[act-ma] 6/15 Remembering John McGrath

[Commchurch.org]

REMEMBERING JOHN MCGRATH
The Community Church of Boston Invites Friends, 
Family and Allies to Celebrate John's Life

Saturday June 15, 2013
3:00-5:00pm

Community Church of Boston
565 Boylston Street, Copley Square

Our comrade John was a long-time social justice and anti-prison activist. He was at Walpole in 1973 when the guards walked off the job anticipating that the prison would devolve into even greater mayhem. Instead, the prisoners organized a cross race coalition and collectively ran the joint. For an all-too-brief period the men of  Walpole proved that the abolition of prisons can be a reality. John helped to organize the National Prisoners Reform Association and he continued to advocate for the rights of prisoners throughout his life.

Operating out of Dorchester for years, John was active with the grassroots Friends and Families of Prisoners.  Much of the work with which he was involved helped inform the important work Instead of Prisons (1976), republished by Critical Resistance in 2000. More recently, at many Boston venues, he organized screenings of 3,000 Years and Life, the 1973 documentary about the Walpole Uprising.

John could be seen at countless demonstrations not just on behalf of prisoners, but likewise for better education, anti-racism and social/economic justice, as well as regular attendance at services and events here at CCB. John cherished his decades-long friendships with fellow prisoners and allies. His passing is a tremendous loss to us all. 
    
Friends, Family and Allies are invited to celebrate John's life. 
Please join us to share your memories, history and photos of John.

For more information, please contact Linda Jenkins, Congregational Director, at congdirccb at gmail.com or 617-266-6710.

CCB is located at 565 Boylston Street in Boston, MA 02116. We are easily reached by public transportation: Orange Line at Back Bay Station, Green Line at Copley or Bus #39.  

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