Photo Essay: April 1 Youth Justice Sunday

For a third year in a row dozens of Baltimore youth, activists, and residents held a rally and march, dubbed "Youth Justice Sunday", to protest the planned construction of a more than $100 million, 230-bed youth prison. This action comes days after the Baltimore City Council passed a resolution that officially recognizes the first Sunday in April to be "Youth Justice Sunday", so as to:

"bring attention to the plight of Baltimore City's youth; to advocate for the civil liberties they deserve, and; to celebrate the triumph of spirit of youth who achieve greatness through academic, athletic, social and intellectual perserverance."

While plans and funds for constructing the prison remain on the table, the city seeks to close recreation centers and public pools, as well as continue to underfund a crumbling public education system. 
These photos were taken during the rally and march of "Youth Justice Sunday" on April 1st, 2012.