ABSTRACT
“Critical Resistance (CR) was formed in 1997 when activists challenging the idea that incarceration is a panacea for all our social ills came together to organize a conference that examined and challenged the phenomenon we have come to call the prison industrial complex. Held in September 1998, the conference brought together over 3,500 activists; academics; former and current prisoners; labor leaders; religious organizations; feminists; gay, lesbian and transgender activists;youth; families; and policymakers from every state in the United States, as well as from other countries. The three-day event featured almost 200 panels and workshops and included a multitude of cultural events and a film festival.” 1
