Blog – Alabama Appleseed

The State of Justice Blog

This Veteran’s Day, Sean Worsley is finally home with his wife. May Alabama learn from the mistake of imprisoning this decorated Iraq War hero in the name of “law and order.”

Alabama prisons, Leah Nelson, Marijuana reform, News

By Leah Nelson Leah.Nelson@alabamaappleseed.org ELMORE, ALA. (Nov. 9, 2020) – Sean Worsley finally walked through the gates of Staton Correctional Facility this morning and into the arms of his wife Eboni. It was a moment nearly 11 months…

COVID-19 Sheds Light on the South’s Broken Housing System as Stimulus Checks Fund Motel Stays

COVID-19, News

By Renuka Srivastava Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic's lockdown was enforced, more rent strikes occurred in this country than ever before. Families are forced to choose between food on their tables or a roof over their heads. This difficult…

Human Rights Groups, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, an Alabama Democratic Lawmaker, a GOP Operative, Corrections Professionals, a Retired Federal Magistrate Judge, and Cannabis Advocates Came Together to Stop a Disabled Black Veteran from Going to Prison. This is the Story of How We Failed.

Fair Schools, Safe Communities, Habitual Offender Law, Leah Nelson, Marijuana reform, News

By Leah Nelson leah.nelson@alabamaappleseed.org In August 2016, a disabled Black veteran named Sean Worsley brought his legally prescribed medical marijuana with him on a road trip from Arizona to North Carolina. On his way through Alabama,…

Black Girls Are More Harshly Punished within Alabama’s K-12 Public Schools

Akiesha Anderson, Fair Schools, Fair Schools, Safe Communities

By Akiesha Anderson, Appleseed Policy Director Today, the Appleseed Network released its newest report, “Protecting Girls of Color 2020.” This report contains disturbing findings that show Black girls within Alabama’s K-12 public school…

A New Job. A Christmas Party. His First-Ever Week of Paid Leave. Alvin Kennard, Once Sentenced to Die in Prison, Marks His First Year of Freedom.

Alabama prisons, Carla Crowder, Habitual Offender Law, News

By Carla Crowder, Executive Director Carla.Crowder@alabamaappleseed.org One year ago, Alvin Kennard stood in a Bessemer courtroom nervous and uncertain. Striped jailhouse scrubs swallowed his rail-thin, shivering frame. After 36 years…

A Disabled Black Veteran with Prescribed Medical Marijuana in His Car Played Air Guitar while Pumping Gas in Alabama. Now He’s Going to Prison.

Fines and Fees, Habitual Offender Law, Leah Nelson, Marijuana reform, News

By Leah Nelson, Appleseed Research Director | Leah.Nelson@alabamaappleseed.org PICKENS COUNTY — Sean and Eboni Worsley’s nightmare began with music a police officer found too loud for his liking. It was August 2016, and the Worsleys…