Empowering Communities Through Court Watch: Dr. Carmen Johnson's Journey
HOW DO I SURVIVE THIS? - Episode 5
Dr. Carmen Johnson's path to becoming a champion for justice began with her own traumatic experience in the legal system. As the former housing chair for the NAACP of Maryland, she found herself unjustly targeted, and spent three years in federal prison. This ordeal opened her eyes to the flaws within the justice system and ignited her passion for change.
Transforming Trauma Into Action
Upon her release in 2018, Dr. Johnson was introduced to Court Watch PG (Prince George’s County, Maryland), an organization that observes bail hearings and enforces judicial accountability. Initially hesitant due to her trauma, she eventually embraced the opportunity, realizing its potential to make a real difference.
"It changed my life," Dr. Johnson reflects. Her involvement with Court Watch PG led to tangible impacts, including the release of over 500 people from Upper Marlboro Jail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have every right to hold them (police and judges) accountable and everyone should feel safe in their community." - Dr. Carmen Johnson
The Power Of Community Oversight
Court Watch volunteers, ranging from students to retirees, serve as watchdogs in the courtroom. They meticulously document proceedings, ensuring adherence to Maryland Rule 4.216 and other legal standards. This data collection has become a powerful tool for accountability and transparency.
Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of early education about legal rights, especially in light of recent legislation allowing the arrest of children as young as 10-years-old. "We have to start at a young age teaching our children about law," she urges.
Challenges And Calls To Action
Despite the progress made, Dr. Johnson highlights the need for greater involvement from communities of color in Court Watch initiatives. She also stresses the importance of building better relationships between police departments and the communities they serve.
For families impacted by police violence, Dr. Johnson advises:
Contact the state victim hotline immediately
Secure a skilled attorney
Reach out to organizations like Court Watch for support and resources
Get Involved
To learn more about Court Watch and how you can make a difference in your community, visit CourtWatchPG.org or search for Court Watch organizations in your area.
If you’re interested in being a guest or recommending someone to be featured on a future episode of Say Their Name, please fill out this form.
Listen to the full episode to hear more of Dr. Carmen Johnson's powerful insights and learn how you can contribute to the fight for justice in your community.
Ready to dive deeper into this crucial topic? Listen to the full episode for more invaluable in-depth insights from Dr. Carmen Johnson. And remember, until truth and justice are obtained, we will always Say Their Name.