We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice

The term “abolitionism” is meant to connote a connection between the current legal system and the legacy of slavery. Where do you see parallels between these two institutions? Are they strong enough to merit the same term?

“Defund the police” became a prominent slogan in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. What do you make of Kaba’s contention that public safety depends not on reforming the police but on inhibiting and ultimately abolishing them?

Kaba refuses to make any exceptions to the principle that no one deserves imprisonment, that rehabilitation should take place in a public and collaborative setting. Do you think there are exceptions? If so, is that reconcilable with an overall attitude of abolitionism? If not, what would you say to someone who cites a particularly egregious case of violence?