As the devastation and death in New York prisons continues unabated and elected officials have done nothing to protect the health and safety of incarcerated people nor grant mass clemencies to bring our loved ones home, the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign and the Parole Preparation Project invite you to a two-day vigil and graveside sit at Fishkill Correctional Facility next Thursday and Friday, May 7th and 8th.
Adjacent to Fishkill, on public grounds, is a cemetery for people who have died while incarcerated in New York State, including people who have recently died of COVID-19 in prisons across the state. For two days, formerly incarcerated people and the families and communities of currently incarcerated people will hold a vigil to honor the lives of people we have lost. We will also continue to call on Governor Cuomo to release people to prevent more deaths.
Schedule
Thursday, May 7th
2-3pm: Gather in cars and on foot across from Fishkill Correctional Facility. We’ll meet at 271 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY.
3pm: Virtual Press Conference at the Gravesite
3-6pm: Vigil and Graveside Sit
Friday, April 8
9am-6pm: Vigil and Graveside Sit
Here are ways you can join us:
Gather at Fishkill Correctional Facility on Thursday, May 7 at 2pm
Sign up for a two-hour graveside shift on Friday: bit.ly/GravesideShift
Register for the online live stream: bit.ly/FishkillVigil
Post on Social Media on May 7th and 8th: Use hashtags #FreeOurElders, #ClemencyIsCompassion, #CuomoLetThemGo and #ClemencyNow!
Because of COVID-19, we'll take extra precautions to protect each other, including by asking as many people as possible to come by car and remain in their cars for the press conference. But please, put signs out your windows, hold candles out your moonroof, and wave banners! Please also bring your own protective gear (masks and gloves) and abide by social distancing standards throughout the whole gathering. Only join us if you are able, and doing so won't put you and others at risk.
