February is Black History Month, and we dedicate this month’s newsletter to Paul Redd, a dear friend of CERI’s whose story deeply moved our survivors and helped our community better understand the struggles that Black people face in the U.S. 

At just 19 years old, Paul was arrested and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a murder he did not commit. He spent 44 years in prison, including 30 years in solitary confinement for being an activist, advocating for prisoners’ rights, and encouraging others to stand up for their basic human dignity. While incarcerated, Paul became a self-taught legal advocate, helping fellow inmates defend their cases. After decades of fighting for justice, he was finally released.

Despite enduring unimaginable injustice, Paul emerged unbroken—with a heart full of love and an unwavering commitment to advocating for incarcerated people who do not have adequate legal support. Tragically, we lost Paul to COVID-19 in June 2022, just as he was rebuilding his life in Oakland.

We miss Paul. 

His story reminds us to cultivate hope by taking action. Even as the new administration’s racist and anti-refugee/immigrant agenda brings chaos and violence to already vulnerable and marginalized communities, together we can build power. We are doing this by offering Know Your Right workshops to staff and community; connecting people to legal support for asylum and deportation defense; and facilitating support groups where our community members come together to process their fear, grief, and anger. We are doing everything we can to protect our communities, and we know that if you’re reading this that you are, too. 

Let’s keep going. Learning from Paul Redd, and also from our own ancestors, Indigenous peoples here on Ohlone land and Turtle Island, and Black leaders and movements today and throughout history, we know that we are powerful.