The writer below was instrumental in starting the protest in September on pod 5C of the Durham County Detention Center. His being sent to the “hole” may or may not have been a repressive measure in response to his organizing among other inmates. The conditions imposed on those in the hole at DCDC may sound similar to those in Central Prison in Raleigh, recently exposed by The Independent.

Friday, 11/23/12

I pray this letter find you and yours safe and healthy in God’s loving care, also that you had a thankful holiday! Gobble Gobble

My most humble apologies for not writing back sooner. Explanation: The day of your letter I got into an argument with another inmate . . . I end up going to the “Hole” for 30 days. GUESS WHAT? One of the rules in the hole is that you only come out of your cell 3 times a week for one hour to shower, then you are cuffed and shackled the rest of the time (very draconian). Well I didn’t write back because another rule in the Hole is NO PENCILS except for that 1 hour 3 times a week while HANDCUFFED. Can you say suppression of the 1st Amendment?

So I’m out and I write now. It is truly appreciated that there is a grassroots movement to help “amplify our voices” about the wretchedness of our temporary incarceration . . . I mean Come on . . . A man having to beg for toilet paper. I’ll give to the jail…Trays are much, much better and I’ve noticed quite a few new ones as the NCDHHS Chris Wood said there would be.

You know this is not a black, white or Latino thing . . . this is the reality of a small population — color does not matter — whereby all are treated with indignity and disrespect. Moreover, it is about a branch of government that feels they are above reproach . . . and to a certain point they are. The courts pretty much have a “DON’T INTERFERE” policy when it comes to incarcerated individuals. They say “Management is better left to the professionals in this area (cause our shit don’t stink).”

The problem is these so called professionals are generally undereducated and/or get into this field with “sadistic intent” . . . who hasn’t had a loved one affected by crime? What better way of getting pay back on people charged with crimes than to instill inhumane, draconian treatment?

You spoke of the people I asked you to contact in our struggle. (Editor note: They have not yet responded.).There are two others who have the power to affect change!

1) Rep. Larry Hall
2) Mickey Michaux
OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS!

I know Larry will speak his mind when needed and that he supports 2nd Chance programs.

I would also like to suggest another appointed official:
Sheriff Michael Andrews

The right kind of “Public” pressure on him may persuade him to personally look into our complaints of:
1) Inadequate supplies
2) Sanitation (hot water even)
3) More humane treatment of jail occupants

We are a progressively humane society, we just have to bring it BACK to people’s attentions!

What better time for compassion than during the holidays?

NOTE
Do not get me wrong: the disproportionality of races in this facility is GLARING.

There are a lot of reasons for this, most have to do with socioeconomic factors, bigotry and just plain hatred. I am one of the first ones to agree with Dr. King:

I can’t wait for the day when a man (or woman) will not be judged by the color of his skin but
by the content of his CHARACTER!

And therein lies the rub, they don’t care WHO they lock up because they judge us as to have NO CHARACTER!

Peace, mercy and love be yours in abundance.

If we scream loud enough someone will hear.

Grace and Peace,
Jean-Claude