BALTIMORE, MD – Civil Rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson will join youth advocates, community members and local leaders later today at a rally calling for the redirection of money slated to build a youth jail toward programs that are proven to prevent juvenile delinquency.

The rally, which will be held inside the War Memorial Building at 101 N. Gay Street from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., will address the state’s plan to build a youth jail in spite of research that identifies alternative methods that are more effective and less costly.
In a recent opinion piece Council President Young outlined how nationally, states are reexamining their treatment of youth offenders.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, many states are choosing rehabilitation over the tough-on-crime attitude that came in vogue during a rise in juvenile crime in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

WHO: The Rev. Jesse Jackson, City Council President Young, youth advocates, community members and local leaders

WHAT: A rally calling for the funds slated to build a youth jail in Baltimore City to be reallocated to positive services for city youth.

WHEN: Thursday, November 8, 2012, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: The War Memorial Building, 101 N. Gay Street.