The existence of white privilege permeates every aspect of our society, particularly in the justice system. As a Black woman, I am acutely aware that the framework of this country was not designed with my interests in mind. Although I have never faced arrest or incarceration, I have witnessed the impact of the system on people close to me, including my mother, who served time for drug-related offenses.
After visiting her in jail as a teenager, I vowed to steer clear of such a fate. I take pride in having succeeded in that promise. However, countless Black girls and women find themselves entangled in a system that often ensnares them despite their innocence. Systemic racism continues to thrive, and it will persist until our society fundamentally redefines what true equality looks like.
Currently, we operate in a system where similar crimes can lead to vastly different sentences based on the perpetrator’s race. Recently, a white woman named Laura Jennings embezzled $250,000 from a public institution and received just two years of probation for her actions. She reportedly stole the funds to support her children’s education and other expenses.
In stark contrast, on the very next day in the same courthouse, another woman, Sarah Mitchell, received an 18-month prison sentence for embezzling $42,000 from a local school to feed her gambling addiction. Both women committed the same crime—taking money that wasn’t theirs for personal use—yet their punishments were worlds apart.
The disparity in sentencing highlights a broader issue: the disproportionate punishment of Black individuals, particularly Black women, compared to their white counterparts. Mass incarceration remains a significant issue in the United States. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, more than 230,000 women and girls are incarcerated across the nation, with a staggering 80% of them being mothers. The emotional toll of having a parent in jail is unfathomable, yet it is a reality for many families.
Organizations like The Sentencing Project are diligently working to expose the racial disparities within our justice system. Their data reveals that while the incarceration rates for Black women have decreased since 2000, they remain incarcerated at higher rates than white women—83 per 100,000 versus 48 per 100,000, respectively.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of systemic racism, society often turns a blind eye to these injustices. The myths that suggest job opportunities are plentiful or that individuals can simply relocate to find better prospects ignore the harsh realities many face. We cannot condone criminal behavior, yet we must also confront the systemic inequities that hinder marginalized communities.
The contrasting cases of Laura Jennings and Sarah Mitchell are not surprising. Both committed crimes, but the variance in their judicial outcomes is a poignant reminder of the biases entrenched within our legal system. I have no need to watch another film or read another book to understand that, as a Black woman in America, the law does not favor me or my community.
The past year has reinforced the idea that collective action is crucial for enacting change. We must unite to address these disparities, as too many women like Sarah Mitchell remain incarcerated while others like Laura Jennings evade significant consequences.
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In conclusion, the disparity in sentencing between individuals of different races underscores the urgent need for reform in our justice system. The cases of Laura Jennings and Sarah Mitchell serve as stark reminders of the ongoing racial inequities that must be addressed for true justice to prevail.
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