There is a community of men and women who have been incarcerated for 10 years or more, collectively serving hundreds even thousands of years, who are forgotten. Within this incarcerated population, there is a mixture of individuals from different socio-economic and racial backgrounds who have been labeled as violent and unfit for society. Once convicted, these men and women are housed in the American Penal System to serve sentences as definitive as life. Over time, these men and women have become disconnected from their families, friends and their communities. They are no longer just fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, etc., they have become mature adults of moral and spiritual substance.
Even with the lack of institutional resources, this community has thrived and transformed themselves by acquiring G.E.D’s, Associate and Bachelor Degrees. We have become skilled in trades such as prison industry barbers, cooks (culinary arts) and construction laborers who developed work ethics that would be sure to impress any employer, all while maintaining our physical and mental health in an environment that does not support or cultivate rehabilitation. We have individually and collectively motivated one another to succeed and be successful. With our newly founded and broadened prospectives on life, we embrace our personal responsibility to rebuild our broken families and communities.
Recently, there has been more political conversation about prison overpopulation, reform and rehabilitation. If the goal is to reform, rehabilitate and release, then there is a community within the prison population that has served 10 or more years that will meet any strict requirements for early release. Statistics show that prisoners who have served 10 or more years in prison have lower recidivism rates at 2%.
With respect and regards for the victims, their families, our families and the community, I sincerely ask that you, the reader, reconnect and reacquaint yourself with any and all family or friends who are currently incarcerated and advocate on our behalf. Reach out to various advocate organizations, public and civil servants, political leaders and elected officials. Inquire and insist on the creation of a viable early release program for these individuals who have productively and diligently served 10 or more years.
Thank you,
Charles Bowman #B30739
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