Soros Justice Fellowships

Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment

In collaboration with the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, the Central California Environmental Justice Coalition, and the California Prison Moratorium Project, Debbie Reyes will develop Un-Caging the Valley, a grassroots project to oppose the expansion and/or new construction of youth and adult prisons in the state of California. Reyes will conduct workshops, forums, meetings, and rallies in communities directly affected by prisons, and will challenge the notion that prisons are good for the economy.

Reyes, a mother and grandmother, grew up in the Central Valley and has been a community activist for many years. One of seven children, Reyes learned from her farmworker parents to value education, hard work, and giving back to the community. She has worked with numerous justice organizations, including the California Prison Moratorium Project and La Union Del Pueblo Entero. She is cofounder of the Fresno County Chicano/Latino Democratic Caucus and a member of various committees including the Cesar Chavez Committee, Stonewall Democrats, Central California Criminal Justice Committee, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom Peace; and the Central Valley Progressive PAC. She is a member of various coalitions including the Steering Committee of the March for Justice and Equality; Escuelas Si Pintas NO; Central California Environmental Justice Network; San Joaquin Valley Immigrant Rights Project; Californians United for a Responsible Budget; and Education Not Incarceration.

Delano, CA |  One Year |