Keynote speaker Michelle Alexander The keynote speaker was Michelle Alexander, a lawyer and scholar. With an attendance of over 5,000 individuals, she addressed key themes from her groundbreaking book, ‘ The New Jim Crow,’ which focuses on mass incarceration. During her speech, Michelle highlights several significant points from the book.
Firstly, she emphasizes the racially disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system, revealing how communities of color are disproportionately targeted and affected by mass incarceration. Secondly, Michelle discusses the concept of systemic racism and how it perpetuates the cycle of oppression within the criminal justice system, specifically mentioning the harsh sentencing practices and the limited access to resources and opportunities for individuals upon release. Lastly, she sheds light on the importance of grassroots activism and community mobilization in challenging the systemic issues surrounding mass incarceration.
In addition to discussing the book’s main points, Michelle explores the process behind its creation, offering insights into her writing journey. Furthermore, she examines the current political landscape to assess whether the situation has improved or deteriorated since the book’s initial release in 2010.