no heat, no electricity , sporadic hot water . Some are not getting meds @ABC7NY pic.twitter.com/xBfu6Cemfx
— Kemberly Richardson (@kemrichardson7) February 3, 2019
As reported by The New York Times, people living in the Brooklyn Detention Center have spent the majority of the last week without hot water and heat because of a power outage. In response, New York Mayor Bill De Blasio has offered to send blankets and other supplies. Unfortunately, temperatures are still quite low and heat is not expected to be restored until Monday
Outside of the Brooklyn Detention Center, thousands of activists, family members and concerned citizens have gathered to advocate for better treatment for those inside the center. Of those advocating for better treatment are the Justice League of New York City and other non profit groups. In addition, musicians and activists like Mysonne and Meek Mill have used their platforms to advocate for the humane treatment of those inside.
https://t.co/AdunJOUQkG I been thru this sleeping with 2 thermal sets on.. county clothes ….skully..county coat 4 blankets and 4 sheets because half of our window was broken out in the middle or January .. the funny part is I used to get on the phone and not even speak on it
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) February 2, 2019
Meek Mill tweeted, “[I’ve] been [through] this sleeping with 2 thermal sets on, county clothes, a skully, county coat, [four] blankets and [four] sheets because half of our window was broken out in the middle of January. The funny part is I used to get on the phone and not even speak on it.” Mysonne wrote on Instagram, “It’s important that you understand the culture of how incarcerated individuals are often treated by prison staff…In their eyes we are less than human.”
Protests continued today and heat is expected to be restored tomorrow. We will update this report as more details become available.
