As the summer comes to an end, I can’t help but reflect back on a trip that has truly opened my eyes even more to the injustices of the justice system and will forever be with me. My children had the opportunity to share a quick glimpse of there life without their dad due to incarceration. Let me put out this disclaimer before I get started. Yes, their father committed a crime and in no way am I saying he didn’t deserve the time. I am saying, and several other families affected by these extremely harsh sentences, are saying is just that…the sentences are extremely harsh!! If you do the crime do the time, but does the time fit the crime?!?
But guess what? This trip was not about the time fitting the crime. Yes, families would love to hear that Congress has taken steps to reform sentencing. However, this trip was to advocate for small changes, first steps, that would make a huge difference in the lives of those affected by incarceration. Take a look at some of those actions:
Adjusts good time credit calculation
Requires BOP to put lower-risk, lower-needs people in home confinement
Requires the BOP to place prisoners within 500 driving miles, not air miles, of home
Reforms the BOP’s compassionate release process
Authorizes $50 million in funding per year for 5 years
Gives incentives to prisoners who cannot earn time credits for completing rehabilitative programs
Requires BOP to help people get government identification
Reauthorizes an elderly prisoner early release pilot program
Bans shackling of pregnant women
Expands Federal Prison Industries
Requires BOP to expand programs quickly
Click the link for more details of the First Step Act
On July 11th and 12th I heard so many unbelievable stories of famililes that are struggling from day to day as they try to make their lives as normal as possible. But for once, we were able to sit and talk freely with out worrying about judgment from people who just simply don’t understand because they haven’t experienced this life. We were able to compare stories, give advice, listen to advice, give each other hope all while fighting for just treatment for our loved ones. That’s all we’re asking for. Just and humane treatment!
There were familes that represented each one of the actions mentioned in the First Step Act. From those affected by distance, to the gutwrenching stories of being shackled while bringing life into the world to dieing alone without having loved ones by your side after they fought and fought for Compassionate Release.
From being given freedom after a sentence reduction, to getting that freedom snatched from you after re-entering society based on a “mistake” the system made even after living up to the expectations society has put in place after overcoming the many obstacles felons face after release. From hearing how my kids (who represent several children of incarcerated parents) are affected from the absence of a father to hearing a man that was once a child missing his father and is now that man that my son hopes he doesn’t have to be … A man that missed his father as a child that continues to miss his father as a man.
From a daughter who misses her father and yearns to have a relationship outside of prison walls to a grown woman and her family fighting to get her father home to be by his side while his health is quickly deteriorating. From wives and significant others that couldn’t do anything but let go and cry because they have to lives as strong women and they were simply tired of being strong to mothers trying to decide the best time to talk to their children about their incarcerated parent.
Just remember as your reading, these are not just stories…these are lives. But not only were there stories of hurt but there were also stories of hope! Stories of those that were incarcerated, or who have family members who are/have been incarcerated that have now devoted their lives to helping those incarcerated. From those who have a learned to use their gift to help others all while expressing their pain to those that are demonstrating through their everyday lives that incarceration doesn’t have to hinder you, it can be used to heighten you.
After hearing the many stories at FAMM’s (Families Against Mandatory Minimums) “Families for Justice Reform Now Rally”, we were able to unwind as we had dinner together at one of DC’s infamous spots, Busboys and Poets. I learned that this was the restaurant that President Obama invited a few former inmates that received clemency under his administration. Talking and laughter filled the room, and we had a good time for our loved ones. We never forgot them, as this was about them. My son’s 13th birthday was that day! He was surprised with singing and a birthday cupcake from our FAMMilies. After dinner ended, we were quickly reminded of our big day that was ahead of us as lobbyists.
On the morning of July 12th, we boarded the bus and traveled to the U.S. Capitol. After signing in, we were led to a room for training and then divided into groups by the state which we were from. For many of us, this was a first. We joined our team leader a traveled through the Capitol to have our first meeting with our US Senators Richard Shelby’s Staffers and our Second meeting with Senator Doug Jones.
Of course, there was some nervousness being that we didn’t quited know what to expect. We entered each of their offices and were led to a table where we took turns lobbying for the First Step Act. We all shared our stories and concerns in hopes of making enough of an impact for our elected officials to at least take a look and consider the First Step Act, and to remember our stories and the many we were there representing that are like us. We won’t know how much of an impact was made until the First Step Act is brought to the Senate Floor.
The First Step Act passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelming 360 “yes” votes and 59 “no” votes! Thanks to the many congrassmen and women like Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Representative Bobby Scott, Representative Doug Collins (R-GA) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). The passing of the First Step Act demonstrates that there is a great need for criminal justice reform being that this act had major bipartisan support. As of today, the First Step Act is at a halt in the Senate due to Senate Leadership and the Department of Justice, particularly, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, being opposed to this minimal but major reform. While the First Step Act is stalled, the fight for our families continue!
With that said, I’d like to thank FAMM Families Against Mandatory Minimums for all they’ve done and continue to do in the fight for our incarcerted loved ones.