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Rosanna, 40

Rosanna, 40

Stories

Meet Rosanna…

No one can take away the peace and joy I carry within, because today I can see all the blessings around me. Prison is not fun, but it has shaped me to be a better mother, daughter, sister and friend.

Incarcerated: 11years

Housed: Texas Department of Criminal Justice Hilltop Unit, Gatesville

I have come to realize that everything in life happens for a reason. Growing up I was raised with lots of love from my Mommy. My father wasn’t around much because he chose the lifestyle of being a drug dealer over us. But, I was still cared for and cared about. However, somewhere along the way I got on a sidepath and it led me to question “Why” things happened the way they did. I became rebellious and soon after was sentenced for dealing drugs. I realized that I needed to change for the better, do right, and not let the cycle of imprisonment continue. I see the reasoning of why I’ve been here so long. I received my California Driver’s License and am blessed to be gaining experience on the road, as a truck driver, working for the prison. This in turn will help me get a good job once I’m released. I know that I will succeed, focusing on the fact that no matter what, I matter to my family and God. I enjoy life and all it’s beauty. No one can take away the peace and joy I carry within, because today I can see all the blessings around me. Prison is not fun, but it has shaped me to be a better mother, daughter, sister and friend.

Dante, 35

Dante, 35

Stories

Meet Dante…

With her passing, I feel like a part of me died with her. I wish she could see me now and the man I am becoming because of the morals she ingrained in me. Big Mama, as we all affectionately called her, left an everlasting impression on us all.

Incarcerated: 15 years 

Housed: Texas Dept of Criminal Justice, Rosharon

19 years ago, I went through the most traumatizing pain I’ve ever felt in my life. At 17, I lost my great grandmother, Ms. Louise to a major stroke. She was our family’s backbone. The pain was overwhelming for everyone. Especially me. She migrated from the deep south to where most of my family still resides, Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas. Being the first born, she spoiled me to death and  as I got older she gave me a lot of insight on where I come from, the value of family, responsibility and discipline. I actually believe if she hadn’t died, I wouldn’t be in this penitentiary. With her passing, I feel like a part of me died with her. I wish she could see me now and the man I am becoming because of the morals she ingrained in me. Big Mama, as we all affectionately called her, left an everlasting impression on us all. I give thanks for the wisdom she layed on me as a child and I appreciate the time I had with her. Today, I have a close relationship with my mom. No one has my back like my Mama does, especially in this penitentiary. Salute to the queens out there. Remember ‘The hour of calm is the hour of restoration.’

 

My-Linda, 54

Stories

Meet My-Linda…

Nowadays I just wanna chill, be free and enjoy life. I want to sit on the front porch, drinkin’ cold ice tea and watch the kids play in the yard, free, happy and content.

Incarcerated: 2 years 

Housed: Hilltop Women’s Unit, Gatesville, Texas

I’m here on an eight year sentence, God willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll be home next year. I have no children, but I do have some beautiful great nieces and nephews who I love and miss everyday. I can’t wait to be free and spoil them ridiculously 🙂 I’ve lived the life of a “Hard Head” and being here shows that completely. Nowadays I just wanna chill, be free and enjoy life. I want to sit on the front porch, drinkin’ cold ice tea and watch the kids play in the yard, free, happy and content.

Charles “Chuck”, 52

Charles “Chuck”, 52

Stories

Meet Chuck…

My department of corrections number doesn’t define me as a human being. My body is confined yet my mind is free. Unburdened by life’s chains. 

Incarcerated: 25 years
Housed: Plunsky Unit – Livingston, Texas

I view each day as a blessing, I hold onto my memories. I live life one day at a time. Never knowing what the next day has in store for me. I fret not over the past, my eyes firmly on the future goals, as I work towards a new life. A life I hope to get a second chance at some day. Reading brings my day some peace, a slight break from the constant reminder that I am sitting on death row. We have no TVs or tablets, yet. I am told we will receive tablets this August. I miss so many things about freedom – the outdoors, watersports, swimming, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, going on trips to suffice the traveler’s blood is in my veins. I paint, draw, blog and work to bring social awareness about the human rights violations in our world. I care about the environment, our planet, animal rights, the innocent, the weak, and those who have found themselves in life’s unfortunate circumstances I too reside in. My department of corrections number doesn’t define me as a human being. My body is confined yet my mind is free. Unburdened by life’s chains. 

 

William, ‘Peedie Weedie’, 35

Stories

Meet William, ‘Peedie Weedie’…

Truth be told, I’ve never been anything more than just a pothead.

Incarcerated: 20 years
Housed: Mark Stiles Unit – Beaumont, Texas

I’ve never been anything like a real big and bad serious gangster or anything like that. At 19 I got caught up dealing and messing around with a guy that meant me no good. I had lost my job, out of desperation for money, I let him talk me into hitting up a restaurant. Truth be told, I’ve never been anything more than just a pothead. Real deal – I haven’t been with a woman in over 15 years. I was a dad before I left. If a man was able to be intimate with his wife at least once a year, it just might lower the divorce rate or motivate a brother to stay out of trouble.

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