Ella Baker Center's Books Not Bars Rally

These days, activism and public service are essential to the country’s rebuilding process. Books Not Bars, an organization founded by the Oakland-based Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, is dedicated to the alternative rehabilitation of California’s youth, and to the concept of community service.

Looking to remedy the state’s inhumane juvenile justice system (where troubled kids are often locked up in 21-hour solitary confinement, leading to the deaths of six young people), they aim to educate rather than suppress and abuse. Since its creation in 2004, the organization has amassed some impressive milestones and racked up key victories, including reducing the prison youth population by 60 percent, and garnering critical and increasing support from community leaders and families of incarcerated children.

This year, Books Not Bars aims to shut down two California youth prisons, Preston and Stark, where just five years ago two young inmates hung themselves after a grueling 23 hours of confinement. You can help fight California’s Division of Juvenile Justice by visiting ellabakercenter.org/bnb to spread the word.