In this powerful re-release of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney moderates a deeply moving and timely conversation about modern slavery in America and the prison industrial complex. Featuring a diverse panel of advocates and thought leaders, the discussion unpacks the exception clause of the 13th Amendment—the legal loophole that allows for forced labor as punishment for a crime—and how it continues to fuel systemic injustice.

As national conversations heat up around tariffs, reshoring manufacturing jobs, and the rising costs of domestic labor compared to countries like China, this episode couldn’t be more relevant. While policymakers seek cost-effective solutions, the overlooked reality is that in several U.S. states, incarcerated individuals can be legally exploited for labor at shockingly low wages—sometimes pennies per hour.

The episode explores:

The history and implications of the 13th Amendment’s exception clause

Personal stories from those impacted by the criminal justice system

The intersection of human rights, systemic racism, and economic policy

The potential for prison labor to be misused in efforts to reduce domestic manufacturing costs

Through raw testimony and expert insight, this episode sheds light on a modern-day injustice hiding in plain sight. It calls on listeners to stay informed, demand change, and recognize the fight to abolish all forms of slavery is far from over.