Resolution supporting the immediate release of Barry Massey and opposition to the imposition of life without the possibility of parole sentences for juveniles.
Whereas the NAACP has passed a national resolution which opposes life without the possibility of parole sentences for juveniles;
Whereas it has been long recognized that many children have not yet developed to the degree that they fully understand the consequences for their actions. (example: we don’t give licenses to those under sixteen and we don’t grant children under the age of 18 the right to vote) ;
Whereas Barry Massey was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole at the tender age of thirteen;
Whereas Barry Massey has served twenty three years in prison and has had very few infractions;
Whereas Barry Massey has worked hard to be a positive influence while in prison through joining the Black Prisoners Caucus and speaking to community youth;
Whereas many community members, social justice advocates and others familiar with Barry Massey and the prison system spoke out on behalf of Barry Massed during his clemency hearing;
Whereas the clemency board of the State of Washington voted 4 to 1 to approve the clemency petition of Barry Massey;
Whereas the Governor of the State of Washington rejected Barry Massey’s petition for clemency approximately two years ago;
Whereas Barry Massey is prepared to be a positive contributing member of the public
Therefore, be it resolved that the AOW State Conference and the individual branches work toward the release of Barry Massey from the Washington State Prison System;
Therefore, be it further resolved that the President of the AOW, Legal Redress for the AOW and the President or representative from the Tacoma Branch meet with the governor of Washington State to request release of Barry Massey from prison;
Therefore, be it further resolved that a letter be written on behalf of the AOW state conference requesting that the Governor of the State of Washington grant clemency to Barry Massey;
Therefore, be it further resolved that the AOW make it’s position in reference to Barry Massey known to the general public;
Therefore, be it further resolved that the AOW work with other groups that are in support of release of Barry Massey and the elimination of life without the possibility of parole sentences for juveniles that have been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
