MLK inspires discussions on social justice
Times Argus | January 19, 2016
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[…] Mark Hughes, co-founder of Justice For All, a group whose goal is to create dialogue on race, led a discussion on racial disparities in the criminal justice system in Vermont, and talked about what the community can do about them.

He said in an interview, “I think historically, I’ve kind of shied away from MLK Day because I always felt like it was like an Easter Sunday or Christmas where everybody that you usually don’t see comes out. But I’d rather have someone come out on Easter than never come out at all.”

He said that Monday he was just happy for the good turnout and participation. “Instead of being critical toward folks, I’m happy that people who don’t typically come out may hear or see something today that can make a difference in a way that may not have been possible before.” […]

Despite Mandate, Traffic-Stop Race Data Remain Elusive in Vermont
Hilary Niles | Seven Days | January 13, 2016
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[…] Traffic stops are just a small part of the criminal-justice system, but Hughes and del Pozo agree that they represent a crucial step toward repairing public trust in law enforcement.

Still, Hughes is anxious to move on. The narrow focus on this one piece of the problem serves as a distraction from the broader, more fundamental issues, he said.

“We have to get past this discussion of whether or not [racism is] there,” Hughes said. “And get past all the accusations and all the denials and the delays and the requests for empirical data and delays of release thereof. And have a discussion in Vermont that black lives matter.” […]

Officers fatally shoot man during drug raid in Burlington
Morgan True | VTDigger | December 23, 2015
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[..] Mark Hughes, with the group Justice for All, said in a statement that “addressing the problem of drugs in the Old North End with increased policing will only make the community less safe.” Hughes said he believes drugs should be treated as a public health issue not a law enforcement matter. […]