The state of Oklahoma is ranked as having the second highest incarceration rate in the United States of America, and while this rate is continuing to grow, the populations in prisons across the nation have fallen. Since 2011, Oklahoma has had the highest incarceration rate for women and also incarcerates them at more than twice the national rate. Oklahoma also holds the title of having the highest rate of prisoners that are housed  in private prisons.

There are about 31,000 adults in Oklahoma that are on probation or parole. There are about another 28,000 adults that are currently incarcerated in Oklahoma. While back in 1983, Oklahoma’s prison population was 7,000.

“Mass Incarceration in Oklahoma: When Will It End?” will be a panel discussion that David Prater, Oklahoma County District Attorney, Kris Steele, former Speaker of the Oklahoma House, and Rev. Jesse Jackson will engage in. The discussion will be moderated by the pastor of Edmond Trinity Christian Church, Rev. Don Heath. The discussion will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the First Christian Church of Oklahoma City, 3701 N. Walker Ave.

This event is free and is sponsored by the Restoration Church at the Dome, Edmond Trinity Christian Church, VOICE OKC, and the Oklahoma Conference of Churches.

So give me the tea, what’s your opinion?