Smart on Crime: Criminal Justice Reform

We all know someone—a friend, a colleague, a family member—who has grappled with substance misuse.

In some cases we have suffered their untimely passing. Musician and activist Aloe Blacc is working with Stand Together to bring awareness to new solutions for reforming the criminal justice system.

“Free” was written and produced for the documentary film The First Step, which follows CNN political contributor and criminal justice reform activist Van Jones on his journey to help transform lives.

There are many things wrong with the criminal justice system: too many people are being sent to prison, trust is eroding between communities and police, and society is paying a terrible price in both wasted dollars and ruined lives.

Jails and prisons are not the answer. What really works is compassionate rehabilitation, understanding, and patience. Blacc says, “I wrote the song “Free” because citizens who have served their time deserve a fighting chance to successfully return to society. Because of the failed War on Drugs, far too many are serving lengthy sentences for low-level, non-violent drug crimes.”

We can change this. We can re-unite families torn apart and restore justice to our system. And people need to know that it’s possible to build a better criminal justice system—one that treats people with dignity, strengthens communities, and makes society safer.

The First Step

In a divided America, Van Jones attempts to bring people together to pass landmark criminal justice reform—and finds himself under fire from all sides.

Attempting to be a bridge builder in a time of extreme polarization takes Van and a coalition of unlikely allies deep into the inner workings of a divisive administration, internal debates within both parties, and the lives of frontline activists fighting for their communities.

Directed by Brandon Kramer and produced by Lance Kramer, The First Step is an independent production of Meridian Hill Pictures.

Learn more about the film, and arrange a screening at www.firststepfilm.com.

The First Step Act provides pathways to freedom for eligible incarcerated people, and as a result, more than 22,000 people in federal prison have been released. In addition, the number of people receiving a life sentence for drug offenses has declined by more than 75%.

Stand Together believes that everyone has a role in solving America’s problems. Their vision is for a society where every person is able to realize their potential. For networking, funding, and other principles to help you tackle America’s biggest problems, go to StandTogether.org.