Aboltion Archives – Page 3 of 3 – The Kansas City Defender

INVESTIGATION: How Missouri Handed Prison Healthcare to a Corporation with a History of Violent Neglect & Death

By James Anderson ● Abolition ● February 10, 2025

They chain sick prisoners to benches for hours without treatment. They ignore pleas for help until it’s too late. They watch as people die. This investigation exposes how Centurion Health transforms its $1.4 billion Missouri prison healthcare contract into a machine of medical violence, leading to deaths, lawsuits, and countless untold stories of suffering behind bars.

Latest in Aboltion

St. Louis Police Authoritarian AI Program Leads to Innocent Black Man Caged for 17 Months

By Ryan S. ● Technology ● February 8, 2025

How St. Louis police are using AI facial recognition technology to extend America’s legacy of anti-Black surveillance and control.

Members of Decarcerate KC are standing on steps and holding signs

Decarcerate KC to Launch Citywide Campaign Against New Human Caging Facility

By Mili Mansaray ● Abolition ● January 30, 2025

KCPD Snatches Random Black Teen Off the Street, Falsely Accuses Him of Murder, Then Quietly Lets Him Go After 3 Months

By KC Defender Staff ● Justice ● December 12, 2024

For three months, a Black teenager sat in a Kansas City jail, accused of a murder he didn’t commit. L.M.’s life was ripped apart by police who pinned a crime on him with no evidence, then quietly dropped the charges. How many more Black children will this system destroy?

Independence Police Slaughter Mother & 2-Month Old Infant in Botched Domestic Dispute Call

By Ryan S. ● Justice ● November 18, 2024

Independence police recklessly killed Maria Pike and shot her 2-month-old infant Destiny Hope in the head. Community members are accusing the department of a blatant cover-up, demanding the release of body camera footage and accountability for all officers involved.

A Kansas City Case Study in Revolutionary Prisoner Solidarity

By James Anderson ● Abolition ● November 11, 2024

Through tireless letter writing, direct support for hunger strikes, and high-stakes campaigns, KC Incarcerated Worker Organizing Committee has become the heartbeat of a movement dedicated to prisoner self-determination and dismantling the prison industrial complex.

How Marcellus Khaliifah Williams’s Story Shines Light on the Injustices within the Legal System

By Melissa Ferrer Civil ● Justice ● August 21, 2024

In response to the August 21 Consent Judgement, Kansas City’s Poet Laureate Melissa Ferrer Civil sheds light on the concept of justice in her op-ed, emphasizing a nurturing approach over punishment. Through Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams’ story, she challenges the flaws in the current legal system and advocates for a more compassionate and dignified treatment of individuals.

The Diverging Paths of Cori Bush and Wesley Bell: Following the Money Trail to Missouri’s 1st Congressional District Race

By Lynnie Holl ● 2024 Elections ● July 26, 2024

The impending primary election in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District offers the voters of St. Louis a choice between a vocal advocate for the people and a prosecutor beholden to paid interests.

We Cannot Let Missouri Kill Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams: The Black Man Proven Innocent But Scheduled to be Executed in September

By Cassandra Gillig ● Aboltion ● July 13, 2024

Despite DNA evidence proving Marcellus’ innocence, the State of Missouri prepares to execute him in less than 80 days. The public must intervene to save his life.