Open Letter to Delegate Keith Haynes

Photo Credit: static.guim.co.uk

Good Morning Delegate Haynes,

I pray this email finds you and your family well. I’m writing because I just finished reading an article in today’s Baltimore Sun by Julie Bykowicz entitled, “Maryland Detention Center Plans Move Forward” which details how the state is prepared to spend $100 million dollars to build two new prisons – one for youth and the other for women in East Baltimore.

To be honest, I am disturbed by this news because the perception is that money is readily available to build prisons or to support repressive enforcement measures in Maryland’s African American communities; but it always seems that we beg for resources that would support our public schools and direct investment to our neighborhoods. In a state where the Governor is proposing cuts to the budget for the second year in a row; I am beyond befuddled that $100 million is found to build more prisons in Black neighborhoods anticipating an escalation in the incarceration of youth who will be charged as adults and women.

You are quoted in this article as calling this plan a “good investment.” As one of the 6 African Americans on the House Appropriations Committee; I would like to believe that you would have a better grasp of what a “good investment” is in the big picture of the health of our community.

However, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt because I am well aware of how mainstream media sometimes misquotes and/or publishes statements out of context in order to support their pretext. Instead of relying on The Sun; I’d rather hear your position straight from you.

Can you please share your views related to this project and its impact on our community.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rev. Heber Brown, III

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