Hey–,
Never mind nothing written on the back here, I didn’t have any more paper. Also, never mind that I didn’t reply to the letter you wrote back to me. This letter and poems you’re receiving is pre-written and my most talented work of art. We’ve been talking for a while about this new revolution that we’re in the process of producing. We’ve also chatted on the idea of a new social class (I like that idea the most). Continue reading
the following letter was postmarked three times: Sept 9, Sept. 23, and one other time (illegible).
Hey —,
What’s been up? I hope you’re doing good. I’m very motivated by your perspective and outlook. I’m very thankful to you and all those involved, each one of you who don’t just show concern but carry the burden. Thank you for placing yourselves in our shoes. As I read over your letters I see so much but I don’t know where to start. Continue reading
Michael Page (Chairman) states that if any of the claims about the actions and atmosphere of the Durham County Jail were substantiated—he would be totally surprised…
Let me get this straight—so it’s the members of the board of county commissioners’ belief that the numerous complaints coming from the inmates and families of inmates incarcerated in Durham County Jail are false? You mean to tell the public that different inmates of age, color, race and sex, housed in different blocks, on different floors have somehow come together in like mind and conspired to provide false claims against the jail and jailers, when these same inmates can’t even come together to agree on what TV channel to watch? Continue reading
Well, I am currently incarcerated for drug charges and weapon charges. Yo, I am writing this letter to let you guys know how I feel. First, I would like to say that this ‘stop the police violence’ protest is very well needed. I myself have been assaulted by the so-called law enforcers. I mean, this is just scratching the surface.
First, let’s talk about this unjust court of law. We are guilty until proven innocent. You are in front of a judge and the DA. One is there to make you look like a monster, the other is there to judge you. How can one talk about you and judge you when they are just as dirty? They hide what they do behind closed doors.
Second thing is corrupt police. To me, they are the biggest gang in the world. Let me take you back to 2004: the murder of Antonyo Rochell (Smurf) who was gunned down by a police officer. He was suspended with pay. WTF kind of punishment is that for taking a young black life in Durham, NC? Let’s fast forward to 2013 when a hispanic man was murdered in the back of a police car in Durham. Let’s talk about multiple reports on Durham police assaulting, harassing, and beating our young black males or our black males period. Also, putting fake and stacking additional charges on our people. And this is not just us blacks but our hispanics as well.
What do we do as a people? How do we protect ourselves from the police? Who protects us from the police – ‘the law’? Last time I checked they uphold the law. It’s already crazy in those streets. You have gangbang shootings every night, in turf wars. I mean, I am confused. I feel safer and take my chances with the gangbangers than the police. And that’s only the half.
The way I see, we are all out for our self. We as a people, the government, has and have ripped my family and our black families apart and continue ripping our family apart—by letting the police get away with murder, by giving us long lengths of time in prison, and jail cells leave a black woman and baby to raise a black man by herself. I am just saying, we need to fix this. It’s been real.
Sincerely,
C.B.
Hey —,
It was good to hear from you again and thanks for the books I like them a lot. And far as the marches against the police I am for that but it seems like everytime something like that goes on they lock us back and we don’t get to come out, but I am A-ok with that because it is for a good thing and if I was out I would join you in the streets and in the struggle but for now all I can do is write. So I will write back if something goes wrong in here and I will keep letting people know about Inside-Outside Alliance…
D. F.
—,
It’s been a while since I’ve written but I have charges in other counties and have been back and forth between them in the last month.
I did, however, get to see the “lay-down” demonstration in front of the jail. I must say that I am impressed. I really didn’t think that people would go to those extremes without negating their cause. Let me explain: Too many times people will have a demonstration against racism against Blacks only to end up damaging and looting black-owned businesses. Continue reading
11/27/14
Hey man, what’s up? Wow, Ferguson’s on FIRE! I don’t agree with the violence but they damn sure got attention to police excessive use of force…then that 12 yr old in Cleveland…SO SAD…
Hey, I got the feedback #6. Thanks, and keep them coming.
Were you all on 147 the other night? Bet you were…Keep up the fight!!
Please put in visit app and come see me. We have a lot to talk about. Can’t call anymore cause I have no money.
It is rumored McCrory signed legislation reducing nonviolent offenders sentences…Please send me what you find. I know you’re busy, so as you can when you can…Lastly I need a collegiate pocket size dictionary and thesaurus, please.
Enclosed is a sample of how to get the stamps on the down low…
Take it easy, but take it.
Always fighting,
JR
11-24-14
Hey, —,
How is it going? Good I hope. I just want to thank you and Inside-Outside Alliance for allowing me to be part of it. Everything is going pretty ok except for the cold temperature in this jail, mostly in the cell. I know it’s about the same as it do outside. And we ask and ask the officers can they turn up the heat, but it never gets done. Continue reading
Chuy Huerta, Presenté!
— Art by John Gatton, currently incarcerated in NC
We Inmates treated like Animals? Are we still Humans? DO OUR TEARS STILL EXIST?
Time doing me
I’m a young hispanic 18 year old struggling here in Durham County Jail and over the time being here, I’ve seen and experienced a lot of depression, not only about my situation but the way we’re treated…Do they even remember we’re still humans? I’ve seen what they did to a fellow inmate; he asked to be put in solitary confinement. They refused him; so to get where he felt best he did what they wanted him to do, which was act out, and they went in his cell with 5 grown men and beat him severely. The kid wasn’t any older than I was, probably younger.
Amplify Voices Inside 