Kalief Browder was arrested at the age of 16 for allegedly stealing a backpack. Charged as an adult, Kalief could not afford the $3,000 bail set on his freedom. He was imprisoned for over 1,000 days on Rikers Island without trail, spending 400 of those days in solitary confinement. He was starved, beaten and abused by guards and inmates.
Three years after his arrest, Kalief's charges were dismissed and he was released due to lack of evidence. He committed suicide two years at the age of 22.
Kalief sacrificed his childhood and, untimely, his life. His tragic case was a watershed event of activist calling for reform of the New York criminal justice system.
Your contributions allow us to address the needs of our community and continue to grow the necessary work and programs that support change we want to see. Financial contributions also enhance Kalief Browder Foundation's ability to advocate for systemic change that promotes the fair and just treatment of people with those justice impacted.