The Pioneers of 17th Forward North Carolina
Abraham Syed
Abraham Syed
Abraham Syed
Abraham is the co-founder and acting President of 17th Forward North Carolina since April of 2024. He previously worked as the Vice President under the organisation's previous name No Exceptions North Carolina. After the previous president voluntarily resigned from the position, Abraham decided to take initiative to re-tailor the organisation's purpose and mission. Outside of acting as President, he enjoys working on accountability reform, learning languages, and working in healthcare as a surgical provider.
Tate Bennett
Abraham Syed
Abraham Syed
Tate Bennett is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a Carolina Covenant Scholar and member of the class of '24, he earned a B.A. with highest distinction in Hispanic Linguistics, translation, and interpretation. Tate was fortunate to meet Abraham, a close friend, as a classmate at UNC.
Before 17FNC, he was a non-board officer in its predecessor, No Exceptions North Carolina (NENC), with Abraham serving the role of Vice President. Later, the two would cofound 17th Forward out of the ashes of NENC as undergraduate students.
Today, Tate works to play a small part in ending the school-to-prison pipeline as a college adviser for disadvantaged high-school students in memory of his similar upbringing. As an Eagle Scout, he volunteers with his local troop in a mentor capacity for youth. Tate enjoys playing the guitar, listening to music, swimming, and hanging out with his friends in his free time.
Eliminate the Exceptions Clause from our Constitution
Involuntary Servitude in North Carolina
Involuntary Servitude in North Carolina
Involuntary Servitude in North Carolina
In North Carolina, and across the United States, a hidden vestige of a bygone era remains embedded within the fabric of our legal system, a relic that challenges our most cherished values of freedom and equality. This remnant, an exceptions clause permitting involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime, lurks in the shadows of our state’s Constitution, a stark contradiction to the principles of liberty and justice we hold dear.
What We Have Done & Will Continue to Do
Involuntary Servitude in North Carolina
Involuntary Servitude in North Carolina
As part of this nationwide movement, we urge residents of states yet to make these crucial amendments to take action. By reaching out to local representatives and engaging with organizations like the Abolish Slavery National Network, you can contribute to a unified effort to ensure that our laws unequivocally protect the rights and dignity of all individuals. Together, we can turn the tide against these remnants of a bygone era and reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Status on Other States Ending Exceptions
Status on Other States Ending Exceptions
In North Carolina, a clause within the state constitution presents a startling contradiction to the values of freedom and human dignity that we hold dear. Article 1, Section 17 explicitly states that while "Slavery is forever prohibited," it makes a notable exception for "involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the parties have been adjudged guilty." This provision starkly highlights a loophole that allows for involuntary servitude within the state, an issue that demands urgent attention and action.
Status on Other States Ending Exceptions
Status on Other States Ending Exceptions
Status on Other States Ending Exceptions
Amid a national reevaluation of our foundational values and legal frameworks, an unsettling reality has come to light: the presence of an exception in many state constitutions that condones slavery and involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment. This stark contradiction to the principles of freedom and human dignity has ignited a movement across the United States, prompting a growing number of states to amend their constitutions to unequivocally outlaw these inhumane practices in all their forms.
3rd July, 2024, 6PM-7PM
Slavery is still legal in North Carolina! Join us for an educational outreach event regarding 17th Forward North Carolina's efforts to abolish constitutionally protected slavery and involuntary servitude for all North Carolinians. All are welcome to attend. Scan the QR-Code above to join the meeting.