I've put a photo essay below that covers travels from the holler to the hood in Virginia -- and our prison nation. This summer I worked with some prisoners family members in both rural and urban Virginia who are "sick and tired of being sick and tired" and who have decided that they would take on the brutal policy of no parole in Virginia. We did a ten-day road trip together and visited interested folks in their homes, church basements, and community centers. What has come of that road trip is now in front of the Virginia General Assembly in the form of SB796, a testament to democracy.
Did we stand up for the working poor folks in southwestern coalfields and the inner-city hoods of Hampton Roads when they attempted to turn back a brutal right-wing policy? Did we fight for relief for the mothers and fathers serving long-sentences with no hope of parole in Virginia? Are we going to be asking for their votes in the coming election? Is the right wing gearing up to micro-target criminal justice issues?
(Some great photos and media below the fold and the campaign.)
We are going to tell our own story
Narrative Campaigns can set us free
Wallens Ridge State Prison (Big Stone Gap, VA)
Richmond, VA
Families fighting for their children
Church basements and friends
Bringing Families together
Telling our stories
If you live in Virginia you can make a difference tonight. Here is a link to phone numbers and a script for you to take action. You can call anytime and leave a message.