In preparation for this year’s Coalition to Abolish Death By Incarceration (CADBI) rally at the State Capitol, we reached out to our more than 900 inside members who are incarcerated across the state of Pennsylvania serving DBI sentences and asked them to respond to a few short prompts related to our theme for this year.
Our theme this year is We Are More. Our goal is to bring the presence of incarcerated loved ones into the capitol, and show our elected officials that they are more than people sentenced to die in prison and that our commonwealth is more than DBI sentencing.
We invited our inside members to share writing in response to the prompt: “We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are…” In the post that follows, you can read their responses.
Their words are a reminder that DBI is a policy that robs not just those serving this death sentence of their freedom, but it robs all of us outside of the prison walls of their presence in our community as family, care workers, artists, poets, scholars, and more. We hope you will join us in the fight to end death by incarceration and bring second chances to our state, to bring our loved ones and all that they are home.
In the first section is a collective poem that was excerpted from 47 responses and below the poem are the complete responses.
We Are: created divinely with purpose
We Are: more than a moment in time, and soo much more than our crime.
We Are: persons who have parents, grand parents, children, and a community that exists inside of us
We Are: More than what an algorithm says we are;
We Are: More than most have the imagination to fathom;
We Are: supporters to thousands of former and presently incarcerated people
We Are: Not threats to society.
We Are: people living in recovery who spend our days reaching out to those still suffering with mental illness and addiction.
We Are: blessed by your support and determination.
We Are: great parents, loving partners, thriving musicians and artists
We Are: survivors of our bad decisions
We Are: captains of the ship called Redemption.
We Are: making amends for the wrong we did
We Are: more than our economic status
We Are: capable of accountability and transformation
We Are: more than our shame
We Are: broken spokes within the worlds wheel. If not repaired the whole wheel will be broken.
We Are: more powerful together
We Are: the tools meant to help repair our community.
We Are: an improved foundation ready to stabilize our homes.
We Are: the lighthouses steering the lost & misguided to safety.
We Are: ready for the only second chance we’ll ever need.
We Are: the answers to society’s most pressing issues.
We Are: better equipped than we were when we first arrived.
We Are: the undaunted hope, the voice, & the choice for a better tomorrow.
We Are: simply human.
We Are: loving
We Are: loving
We Are: love
Sherry Bair
My name is Sherry Lee Bair, I am 63 year old lifer who has been incarcerated for 36 years serving a 2nd degree life sentence with chronic illnesses. I am not the same woman that i was when i first came into prison. I have changed my life around for the better. I am more positive
I am a sister, a mother, a grandmother and a great grandmother.
I have many accomplishments, I earned my GED, and am certified in HVAC and NCCR. I earned a lot more certificates from the programs that I completed. My age and health emphasizes the fact I am not a threat to society. My family and i are both ready for me to be released back into my community.
Stefan Brooks – SCI Forest
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are parents and mentors to all generations in our communities. I wish the commonwealth seen me as a great parent, loving partner, and a thriving musician and artist whose trying his best to make a change…
Kim Joynes
I AM Kimerly Joynes. Mother , mentor, friend, teacher and supporter to thousands of former and present incarcerated/ free woman and men for the last 44 years of my life. My daughter has given me the gift of two granddaughters. My brother’s have given me the gift of aunt and sister. I am my mother’s only daughter and my 98 year old grandmother’s first grandchild. The judicial system sentenced me to LIFE for perforating a corpse. A human being discarded and thrown away to rot until dead in prison NOT for killing anyone just for being poor, uneducated and brown complexed. Regardless of this place of despair, trauma and hopelessness, I rose as I will continue to rise above the ugly stigmas placed upon me by sharing my experiences, strengths, hopes and knowledge with all who will benefit. I AM created divinely with purpose and I will be FREE to fulfill it.
Hassan Williams – SCI Rockview
We are more…Then what the unfair justice system makes us out to be such as hoodlum, livestock, human being, criminal minded, are more than what you speak of us. Black, brown, etc.
Kyle Reed
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, state check numbers, #KU8044, DOC job security, prison-industrial-complex budget line items. We are authors: “The Grass is Always Greener Over the Barbed-Wire”. Fathers. Mothers. Sons. Daughters… Humans.
Ilyas Abdul-Hadi – SCI Phoenix
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are more than our past actions, decisions, and mistakes and past our criminal thoughts, attitudes and instincts.
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are your fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, mechanics, electricians, plummers, counselors, artists, spiritual advisors, politicians, etc., people who made mistakes in life, just like you!
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are not our crime! Not human waste! Not irrelevant or obsolete!
James McDaniel – SCI Forest
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are worth knowing.
Jason Koehler
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are…
A son, a father, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a craftsman, a mechanic, and a man who truly cares for others!
Terri Harper – SCI Muncy
We are blessed by your support and determination.
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are people existing to live our renewal, not die our failures.
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are people dying to survive a system built on fear and retribution.
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are people living to show our worth.
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are people dying to live in a world of forgiveness.
By Life, by Time and by every obstacle we’ve faced head on, we ARE NOT our crime, sentence, OR number. We are so very much more! WE ARE survivors..survivors of our bad decisions, reckless abandon, and the labels those things have put us under. WE ARE conquerors of our shortcomings, coordinators of new game plans, and captains of the ships called Redemption. We work,educate ourselves, create positive content, and. nurture and guide others, all while navigating a system that’s NOT designed to help us become the “More” they expect, the “More” they demand or the “MORE” we continue to achieve. WE ARE every title of Human Being that exists.
There’s MORE!…WE are PEOPLE who messed up, and are making concerted efforts to ready ourselves. among co vertex efforts to ready ourselves for whatever kind of tomorrow we are granted and we need Your Forgiveness first, Your Constancy most, and your Support over it all.
God Bless You and THANK YOU!
Randall Dietz – SCI Coal Township
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are a few partially innocent victims of an over zealous legal system focused solely on convictions with no regard for justice; partially innocent victims unjustly convicted of crimes much greater than we actually committed, destined to death by incarceration to die if not from the swill we are served by the uncaring food service department or a terminal illness missed or ignored by the inferior medical department, then from old age because we cannot get any justice or relief from the appellate courts or the narrow minded incompetent board of pardons–wanting a second chance to try making amends for the wrong we did and live a life of altruism.
Maximino C Perez – SCI Dallas
(Maximo included a drawing with his hand written letter that shows a large broken heart. He wrote to us on his 71st birthday.)
My name is Maximo Cruz Perez / For all to see / March 4 2024, my birthday, 71 years old
I want to tell or say to all those senators that don’t want freedom for lifers that I am human and I have feeling This is my heart after 42 years in this prison without see my family. I am not a bad person. I am only a poor Puerto Rican human being. I am another victim of the Justice System of Pennsylvania.
Scott Black – SCI Greene
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are human beings that made a mistake and should have the right to show that we can be productive citizens of the community if given a second chance. The Commonwealth will never see us as the humans we are. They are making to much money from us. Yes the tax payers pay for us to be here, but the law makers have their hands and pocket books in the industry of the prison system.
I am a human being that has made a mistake and two people lost their lives. I have given many second chances in my life. I am a father, a grandfather. I worked and paid my taxes when I was a citizen out there, but now I am treated less than an animal. I have no rights in here, and the religious rights I do have are being taken by the DOC as well. But that is a whole other letter that I won’t bore you with.
We are more than the Commonwealth treats us as! I only want the chance for a second chance. I have no light at the end of the tunnel. I only want to see that light and know that if I work at it, I can reach that light some day.
Mr. Clifford Williams – SCI Mahanoy
We are more than a moment/mistake that took place in our lives 20, 30, or 40+ years ago!
Don’t judge us by our mistakes, judge us by our patterns
Heather Lavelle – SCI Muncy
We are more than people sentenced to die in prison, we are people living in recovery who spend our days reaching out to those still suffering with mental illness and addiction.
Mark WIlliams – SCI Phoenix Williams
We Are More than our worst mistake;
than our economic status;
than our stereotypes;
than any combination of race, gender, or socially constructed description;
than what an algorithm says we are;
than our pain; than our harm;
than a single moment in time; than our differences;
than our fears;
than most have the imagination to fathom;
than our backgrounds.
Nyako Pippen – SCi Coal Township
We are more than our worst decision.
We are capable of accountability and redemption; transformation and service; remorse and forgiveness – we are human beings!
Wallace Brown – SCI Phoenix
We are more than (our shame)
(We are human) Let’s get free.
I am Worthy
Iam more than my crime, that person no longer exist. I took deep introspection of myself; decided to change and grow.
Ronald Jackson – SCI Pine Grove
WE ARE MORE, THAN A NUMBER…A STATISTIC, A STAT ON A PIECE OF PAPER!!!
WE ARE…HUMAN BEINGS WHO HAVE MADE COSTLY MISTAKES AGAINST SOCIETY, AND ARE NOW PAYING THE ULTIMATE PRICE FOR THAT MISTAKE, BUT DON’T WRITE ME OFF! LOOK AT ME TODAY! I AM NOT THE SAME PERSON! (“THOSE WHO FIND WHAT THEY SEEK, BECOME THE MOSTLY THOROUGHLY VICTIMIZE, WHILE THOSE WHO ARE TURN IN THEIR SEARCH, BECOME THE MOST TRIUMPHANT!!!”)
Anthony Gomez – SCI Coal Township
We Are More than a moment in time. We are seen and judged for that moment, as opposed to the body of work done to make better choices, educate ourselves & others, mentor, love, lead, teach and transform. We can never take back the hurt we’ve caused others, directly or indirectly, and no words erase what we’ve done. We’re driven by remorse, guilt, and disappointment .And because of this, we fight daily to try to end the cycle of pain, violence, loss and despair we see around us. For many of us,we may never see the other side again, yet we fight. Why? Because we know that we are more than a moment in time, and soo much more than our crime. Peace & Blessings, —Tone
Curtis Jones – SCI Rockview
We Are More Than…
who we were on our worst day.
what people may think.
what you may believe.
the sum of our deepest regrets.
the reasons they have to keep us here.
that day.
who we once were.
their eyes see us as.
a number, we are what society needs.
the pain we’ve caused, now we ask to be the relief.
WE ARE…
1) the tools meant to help repair our community.
2) an improved foundation ready to stabilize our homes.
3) the lighthouses steering the lost & misguided to safety.
4) improved versions of ourselves.
5) ready for the only second chance we’ll ever need.
6) better equipped than we were when we first arrived.
7) the undaunted hope, the voice, & the choice for a better tomorrow.
8) the answers to societies most trivial issues.
9) battled tested & proven to handle the most difficult possibilities.
10) simply human.
Gregory Thomas – SCI Albion
I thought, We are more than Pennsylvania DOC incarcerated Slaves, was a complete message. We are more than just a product, we are family members to others. The Prison Industrial Complex has become a business. Like the Jim Crow laws of the south. So in my human opinions, You have to say to these legislatures, you are voting as slave supporters, owners, whether you know it or not. A person can make comparison to DOC policies, 1994 crime bills, the mindsets of legislation today and find the principals are the same as Jim Crow laws of the pass. I’m just saying. Pennsylvania is and has always been the Mississippi of the North. $. Jamal Mandela!.
Sylvia Boykin- SCI Muncy
We are more then caged animals we are human beings, who deserve a second chance
I am More, more than our crime, Remorseful,more than one dark day, more than being manipulated, more than being abused, Check investigator working at Federal Reserve Bank, High School Grad, College, a Christian, a hard worker, loving, giving, living everyday of that one day, Wishing I could just take it back, the thought, the pain that never goes away. I am more then a Sentence, A mother, who left three young girls to grow up alone, What about the children left behind, a daughter, a sister, a aunt, a cousin, a friend, a niece, a wife, a child of God, I am more than a number, I am a woman, a human being, who deserves a second chance, a beautiful heart, love people, love to help others, love to attend Church, love to read my Bible, love to see my family, pray to be with them again, more than a number, this is not my home, I do not want to die here,, my number is Jer 29:11 God said he has a plan and purpose for my life, a plan for good, not evil, my number is 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, my number is my home address
Running River SCI Benner
We are more than… We Are.
we are the impossible visions. of those who dared to dream. we are the impossible.
We are this nations truth. that not all men are equal. and us. The truth. They will one day come to terms with.we are the modern day carriers of crosses. empowered with the unfettered belief that from despair and anguish we can and will rise again. when they called us boy. we showed them that we were men when they called us animals. we should them that we were them(human). We are broken spokes within the worlds wheel. If not repaired the whole wheel will be broken. We are patriots who gave all we had to protect this great nation. But now the great nation has left us with crumbs.ND5137 this is the name I am now called. But never will they ask me who I am. Marvin Banks is what my mother named me. But no one knows that my name is spirit.who are we. We were once the lost. But humbled by time we are now Direction.Like books we are stories. The cover may be ugly but you’ll never know what’s inside until you open it.who we are can only be answers and discovered by us being reminded of who are you.
we must be reminded of the lies and the truths. those lies that are covered of the things the the victory narrates as truth. cuz he said it does it make it true. idk no that’s up to you. But if you believe in the unseen. we in prison believe in you. that’s truth
Scott Harmon KH5738 SCI-Phoenix
We are more than our circumstances (15 years served)
Thomas Schilk AS0255 SCI Phoenix
We are more powerful together , We are more than they say we are (40th year)
Mike Schueler-DF3768 SCI Phoenix
We are more than the worst thing we ever did (28 years served)
Freddie Rodriguez-DL0998SCI Phoenix
We are more than we were (28 years served)
Gus Richardson- KB5020 SCI Phoenix
We are more than statistics (14 years served)
Lewis Stern-AS1215 SCI Phoenix
We are more than what’s expected of us (37 years served)
Karim Diggs
We are persons who have parents, grand parents, children , and a community that exists inside of us Along the road of life, the temptations of every kind known to human beings confront us. The conditions, reactions to needs and desires forces a choices..Men and women who end up hurting others is a reflection of a person in need of knowledge of himself and how his being a part of a society, he has to understand this important part of citizenship. Those of us in prison,I am confident have never been educated, informed in a meaning way that we are a necessary and a important part of the society .
This is who We are and I represent one of the missing. end , who has not been duly convicted as Constitution demands. The DBI COMMUNITY < of women and men are the father’s and now grandfather’s and Mothers to thousands of citizens across the Commonwealth. It is time, the DBI sentence is abolished forever and a twentieth first CENTURY enlightened system and process be created, out of our imagination. It is impossible to build a humane reality out of a present system, that had no input or participation of the people from the communities, that are most effected by DBI.
Eric Rudolph
To complete (we are). we are hope and compassion. see hope is to choose positivity daily, show gratitude and embrace a better future for all of us (even in the face of unrelenting negativity. i am a person that grew wiser. when we stop growing intellectually, creatively, or professionally, that area begins to die. we pursue growth by having the guts and resolve to improve and transform. I am a leader and to me a great leader is someone who does the right thing, even when its unpopular or extremely tough to do so. you have to learn to listen,take ownership of your wrong doings.you have to have resilience, along with being open minded. well,
Carlos Serbia Jr
(We Are More | I Am More) ••• I Am More then a State Prisoner … We Are More then Criminals … I Am More then a Brother … We Are More then Siblings … I Am More then my Mental Deformities… We Are More then Our Disabilities … I Am a Man… We Are HUMAN •••
Troy Joseph
I AM MORE THAN: SOCIETIES PERCEPTION OF ME.
Dominic Barber SCI Muncy
I am more than the choices I made at 19.
Tony Garnet
We are more than our crime! Our crime was a snap shot in time. It is one moment, one experience in a lifetime of experiences that make me who I am. It is a regrettable mistake that haunts me everyday of my life but it does not speak to who I am as a complete person. I am a MAN, a Father, a Grandfather. I am a son , a brother a loving, caring human being who loves and is loved in spite of his human mistakes. I am a student, a work in progress who grows and learns every day of my life. I am a teacher who despite his human frailty tries to share and pass on any and all knowledge, wisdom and lessons learned throughout my life. While my sentence is LWOP, I have not and will not allow that to define me as a human being and while I was given a number upon my incarceration, that is not who or what I am. Remember, we were given numbers at birth (SS#), and while we may be tracked by them, we are not defined by them any more than we are defined by the tracking number given us by the D.O.C. My name is Tony F. Garnétt and I am much more than a crime, number or sentence. I am a man who if given the opportunity can and will prove himself to be a productive addition to society. Thank you. Please, feel free to edit this in any way you deem necessary. Tony F. Garnétt
Kara Dara Young
HERE IS MY ANSWER: I AM MORE THAN MY CRIME. THE LETTERS IN WHICH I WAS GIVING. I AM A HUMAN BEING WHO HAVE MADE MANY MISTAKES. WHY MAKE ME PAY FOR ONE MISTAKE, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. THE FORMER PRESIDENT, HAS MADE A MOCKERY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. HE HAS OF TODAY STILL EVADES THE LAW. I AM ON A HAMSTER WHEEL, GOING AROUND AND AROUND FOR A CRIME IN OTHER STATES WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER ON A MAX 2 YEARS AGO. I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MYSELF AND OTHERS. I COUNT, AND THE LIVES OF THOSE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MATTER. THIS IS NOT FAIR, OTHER STATES HAVE 25 AS A LIFE SENTENCE. TOO ALL THOSE FIGHTING TO HELP US ON THE INSIDE IT IS NOT IN VAIN. IT IS MY HOPE THAT YOU THE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR US. WE ARE THANKFUL, HOPEFUL, AND GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET. I WILL NOT SUGAR COAT THE HARDSHIPS OF BEING INCARCERATED. MOST FREE HUMANS THINK 3 HOTS AND A COT. THE HOTS ARE ONLY TO SUSTAIN OUR LIFE AND THE COT IS JUST TO COMPLICATE THE BACK NECK AND LEGS. I AM GRATEFUL, FOR THOSE WHO SPEND THEIR TIME AND ENERGY HELPING THOSE THEY DO NOT KNOW AND HAVE NEVER MET. I AM SO THANKFUL I’VE BEEN GIVING A PLATFORM IN WHICH TO DISCUSS MY SHORTCOMINGS AS A HUMAN BEING; AS WELL AS MY HOPES AND DREAMS. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO IS AT THIS RALLY FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE AND HUMANITY. FOR THOSE YOU DO NOT KNOW HATS OFF TO YOU. IT IS THE HUMANITY OF IT ALL THAT BRINGS US TOGETHER. I AM REALLY VERY EMOTIONAL ABOUT THIS SUBJECT. NOT JUST ABOUT THE SENTENCE IT SELF. HOWEVER ITS INHUMANE. IT IS MY HOPE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE OUR LIVES IN THEIR HANDS “LISTEN TO THE VOICES THEY DO NOT KNOW, BUT HAVE OUR LIVES IN THEIR HANDS. THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTENING TO THIS, FROM A WOMAN ON THE INSIDE, BE INFORMED, CHANGE THE WORLD ONE POSITIVE ACT AT A TIME. THANK EVERYONE WHO SHOWS UP AND SHOWS OUT. IN SOLIDARITY, KARADARA YOUNG OE1313.
Pru Tyrrell
I Am More than my crime due to me being a human being who feels the pain and sorrow of the victims as well as the family members of those incarcerated. My family is the family of God, and the reality of what incarceration does to people inside and their families is not a nice sight. My own past is tainted from abuse from my own family because of who I am. However, I’ve learned not to live with a victim mentality, and to treat others how I want to be treated. Simple.
Richard Gross
I am more than my crime. – I am a facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Project. I am more than a Lifer. – I am a Villanova student halfway to a bachelor’s degree. I am more than my DOC #! – I am a published author and an artist. I am Richard Sean Gross of Phoenix Prison.
Ajamu Richburg
WE ARE MORE, because we are more than our worst day. Personally, I AM MORE, because I have learned that prison will not rehabilitate someone. Prison is just an “event” happening to you in life. Change is not an event… it’s a process. Because if you’re thinking that change is an event, you’ll be looking for an “event” to change your life, instead of going through the process of doing it yourself. I changed my life by educating myself vocationally, but even more so by learning who I am spiritually. Fools define themselves by what they are. Wise people define themselves by what they shall be. People may be looking at me as an “inmate”, and yes, that is what I currently am considered. But I have the wisdom to know that I am more than that now, and will be even more that in the future. I’m someone’s son; I’m someone’s father; I’m someone’s grandfather; I’m someone’s brother; I’m someone’s uncle; I’m someone’s ancestor; I’m someone who has value. I AM MORE!
Frank Metzger
“We are more than…our commission of a homicide of a half century ago, of a life sentence without parole, (unknown as to either DOC number or sentence years served number) or being imprisoned for nearly a half century. Most of us have long since disavowed, renounced, repudiated our egregious act, recognizing the need to rehabilitate, being genuinely repentant, contrite, penitent. We humbly ask to be judged and evaluated on what and who we have undoubtedly become, who and what we are now, capable of reentering society, contributing positively. Please take the time to do just that, you will be inspired to learn the facts.
Victor Ogden
My Dear Sister Claudia: I apologize for it taking me some time getting back with you in writing Dear Claudia, We certainly are more: Than our crime; our sentence; our number LOVE, ALTRUISM, SOLIDARITY, VICTOR.
Sterlin Reaves
I’m more than my crime. I’m a loving son, a loyal brother and dependable friend.
I’m more than my crime. I’ve learned the why’s, corrected the flaws and learned the tools I needed to be rehabilitated.
I’m more than my crime. I’m a jailhouse lawyer, a prison reform advocate and a tutor.
I’m more than my crime, I’m more than my past, I’m me now and I deserve a second chance!
Heath Gray
We are people more than our worst moments.
Joseph Eaddy
WE ARE MORE THAN:
First Degree Murder, with a LIFE Sentence. I AM JOSEPH DANIEL EADDY, GB7026. At the day of birth I was made a number through Social Security. I grew up educated, graduated & excelled in school.The military made me a number, enhanced the values I had in me, making me a better person.Incarceration scarred me with a number. Showed me the true beast of government. Through it all, incarceration has allowed me to see how our inner cities are mostly fueling this conglomerate & what needs to be done to make effective and progressive change. #FREEDOM FOR CHANGE!
Paul Helmick
I am more than AP 6829 – I am a son – a father – an uncle – i am a brother – i am a true friend to many. I use to be a forgotten child – i was an abused son and no i am a son from GD and no i am a man with a death sentence with starting 43 years of incarceration but I am just Paul Helmick
Melvin White SCI Mahanoy
INTROSPECTIVE – WE ARE HUMANS LIKE YOU, NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, LOVE ONES, FATHERS, MOTHERS, BROTHERS, SISTERS, SONS, AND DAUGHTERS WHO BY DESENSITIZING TV SHOW AND SLANTED NEWS COVERAGE DEPICTING US AS NOTHING MORE THAN VIOLENT ANIMALS THAT DON’T DESERVE TO BREATHE FREE AIR, HAVE BEEN PLAGUED BY OVER-INCARCERATION SYSTEMS AS IF ONLY THE WORST OF HUMANITY HAS TO OFFER ARE PLACED IN PRISONS. WHAT IS NOT MENTIONED, IS WE HUMANS DO GET RELEASED, LIKE THE OVER 100 EXONERATIONS AND COUNTING TO DATE, SINCE 1989 ALONE IN PENNSYLVANIA. AND SINCE WE ARE ALL HUMANS, YOU NOW PASS THE FORMER INCARCERATED ON THE STREETS, IN STORES, OR AT WORK AND SHAKE SOME OF OUR HANDS, NEVER REALIZING WE ARE THE WRONGLY ACCLAIMED VIOLENT ANIMALS WHO ARE ACTUALLY HUMANS LIKE YOURSELVES, SUBJECT TO FRAILTIES AND FOULLY. BUT WE WERE ONCE, WHILE STUCK IN PRISON CELLS, PART OF THE NEGLECTED, SOMETIMES ABUSED WORST THAN ANIMALS AND YET YOU’RE SHOCKED TO SOON FIND OUT THAT DUE TO THE TRAUMA THAT WE FORMERLY INCARCERATED HUMANS EXPERIENCED OVER TIME, SPENT IN PRISON, THAT WE DON’T WISH DEGRADATION ON ANYONE, AS THESE TYPE LESSONS FELT, DEEM US AS SOCIETIES EXPERTS IN COMPASSION, HONOR, AND RESPECT FOR OTHER HUMANS, WHICH IMPLORES ALL HUMANS TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR REAL PRISON REFORM BY FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF ANY HUMAN CHARGED WITH A CRIME AND IF NOT VOLUNTEER OR DONATE TO FOUNDATIONS THAT FIGHT AGAINST PRISON ABOMINATION, ALWAYS KEEPING IN MIND THAT WE ARE NOT MERE VIOLENT ANIMALS, BUT NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS AND SOMEONE’S FAMILY. TO SAY THE LEAST, WE ARE NOT WORST ACTS, LIKE SNAP SHOTS IN TIME, BUT INSTEAD PRODUCTS OF OUR GROWTH IN TIME TO LIVE OUT OUR TRUE POTENTIAL IF ALLOWED.
KEEP IN MIND THESE WORDS IN CLOSING: “I WILL NOT COME HENCE FORTH AGAIN UNTIL YE SAY BLESSED IS HE/SHE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.” WE HUMANS MUST CONSTANTLY REMIND OURSELVES WHEN CHOOSING OUR LEADERS THAT: ” A PACK OF LAMBS LED BY A VICIOUS LION ( ONE WHO CONSIDER HIM/HERSELF TOUGH ON AN IDEA OF CRIME) IS MORE TO BE FEARED THAN A PACK OF LIONS LED BY A HUMBLE LAMB (ONE WHO CONSIDER HIM/HERSELF JUSTICE SEEKING).” AND TO: DISTRUST ALL IN WHOM THE IMPULSE TO PUNISH IS STRONG.”
WE ARE INTERNAL TRAVELERS
WE ARE INTERNAL TRAVELERS, JOURNEYING THROUGH THE TESTICLES OF FATHER TIME TO ONLY DIVE INTO THE EXTREMITIES OF MOTHER NATURE PROVIDING US A TRAJECTORY FULL OF MEMORIES HIGHLIGHTING PAINS, JOYS, TRAGEDY AND SOMETIMES UNTOLD FEATS FOR NONE OTHER THAN THE HOPES OF SOMEDAY WITNESSING OUR MIRACLES IN FINDING REASON AND PURPOSE. JOURNEYING THROUGH THE DUNGEONS OF PRISON BY CHANCES HAS A SIMILAR ENLIGHTENMENT FOR THOSE BEING BIRTH THEREFROM AND FOR THOSE WAITING THEIR BIRTH THEREFROM, WHO CHOOSE TO EXCEPT REASON TO FULFILL THEIR PURPOSE, READY FOR THE TRAVELER’S JOURNEY WHICH IS THE HOPE TO WITNESS THE MIRACLE OF WHY ME AND WHATEVER FOR. WE MAY REFLECT ON THE TRAVELS OF OUR BELOVED HARRIET TUBMAN (MAY SHE REST IN PEACE) WHO ONCE BELIEVED THAT HER JOURNEY WAS TO FREE HER FAMILY, TO ONLY LATER WITNESS IN TIME THAT HER MIRACLE WAS TO FREE AS MANY STRANGERS THAT SHE COULD FIND DEPRECATED AND IN DESPAIR AS POSSIBLE. HER MIRACLE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH FAME OR FORTUNE BUT THAT OF A LIGHTHOUSE SEMBLE IN REASON AND PURPOSE, KNOWING IT WAS NOT FOR NAUGHT IN MAKING A WAY THROUGH BOTH RESILIENCE AND UNITY IN SEARCH OF FUTURE MIRACLES, THAT IS TO SAY, FREEDOM FOR MOTHERS, FATHERS, SONS, DAUGHTER’S, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS WHO WOULD ONE DAY FIND THEMSELVES TRAPPED WITHIN THE MODERN DAY JIM/JANE CROW PUBLIC POLICIES DISGUISED AS CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. THEN TRAVEL WE WILL AND TRAVEL WE MUST! (Mr. Mel.)
Isaac Jones
who are we, I am more then my crime of a charge of attempt murder & robbery. I did though harm two men who are victims I created by my ill thinking, bad decisions that no matter what they done, they never deserved the pain, stress I caused them & their families. My ripple effects victims from my kids, my family, my community, my supporters & a lot others who I don’t know been affected in 2011 by my crime that I ask myself who am I, I know I am more then my crime. I am a father to my four children who are trying to navigate life with they own struggles that daily I use the inmate phone to communicate positive motivation into their lives to be better then me & take advantage of opportunities, not everything is a success that their will be failures but learn from them failures, create their own experience to think out the box to keep preserving forward for the betterment of themselves. I am a brother to a sister who strive for the best by caring for our mother who has a mental condition, caring for her son who has NF1 while strengthening me daily to fight for early freedom to be supportive like her, caring & loving that goes a lot farther of who I am. I am a son to a mother who is my rock taking care of others, dealing with her own issues that she manage by living with that fortitude. I am a Author of 20 non published novels, Children/Teen material that will be my give back for my crime that I am more then my crime. I am an achiever by attaining my business degree with 12 potential business plans, different certifications in Warehousing/going green LEED Inspector/PennDot Flaggers/over 40 voluntary groups completed, etc. I am child of God that is daily building my relationship my Lord. I am a supporter of good works/change/positive people striving/criminal justice reform with equal justice for victims/mentally stable pushing for info aware/mental reform for youth in group- foster homes/youth at risk/ & much more then my crime/sentence/inmate number. I am Isaac Jones a man on a mission to rebuild my life always as each day is a struggle in prison. Staying focus for many years, misconduct free behavior, be accountable & take my life & others seriously is who I am. Who are we, we are men that made bad decisions or bad situations that must be held accountable with equal justice & not over sentenced that early second chances are possible to rejoin society to contribute either small or big touching a person’s life in a positive way that matter to create an uplifting generational change. Who are we, we are human beings that are not perfect but strive to be better then yesterday, we are much more then our crime, sentence, & our inmate numbers, we are humans just like you!
Paul Rogers
“I say, we aren’t the same people who committed our offensives and those of us who intentionally rehabilitated are worthy of a second chance. I say intentionally rehabilitated because true rehabilitation are deliberate actions that incarcerated people take to improve themselves. Often these actions take more then the mandatory program descriptions the D.O.C require. Most returning citizens only take the prescribed programs needed to become parole eligible, and the state recidivism rate speaks to this reality. However, there are a segment of the incarcerated population who do these programs with no incentive. These are people sentence to death by incarceration but still possess the desire and intentions to improve themselves. The recidivism rate of the juvenile lifers who have been parole are testament of who we are. We aren’t the worse moment in our lives, but we are the individuals, who for the past twenty, thirty and forty years been diligently redefining and redeeming ourselves from past behavior. We’re the individuals facilitating the self help programs, GED tutors, college students, cooks, barbers and Peer Specialists. We are members of society who have made mistakes and ask for your forgiveness”.
Antoine Riggins
* Emphasis on all cap words please.
If you’re in support here today, I ask that you listen carefully. If you’re not a supporter, but stopped here out of curiosity, please pay close attention and HEAR what I’m saying.
I am a man who has been held in captivity for 20yrs, serving a LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE sentence, for allegedly murdering someone. In the past 5yrs, IN PHILADELPHIA ALONE, over 15 people have been exonerated after 10, 15, 25 and even 40yrs of being wrongly convicted of crimes they were Innocent of, with those responsible never receiving ANY punishment for their misconduct.
Now let’s go deeper. Pennsylvania is one of the worst States when it comes to progressing ahead, as it pertains to our well known, and evident corrupt criminal justice system. Though many other States like Massachusetts, Michigan and Washington has ruled it “Unconstitutional” to sentence those under 21yrs old to LWOP, Pennsylvania refuses to follow suite, as is our reason for being here today. This is with knowing the mitigating factors that came into play such as, drug and alcohol abuse. Sexual, physical and mental abuse, Poverty and neglect as an adolescent. HOWEVER, these same individuals I speak of, with some amongst you today. And if you’re one of them (Ex-con), raise your hand for all to see. YES, these individuals and those of us still imprisoned have found ways to evolve despite the adversity we encountered growing up. We’re, fathers, sons, grandsons, brother, sisters daughters, BEST FRIENDS, counselors, mentors and LEADERS IN ALL FORMS TODAY.
NOW FOR THE TRUTH. various countries are at war and bombing each other, and killing innocent men, women and CHILDREN,. CHILDREN I REPEAT. And who are giving the orders to do such, OUR POLITICAL LEADERS. Even American has killed innocent people across the world. However, they find NOTHING wrong with their actions, but find it RIGHT, for EVERY individual to die in prison, DESPITE them being rehabilitated after years of imprisonment.
What’s the point of creating a United Nation, and these G7 meetings, if solutions aren’t really being created for us (The World) to evolve as one. We fight to ban machine guns, so why don’t the UN propose to ban missiles, tanks and nuclear weapons period, and have it out on the battle field like they did in the pass. But why are we still having wars anyway. Matter fact, lets drill this into our political leaders of America head. Why do we fight so much to free people in other countries, which forces us into more debt, WHEN WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE IMPRISONED IN AMERICA THEN ANY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD? POST THAT ON YOUR FACEBOOK AND IG PAGES.
The DA in my case called me a monster and manipulator at trial, WITHOUT MEETING ME OR KNOWING MY UPBRINGING, HOW WAS THAT? However, TODAY, I’m so much more then that y’all. I’m everyone of you here today’s brother, son, cousin, friend, supporter, neighbor, mentor and possible leader of the new school. I’m a published author, poet, writer and I’M YOU, I’M YOU, I’M YOU. Meaning, I’M HUMAN. Not every individual locked up for murder a menace to society, we’re more then the world knows, just check out the site “The Grove Book” and you’ll see.
Now for my ending. It’s hundreds of people here today, whom I’m sure supports someone famous (Rapper, Actor, Designer, etc, etc). When do we ask for their support? Kanya, Jay-Z and Lebron sat with Presidents. Jay-Z recently raised MILLIONS on OUR (Prisoners) name for so called REFORM, and we ALL supported his career. These people have political ties, so just as much as we send emails, letters to politicians, let’s do the same to these types of individuals seeking their help. Tag them on their social media sites, EVERYONE call their offices, THIS IS MY CALL TO ACTION. Why, because MUSIC, MOIVES AND VIDEO GAMES are influencing the violence as well in our community, and if you take a deeper look at it, WE’RE PAYING FOR THIS NEGATIVE INFLUENCE. LET’S GET FREE!!! I love you all, let’s make a difference.
