How it has been reported.
177 clips, 2018 to today: coverage of the network, the state campaigns, the rulings, and the amendment. Search, or filter by year, outlet, and topic. Each headline opens the original. Broadcast clips are on the Media page.
Merkley, Williams, Booker Lead Push to Close Constitutional Loophole Allowing for Slavery Office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (press release)
Williams, Merkley, Booker Lead Push to Close Constitutional Loophole Allowing for Slavery Office of U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (press release)
"Modern-day slavery:" How Minnesota's prison labor pipeline begins before conviction Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
"Chauntyll Allen, executive director of the End Slavery in Minnesota Coalition, said the system fails incarcerated people on both ends, inside prison and after release."
Minnesota
The Slavery That Never Ended Equal Stakes (Substack, Leisa Peterson)
"The Abolish Slavery National Network: organizes state-level campaigns and can connect you to the effort in your state."
ASNN
Commemorating the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico Daily Kos (Denise Oliver Velez)
Puerto Rico
Let Kentuckians decide on outdated clause that keeps slavery in their Constitution Kentucky Lantern (opinion)
Kentucky
El Día de la Abolición en Puerto Rico - Lo que le debemos a los AfroBoricuas y la cláusula que se niega a desaparecer Boriken Podcast (Substack, Debbie Perez)
Puerto Rico
Denver judge says Colorado prisons cannot punish incarcerated people for refusing to work Colorado Newsline
"The case, Mortis v. Polis, was brought in Denver District Court by progressive legal advocates including Towards Justice, End Slavery Colorado and Maxted Law."
Colorado
Denver judge rules Colorado Department of Corrections violates state constitution in prison labor program CBS Colorado
""Amendment A was not a suggestion. It was a mandate from the people of Colorado to end slavery and involuntary servitude in all forms," said Kym Ray, co-chair of End Slavery Colorado."
Colorado
Colorado inmate work requirements violate right to be free from slavery Courthouse News Service
Colorado
Denver Judge Says Colorado Prison Work Policies Violate State Constitution Rocky Mountain Voice
Colorado
Is Prison Labor Slavery? The Colorado Forced Labor Ruling Explained African Elements
Colorado
Slavery is Legal in Minnesota. These Groups are Working to Change That. Unicorn Riot
"The End Slavery in Minnesota Coalition, a network of businesses, nonprofits and other organizations, highlights two pieces of legislation that would end legalized slavery in Minnesota"
Minnesota
The Last Loophole: Amending State Constitutions to Abolish Slavery & Involuntary Servitude NACDL (24th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference panel)
"The panel examines the growing movement to confront and close this loophole by amending state constitutions to fully and unequivocally abolish slavery."
ASNN
Colorado trial over coerced prison labor begins in Denver Colorado Newsline
"The End Slavery Colorado campaign successfully fought to repeal the state's 'exception clause'"
Colorado
Alabama Voters Banned Prison Slavery—But Prisoners Say It Hasn't Stopped Solitary Watch
Alabama
NJ Spotlight News: June 20, 2025 NJ Spotlight News (PBS)
New Jersey
Ohio lawmakers are trying once again to remove slavery from state's constitution Ohio Capital Journal
"Seven states have removed the slavery loophole from their constitution — Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska, according to the Abolish Slavery National Network."
ASNNOhio
Proposed prison reform would raise prisoners' pay, control prices, end forced labor RochesterFirst (WROC)
"Organizers—the '13th Forward Coalition,' named for the amendment that literally regulates slavery—said that prisoners earn an average of $0.33 an hour and that the average prison wage hasn't risen in over 30 years."
New York
The Push to Remove 'Slavery' Language From MN Constitution and Reform Prison Labor Continues BLCK Press
"The push is being led by the End Slavery in Minnesota Coalition, which held a rally at the State Capitol this week to highlight the urgent need for reform."
Minnesota
Coalition wants to end 'forced labor' in MN prisons KAXE
"The End Slavery in Minnesota Coalition"
Minnesota
State House proposes to slash slavery penal exception clause WLNS (via Yahoo News)
Michigan
Committee hears amendment to remove slavery exception from state constitution; witness describes prison labor experiences Citizen Portal
"Kaleem Nazim, testifying for the organization Decarcerate, told the committee he spent 28 years and 11 months incarcerated and described practices he said amounted to forced labor."
Arkansas
Anti-slavery amendment could return to CA ballot for 2026 election CalMatters
California
Amendment would remove slavery exception from state constitution Kentucky Today
Kentucky
KY Rep. pushes to get rid of a slavery exception in Kentucky's Constitution LEX 18
""Words matter, and the words in the exception clause still mean that Kentuckians agree to be complicit in crimes against humanity," said Patricia Gailey with Abolish Slavery Kentucky."
Kentucky
Supporters of ending 'slavery' in Kentucky line up behind Lexington lawmaker's bill Kentucky Lantern
"Patricia Gailey with Abolish Slavery Kentucky said the slavery clause causes many negative effects."
Kentucky
State representative and human rights advocates push for removal of slavery from constitution WBKO
"Among those speaking in support of the bill were Patricia Gailey, who represents Abolish Slavery Kentucky, and Savvy Shabazz, president of the Louisville branch of "All of Us or None" and a criminal justice advocate."
Kentucky
Amendment would fully abolish slavery in Arkansas by 2027 KNWA/FOX24 (nwahomepage.com)
Arkansas
How To Fight for Justice in Your State and Community in 2025 Vera Institute
Anti-slavery movement charts its path forward Politico
CaliforniaASNNColorado
Samora Pinderhughes Releases New Single 'Am I Human?' Broadway World
Why did Nevada vote to ban slavery, when California didn’t? High Country News
"Involuntary servitude and slavery “are pretty much synonymous for one another,” said Jamilia Land, co-founder of the Abolish Slavery National Network, a nonprofit that is spearheading a campaign to remove slavery from all state constitutions as well as, eventually, the United States Constitution."
ASNNCaliforniaNevada
Nevada just banned ‘slavery and involuntary servitude’ in prisons. Why didn’t California? Los Angeles Times
"“In California, slavery is abolished, but involuntary servitude isn’t. There’s been a lot of back-and-forth about this,” said Dennis Febo, a lead organizer of the Abolish Slavery National Network, which is working to pass similar measures in several states. “It didn’t hit California voters as an issue.” “This whole th…"
CaliforniaNevada
I’m Incarcerated in California. Here’s What Prop 6 Not Passing Means for People Like Me TIME
"I want to work. All the people in prison that I know want to work. We just want to do it on our own terms. We want to show a system that works for our own rehabilitation and transformation."
ETECalifornia
The 13th Amendment Black Arm of the Law Podcast
VirginiaASNN
California voters reject measure that would have banned forced prison labor AP News
"Abolish Slavery National Network co-founder Jamilia Land, who advocated for the initiative targeting forced prison labor, said the measure and similar ones in other states are about “dismantling the remnants of slavery” from the books. “While the voters of California did not pass Proposition 6 this time, we have made s…"
CaliforniaASNN
A review of key 2024 ballot measures Economic Policy Institute
"Many state constitutions retain similar language to the U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude except as punishment for a crime. The Abolish Slavery National Network and other civil rights advocates argue that extremely low-paid (or, in some cases, unpaid) forced work in U…"
Nevada voted to make abortion a constitutional right. What to know about key ballot measures AP News
"“The momentum we’ve built in Nevada, coupled with our achievements in seven other states, strengthens our resolve to continue this work nationwide,” Jamilia Land, co-founder of the Abolish Slavery National Network, which advocated for the Colorado measure, said in a statement. “We are unwavering in our commitment to re…"
Nevada
Prop. 6: ‘No’ votes lead slightly on prison labor intiative in early results copy Fox 40 News
"According to the Abolish Slavery National Network, 20 states currently have language allowing involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime."
CaliforniaASNN
November 5 vote could mark a turning point in ending forced labour in US prisons Walk Free
CaliforniaNevadaETE
California Proposition 6: Eliminate Involuntary Servitude for Incarcerated Persons 94.1 KPFA
"“As of to date we have removed it from Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, Alabama, Tennessee, Vermont.” That’s Jamila Land, she is the co-founder of the Abolish Slavery National Network or ASSN. It’s a coalition making a national push to remove involuntary servitude from state constitutions. “At any given moment if you are …"
California
Banning Forced Labor in California and Nevada Prisons: What You Need to Know Indo NewYork
"Advocates like Jamilia Land from the Abolish Slavery National Network view these proposed changes as a crucial step towards ending legalized, constitutional slavery within the states."
CaliforniaNevadaASNN
Some US states are voting on slavery this November’s election Screenshot
"“California, as well as Nevada, has an opportunity to end legalised, constitutional slavery within our states, in its entirety, while at the same time we have the first Black woman running for president,” Jamilia Land, an advocate with the Abolish Slavery National Network, said of Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid as t…"
ASNNCaliforniaNevada
Forced Prison Labor Is on the Ballot Jacobin
CaliforniaNevadaASNN
Question 4 asks voters to remove slavery as a form of punishment from Nevada’s constitution Fox 5 Vegas
"“Question 4 is a constitutional referendum process that allows the people of Nevada to determine whether slavery, and involuntary servitude will continue to be legal as a punishment for a crime,” said Dennis Febo. Febo is the Lead Organizer with the Abolish Slavery National Network. It advocates for all states to remo…"
Nevada
Question 4: Nevada voters to decide on removing slavery language from state constitution News 3 Las Vegas (KSNV)
Nevada
Voters consider ban on forced labor aimed at protecting prisoners ABC News
"Voters will weigh the proposals during one of the most historic elections in modern history, said Jamilia Land, an advocate with the Abolish Slavery National Network who has spent years trying to get the California measure passed. “California, as well as Nevada, has an opportunity to end legalized, constitutional slav…"
CaliforniaASNN
Nevada Question 4 would remove slavery as a punishment for crime Reason Foundation
Nevada
Thousands of Californians are forced to work while incarcerated. That could change this November AfroLA News
"The End Slavery in California Act, on November’s ballot as Prop 6, would amend the state constitution that allows forced labor as a punishment for a crime. Jamilia Land is co-founder of the Abolish Slavery National Network (ASSN), a coalition making a national push to remove involuntary servitude from state constitutio…"
CaliforniaASNN
California Prop 6 Campaign Aims to End Forced Labor in State Prisons Davis Vanguard
"pulls from the EIN Presswire story"
ASNN
Question 4 asks voters to remove slavery, involuntary servitude as punishment from NV constitution Nevada Current
"The ballot question has no organized opposition and has been endorsed by the ACLU of Nevada, Nevada Black Legislative Caucus, and the Abolish Slavery National Network. The Abolish Slavery National Network has pushed states to remove language allowing slavery and involuntary servitude for convicted criminals from their…"
ASNNNevada
California Proposition 6 Campaign Launches to End Forced Labor in Prisons EIN Presswire
"We are at a critical juncture in California's history and this an opportunity for Californians to stand up for justice, fairness, and human dignity by ending a practice that has no place in our state.”— Jamilia Land/ Co-Founder of Abolish Slavery National Network "Voting YES on Proposition 6 is a crucial step toward e…"
ASNNCalifornia
This Labor Day, Help Us #EndTheException That Still Allows Slavery in U.S. Prisons Last Prisoner Project
California and Nevada voters may follow Alabama's lead in abolishing slavery Alabama Public Radio
CaliforniaNevadaAlabama
Indy Explains: Banning slavery? Question 4 on the 2024 Nevada Ballot The Nevada Independent
Nevada
California Voters Guide 2024: Proposition 6 Cal Matters
California
California, Nevada among U.S. states moving to ban 'slavery' in prisons Context
"The current push has not followed a set political pattern, with both Republican and Democrat-controlled states pursuing the change, said Dennis Febo, lead organiser with the Abolish Slavery National Network (ASNN), an advocacy group. "Red and blue don't matter – at all," he said, referencing the colours associated wit…"
CaliforniaNevadaASNN
The Last American Antislavery Campaign Bloomberg
""In teh past few years, the legal status of some incarcerated workers has started to shift. Starting with Colorado in 2018, voters in a handful of states elected to change their constitutions, eliminating crime exceptions that mirrored the federal one. With advocates advancing the idea across the country, similar measu…"
ASNNLawsuitElectionLouisiana
Kamala Harris’ ‘Top Cop’ Legacy Is Complicated Capital B News
"But for Max Parthas, that was a missed opportunity by Harris to correct an ongoing human rights issue of using incarcerated people to work free-world jobs at a low cost. “Harris’ office put out a letter saying that it would cost over a billion dollars a year for California to pay inmates salaries for the work they do,…"
Federal Court Upholds Mississippi Lifetime Felony Disenfranchisement Law League of Women Voters
Mississippi
Your guide to Proposition 6: Ending forced prison labor LA Times
California
Introducing the 2024 California ballot propositions. Here's what they would do. The Sacramento Bee
California
California Legislature OKs ‘End Slavery’ Act Thursday, Voters Will Vote on It in November The Davis Vanguard
"ACA 8 was authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (Chair of California Legislative Black Caucus), and continues work initiated by former California State Senator and current U.S. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. The bill proposal was given to Dove from Jamilia Land and her former husband Samual Brown in 2020. Land, …"
California
Californians will decide — in 2024 — whether to ban slavery. What will the measure do? Cal Matters
"“If that doesn’t sound like legalized, constitutional slavery to you, I don’t know exactly what that sounds like,” she said, testifying Tuesday before the Senate Public Safety Committee."
California voters may follow Alabama's lead in banning slavery Alabama Public Radio
CaliforniaAlabama
California reignites efforts to end forced labor in prisons San Francisco Chronicle
California
‘End Slavery in California Act’ clears key hurdle ABC 10
"It’s that last part – “except to punish crime” – that advocates like Jamilia Land want to change. She is co-director of state operations for the Abolish Slavery National Network, as well as co-founder of the Anti-Violence Safety and Accountability Project."
California
"The group, known as 13th Forward, founded by Worth Rises and The Legal Aid Society, released the letters as part of its call for the passage of the No Slavery in New York Act."
New York
Incarcerated New Yorkers Detail Horrific Experiences of Forced Labor The Legal Aid Society (press release)
"These letters were solicited and collected by the 13th Forward Coalition, a legislative coalition which includes The Legal Aid Society, that is advocating for the No Slavery in New York Act, which would ban coerced labor for all New Yorkers."
New York
Abolish Slavery National Network Uses Emancipation Day as Platform to Urge Total Abolition of Slavery in the United States Davis Vanguard
"“Legalized slavery persists in the United States, and Emancipation Day, akin to Juneteenth, perpetuates a misconception; slavery was transformed, not ended,” Parthas argued in a press statement. “Today’s gathering is not a commemorative but a strategic move towards effectuating the permanent abolition of constitutiona…"
ASNNDCCalifornia
Bill outlawing slavery gets senate hearing Manchester Ink Link
Ferguson, Missouri, Agrees to Pay $4.5 Million to Settle ‘Debtors’ Prison’ Lawsuit Associated Press
Missouri
Anti-slavery amendment broadly supported, but not by three Lakes Region representatives The Laconia Daily Sun
ASNN
The Evolution of Slavery Black Agenda Report
Exceptions to slavery could soon be constitutionally outlawed in New Hampshire Manchester Ink Link
New Hampshire
Abolishing Prison Slavery in the U.S. Black Agenda Report (Black Agenda Radio)
"He joins us from South Carolina to discuss his organization's campaign to abolish slavery in the U.S."
ASNN
Ending US jail workers’ slavery clause ‘could net billions’ Constitutional Accountability Center
New York
13th Forward Coalition Calls on Lawmakers to End Exploitation and Brutality Within Our Prison Labor System Citizen Action of New York (press release)
"Today, members of the 13th Forward Coalition were joined by Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, SEIU 1199, advocates, legislative champions, and middle schoolers from the We Are Revolutionary "Legal Eagle" Middle School Program to urge lawmakers to expediently pass the No Slavery in New York Act and support the Fairness & O…"
New York
Question 4: Removes slavery language from Constitution (2024 Voter Guide) Nevada Current
Nevada
Constitutional amendment would address Kentucky’s partial ban on slavery Hoptown Chronicle
13th Amendment Ended Slavery, NJ Last of Northern States To Abolish Front Runner New Jersey
New Jersey
Forced Prison Labor in New York State: Modern Slavery The New Paltz Oracle
"13th Forward is a grassroots campaign working to end the exploitation of incarcerated persons in the NYS prison labor system."
New York
Republicans seek to remove slavery as criminal punishment from Michigan Constitution Michigan Advance
Michigan
Forced Labor Continues in Colorado, Years After Vote to End Prison Slavery Bolts
"“This is a fast-moving train,” said Kamau Allen, the lead Colorado organizer and the co-founder of the Abolish Slavery National Network. “That’s never been the intent,” said Kym Ray, a community organizer with Together Colorado who helped draft Amendment A. “People do want to work, they want the opportunity to earn mo…"
ColoradoASNNLouisianaLawsuit
Lifetime felony voting bans are cruel and unusual punishment Reuters
Badge & Incident
Mississippi’s Lifetime Felony Voting Ban Unconstitutional, Appeals Court Rules Mississippi Free Press
Mississippi
Slavery Lives on in Wisconsin Wisconsin Justice Initiative
Wisconsin
"“The reality of that narrow exception is that it’s impacted millions of people because slavery is still very much legal as criminal punishment. But I think at the root of it, we really are sort of centered on this idea that slavery is always wrong. There is no circumstance under which it is OK to enslave someone,” said…"
Ohio lawmakers want to abolish slavery loophole from state constitution NBC4 Columbus (WCMH)
"If passed, Ohio would join eight other states in eliminating the slavery loophole from its state constitution, according to the Abolish Slavery National Network."
ASNNOhio
Juneteenth Is Incomplete While Slavery Persists in Prisons Vera Institute
Ohio Constitution allows slavery as a penalty for crime. Lawmakers want to change that The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio
Bill To Remove Slavery From Iowa Constitution Advances Iowa Starting Line
Iowa
California and Nevada may ban forced prison labor, servitude Associated Press
""About a dozen states are pushing this year to get rid of the involuntary servitude exceptions, according to the Abolish Slavery National Network. Some advocates said this has major legal implications today, particularly in litigation related to prison labor pay and conditions.""
CaliforniaNevadaASNN
‘You’re a slave’: Inside Louisiana’s forced prison labor and a failed overhaul attempt Washington Post
Louisiana
How 'a bunch of kids and people the state gave up on' rid slavery from Oregon's constitution Oregon Capital Chronicle
"They hired a campaign manager, established a political action committee called Oregonians United to End Slavery and raised nearly $133,000 to reach voters with their campaign."
Oregon
Movement grows to abolish US prison labor system that treats workers as ‘less than human’ The Guardian
"Next year, the Abolish Slavery National Network, a group of organizers involved in movements across the country to end constitutional provisions allowing slavery and involuntary servitude, anticipates that 22 states will have legislation. Their hope is that, as more and more states approve amendments to their state con…"
CaliforniaColoradoLawsuit
Commentary: End New York's prison slavery system Times Union (op-ed by Sen. Zellnor Myrie, reposted at nysenate.gov)
"That's why we are fighting to advance landmark legislation that would formally abolish slavery in New York state, in partnership with the 13th Forward Coalition."
New York
The fight to ban slavery in Ohio Axios Columbus
"The nonprofit Ensuring Parole for Incarcerated Citizens (EPIC) has spent years pushing Ohio to 'End the Exception.'"
Ohio
Black voters in Louisiana 'embarrassed' by state's failure to pass anti-slavery amendment NBC News
"Curtis Ray Davis II, executive director for the abolitionist group Decarcerate Louisiana, spent nearly 26 years in the Angola prison for a murder he said he did not commit."
Louisiana
The story behind why Louisiana voted against a ban on slavery WRKF
"Davis is part of the Abolish Slavery National Network, which is ultimately hoping to change the U.S. Constitutional regarding slavery."
ASNNLouisiana
The complicated path to Louisiana's failed antislavery ballot measure NPR
"Curtis Ray Davis II, who is the executive director of Decarcerate Louisiana, an organization that works to protect prisoners from dangerous labor conditions and that supported Amendment 7, says he could have used the language"
Louisiana
Four States Voted to End Slavery — But Not Louisiana. Here's Why. Truthout
"Decarcerate Louisiana's effort to pass Amendment 7"
Louisiana
Slavery, involuntary servitude rejected by 4 states’ voters AP News
"Despite the setback in Louisiana, Max Parthas, campaigns coordinator for the Abolish Slavery National Network, called Tuesday’s vote on anti-slavery measures historic. “I believed that the people would choose freedom over slavery, if we gave them the opportunity, by taking the slavery question away from the legislator…"
ASNN
Slavery was on the ballot in the US midterms. Who voted to abolish it? People's Dispatch
ETE
Voters in 4 states reject slavery, involuntary servitude as punishment for crime PBS NewsHour
"I believed that the people would choose freedom over slavery, if we gave them the opportunity, by taking the slavery question away from the legislators and putting it into the hands of the people. And they proved us right."
ASNN
Measure 112 passes, removing slavery language from Oregon Constitution OPB
"Sterling Cunio, who is on the board of directors with Oregonians United to End Slavery which backed Measure 112, said the vote sends a powerful message."
Oregon
Tennessee voters officially ban all forms of slavery in the state CBS News
Tennessee
Slavery on the ballot? 5 states vote on 13th Amendment loophole ABC
CaliforniaLouisiana
Vermont voters pass constitutional amendment explicitly prohibiting slavery VTDigger
"The network's goal is to remove the exception clause and repeal and replace the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude 'except as a punishment for crime where of the party shall have been duly convicted.'"
ASNNVermont
How Imprisoned People Forced to Pick Cotton Got ‘Prison Slavery’ Bans on the Ballot The Appeal
"“I was like, ‘I know my rights, I’m not a slave,’” Davis said. “And they say, ‘But yes, you are.’”"
These states still have slavery language in their constitutions WATE (Nexstar)
"According to the Abolish Slavery National Network, a coalition fighting to remove slavery provisions from every state, 21 states currently have slavery and involuntary servitude language still in their constitutions or as laws, as do Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico."
ASNN
The ‘Exception’: Five US States to Vote on Vestige of Slavery Bloomberg
"The fight for better wages and dignity in work is, in fact, the next stage, according to Bianca Tylek and Savannah Eldrige, both leaders at the Abolish Slavery National Network. “They have the right to work in fair conditions. They have the right to be compensated for the work that they’re doing, because jails, prison…"
ASNN
US midterm elections: Why five states have slavery on the ballot in 2022 BBC
""Even though slavery was abolished, it truly was just a transfer of ownership from chattel slavery and private ownership to literally state-sanctioned slavery," says Savannah Eldrige from the Abolish Slavery National Network. Her organisation has been working to expand the number of states that ban slavery with no exe…"
ASNN
5 States Voting On 'Slavery Loophole' Ballot Amendments In Midterms Newsy
"Still, the Abolish Slavery National Network – a national coalition fighting to abolish constitutional slavery and involuntary servitude - are urging voters to vote yes in every state. "Back in 1865, we abolished slavery. Slavery was supposed to be abolished for everyone," said Abolish Slavery National Network Lead Or…"
ASNN
States are voting to eradicate slavery under any terms, but what about prison work? NPR
"Prisoners are not legally considered slaves in the United Sates, but advocates for these amendments to state constitutions argue that prisoners are often treated as such. Organizers from the Abolish Slavery National Network — a group that has galvanized this effort — point out that incarcerated people are made to work …"
ASNN
Is 'convict labor' a form of slavery? Five states face ballot vote. The Christian Science Moniter
"“If this doesn’t pass, it will be used as a weapon against us,” said Max Parthas, state operations director for the Abolish Slavery National Network. The question stands as a reminder of how slavery continues to bedevil Americans, and Mr. Parthas says that’s reason enough to vote yes."
ASNN
States are voting to eradicate slavery under any terms, but what about prison work? NPR
"Organizers from the Abolish Slavery National Network — a group that has galvanized this effort — point out that incarcerated people are made to work for little money, often under threat of punishment. "A lot of people ask, 'Why y'all calling this slavery?'" said Savannah Eldridge, lead organizer for the group. "Becaus…"
OregonASNN
Voters in five states have the chance to wipe slavery and indentured servitude off the books CNN
AlabamaTennesseeOregonLouisiana
Where slavery is on the ballot this November Axios
""At the time when our Founding Fathers prescribed that all men were created equal, over half a million Black Americans remained enslaved," Savannah Eldridge, lead organizer at the Abolish Slavery National Network, said at a press conference about the campaign to end the exception."
ASNNColorado
Five States Are Voting Whether to Outlaw Slavery (Yep, You Read That Right) Capital B News
"Curtis Davis describes his experience in the Louisiana State Penitentiary as modern-day slavery. During his time on the 8,000 square foot former slave plantation known as Angola, he worked in the fields where incarcerated people still pick cotton and other crops. Davis picked okra. One day, he told a white prison guar…"
ColoradoLouisianaASNN
RICH: Vanderbilt students, it's time to abolish slavery in Tennessee The Vanderbilt Hustler (op-ed)
Tennessee
YES ON MEASURE 112: OREGONIANS UNITED TO END SLAVERY Imagine Black (voter guide)
"Voting YES on Measure 112 will remove language from the Oregon Constitution that makes an exception for slavery and involuntary servitude as a form of punishment for a crime."
Oregon
Vermont voters to decide on closing old slavery loopholes in state constitution NBC 5
""Thursday, Vermont advocates joined four other states that will vote on striking old exceptions still buried in state policy. Advocates from Tennessee, Oregon, Alabama, Louisiana and Vermont were promoting their respective ballot initiatives in a streaming press conference organized by the Abolish Slavery National Netw…"
ASNNTennesseeAlabamaLouisiana
Vermont voters to decide on closing old slavery loopholes in state constitution NECN - NBC
""Thursday, Vermont advocates joined four other states that will vote on striking old exceptions still buried in state policy. Advocates from Tennessee, Oregon, Alabama, Louisiana and Vermont were promoting their respective ballot initiatives in a streaming press conference organized by the Abolish Slavery National Netw…"
ASNNTennesseeAlabamaLouisiana
November Brings New Opportunities for Five States to Outlaw Slavery Glitter Magazine
"According to PEW, organizations like the Abolish Slavery National Network work to abolish all forms of slavery or involuntary servitude for all people. In an interview, the co-director of state operations for the Abolish Slavery National Network, Max Parthas stated, “We want to remove offensive language and provide pro…"
ASNN
Campaign Countdown: Inside Prop 2, Vermont's slavery prohibition clarification WCAX
""Three exceptions that permit slavery in the state of Vermont that has existed for over 244 years," said Reverend Mark Hughes with the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance."
Vermont
Yes, slavery is on the ballot in Oregon and four other states Oregon Capital Chronicle
""We want to remove offensive language and provide protection for citizens from slavery and involuntary servitude," Max Parthas, co-director of state operations of the Abolish Slavery National Network and co-host of a weekly online radio program, Abolition Today, said in an interview."
ASNNOregon
End The Exception: The Fight to End Slavery Once and For All Mural Arts Philadelphia
Yes, Slavery Is on the Ballot in These States Stateline
"We want to remove offensive language and provide protection for citizens from slavery and involuntary servitude."
ASNN
‘It’s an exhaustion of our humanity’: New report details forced prison labor in Texas Texas Standard
"With regard to my work in the Coalition to Abolish Slavery Texas, or CAST, Savannah Eldrige and I are working to develop a strong and vibrant coalition of different organizations focused on simply abolishing slavery in its entirety through state constitutional amendment or as part of a contributing campaign to the nati…"
Texas
“They Force You to Work” Bolts
"Eldridge and Johnson are part of a growing national movement that seeks to abolish forced labor and servitude behind bars. They stress that much of the country’s modern prison archipeligo evolved from slavery, with convict-leasing and prison farms and laws that criminalized newly emancipated people replacing slave plan…"
ASNNTexas
Tennessee voters get chance to -- yes -- ban slavery Tennessee Lookout
Tennessee
Inmates Allege Colorado is Violating Anti-Slavery Amendment Law Week Colorado
"We always knew that passing Amendment A was a critical step in ridding our institutions and laws of the evils of involuntary servitude and slavery."
ASNNColorado
Prisoners allege forced labor violates Colorado’s anti-slavery law Colorado Public Radio
"Kamau Allen, lead organizer with the Abolish Slavery National Network, helped pass Amendment A in 2018. “People, no matter where you are, no matter if you are free or incarcerated, you should never be forced to work at the threat of punishment,” he said. “It’s extremely concerning to know you could spend a longer amou…"
Colorado
Colorado prison firefighters to expand and see raises as wildfire risk increases Denver Post
"But that pay amounts to modern-day slavery, Kamau Allen, lead organizer for the Abolish Slavery National Network, said. And it’s legal because the 13th Amendment bans the practice “except as punishment for crime.” “Even if the incentives are just a little bit better than other forms of labor and methods of payment in …"
ASNNColorado
Bill Seeks To Amend Texas Constitution To Ban Slavery KUT News
"“The heart of slavery is being forced to do something that you don’t want to do — and it being deemed OK by the power in place,” Johnson said. Savannah Eldrige, another co-founder of CAST, said in addition to stopping penal institutions from forcing people to work, the amendment would “help create a pathway for folks …"
Texas
Advocates call on Texas lawmakers to pass legislation that would abolish slavery in the state KXAN
"Wednesday's event was organized in part by the Coalition to Abolish Slavery – Texas (CAST)."
Texas
Slavery in Louisiana's prisons? This lawmaker wants voters to outlaw forced labor for good Houma Today
"Curtis Ray Davis II spent several years working at a quail barn while incarcerated in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, making just two cents an hour. After two decades of work, Davis received $1,200. He described himself Wednesday as a "modern day ex-slave." "I spent 25 years in slavery. It was traumatizing…"
Louisiana
Bonus Episode: Kamau Allen Faith in Action (podcast)
"Kamau has led the charge on several initiatives that Together Colorado has helped achieve, including being the first state ever to abolish slavery from the state constitution."
Colorado
Amendment C: What Does It Mean to Abolish Slavery from Utah's Constitution in 2020? KCPW
"Kamau Allen, an organizer for the Abolish Slavery National Network; and Erin Castro, founder and co-director of the University of Utah Prison Education Project."
ASNNUtah
Nebraska, Utah Vote to Eliminate Slavery as Punishment for a Crime Human Trafficking Search
UtahNebraska
Utah Coalition to Abolish Slavery aims to remove slavery from Utah Constitution KUTV
"The Utah Coalition to Abolish Slavery formally kicked off an education campaign for an amendment to the Utah Constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishments for those convicted of crimes."
Utah
The Amendment to Abolish Slavery - KGNU Radio with Kamau Allen and Kathy Partridge KGNU Community Radio (via Together Colorado)
"Together Colorado Organizer, Kamau Allen, joins Kathy Partridge on KGNU Community Radio to discuss the amendment to abolish slavery from Colorado's constitution."
Colorado
How Colorado became the first state to abolish slavery Together Colorado
"By: Kamau Allen, Together Colorado Organizer"
Colorado
How a 13th Amendment Loophole Created America’s Carceral State The Crime Report
Gov. John Hickenlooper Signs Amendment Abolishing Slavery In Colorado CBS Colorado
""This is more than just winning a ballot issue in 2018. We accomplished the first steps in a much larger campaign to shake the very moral foundations of this country," said Abolish Slavery Colorado spokesman Jumoke Emery."
Colorado
Why Colorado Had to Vote This Week to Abolish Slavery in All Forms Smithsonian Magazine
"Jumoke Emery of Abolish Slavery Colorado, which supported the amendment, argued that this was not a concern."
Colorado
Colorado passes Amendment A, voting to officially abolish prison slavery Vox
"“This won’t have a direct impact on prison reform or how inmates are treated,” Kamau Allen, an organizer with Abolish Slavery Colorado, told Fox News in July. “But it is definitely more impactful than removing something like a Confederate monument, because this will actually change the text of a living document.”"
Colorado
Slavery is still a legal punishment in Colorado — and voters may have a chance to abolish it Global News
"Proponents of the change, including Abolish Slavery Colorado, argue the constitution should be updated"
Colorado
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