Forum on Solitary Confinement in Virginia- Richmond

IAHR is holding forums on solitary confinement in Virginia, in different parts of the state. This month we are holding the forum in Richmond. IAHR is looking for different venues and sponsors in different parts of the state. If you think your religious community might be interested, please contact Sarah Vanags.

Panelists:

Bill Farrar is communications director of the ACLU of Virginia. Bill oversees all external communications, including media relations, social media, content marketing, publications, and outreach. He leads ACLU-VA’s legislative program, works in coalition on the death penalty and solitary confinement, and is the affiliate’s leading advocate on police practices and other aspects of criminal justice reform. He is most passionate about the First Amendment, LGBT rights, racial justice, and criminal justice reform. Bill has extensive experience in journalism, public relations, local and state government, and is a former full-time faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mateo Gasparotto joined the ACLU of Virginia in July 2017.  He supports the work of the Legal and Public Policy departments through analysis, field work, and research. He is responsible for providing staff with the information they need to continue the fight for civil liberties, whether it is locating plaintiffs for litigation or combing through detention data to expose irregularities in detention practices. Now more than ever, his
primary passion lies in supporting immigrants’ rights.

Thomas Phillips was first incarcerated at age 21 and spent 42 consecutive days in solitary during  11 years incarcerated. After his release he was arrested again, this time spending 3 consecutive years in solitary confinement in a New Mexico prison as a Virginia offender as part of  his 26 year incarceration. During his time in general population and after his release he has been a model citizen. Thomas has won several Richmond area Toastmasters competitions, was instrumental in the opening of Gabel Prosser Park, and starting a neighborhood watch in Highland Springs.

Kimberly Jenkins-Snodgrass is a tireless advocate for justice, civil and human rights. When Ms. Jenkins-Snodgrass experienced the injustice of the system firsthand with her son’s wrongful incarceration, her faith in the system was lost. However, her story is one that far too many American families experience and it has strengthened her resolve to work for equality. She is a partnering consultant at Mothers (Fathers) for the Advancement of Social Systems Inc. (MASS) Inc., a “Delayed But Not Denied 2” co-author and author of “U Can’t Have Him.”  Kimberly is the Vice Chairperson of IAHR.

David Smith is Interfaith Action for Human Rights' Virginia Representative. He is an alumnus of Mary Washington College with a B.A. in Religion and Concordia Seminary-St. Louis where he earned a Master of Divinity. He served in pastoral ministry for 6 years. In 2013 he was arrested and subsequently spent over 16
and a half months in solitary confinement in Norfolk, Va. He works for Good Samaritan Ministries in Richmond, creates books and courses that equip those affected by incarceration to thrive, and advocates for change in the Virginia prison and jail system.

Refreshments will be served.