Oakland, CA 94612
USA
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you that one of our longtime Ella Baker Center Books Not Bars family members, Sheri Costa, lost her nephew while he was inside Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail.
On July 15th, Mario Michael Martinez suffered from an asthma attack in his cell while calling for the emergency medical support that would have saved his life.
Tomorrow night, Sheri Costa and the Martinez family will hold a press conference and candlelight vigil to honor Mario, his loved ones, and those who have been victims of carceral violence.
Stand with us as we fight for #JusticeforMario, and for those who are incarcerated to have their immediate medical and safety needs met.
As we mourn Mario, we are thinking about how his death was caused by the same pattern of neglect and racism that allowed Sandra Bland, Rexdale Henry, and countless others to be taken away from us while behind bars.
We at the Ella Baker Center know that the only way to end this violence in our communities is to move resources away from law enforcement and towards communities, to build greater self-determination.
From Waller County, Texas to Alameda County, it is clear that our criminal justice system targets the most vulnerable members of our society: women, trans and queer people, people of color, people with disabilities, the poor, and the homeless.
Without overwhelming pressure from our communities, this pattern will continue. Together we will demand Alameda County make real and lasting investments in the health and sustainability of our city!
May we continue to honor how Mario touched our lives and continue our work in his spirit.