There has always been a monetary basis underlying the character of correctional institutions in the United States. From slavery, reconstruction, post-reconstruction to the privatization of prisons, the criminalization of African Americans and other oppressed peoples is clearly linked to the maintenance of the social status quo. Movements for social justice in 21st century America must embrace the struggle to reform law-enforcement, the courts and prisons by uprooting the racial and class character of the criminal justice hierarchy.