Socialists have a responsibility to work toward the abolition of policing and the carceral system. But for many abolition was not a priority until May’s uprisings after the murder of George Floyd. In fact, abolition has been a part of modern American socialism for decades. In this workshop, we’ll share stories and discuss how abolition work fits into socialist movements.

Abolition is not just a racial justice issue. Prisons create toxic public health and environmental risks. Policing goes beyond local police departments, manifesting in a growing surveillance state and white supremacist militia that target poor people, religious minorities, and people of color to preserve “law and order”. Police departments themselves have proven to us in the recent protests and over time that they care more about the protection of property and capital interests than about true public safety. So what can we learn from socialism about new models of public safety? How might the fight for abolition give us an opportunity to directly address capitalism in Houston head-on? 

Join members of the Defund HPD campaign and other comrades to learn and discuss our vision for abolition in Houston. This workshop is open to members and non-members alike. We hope to make this an accessible and radical space for anyone interested in learning more about abolition.