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art by Micah Bazant, courtesy of Forward Together
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Black & Pink News
March/April 2020
A special message from Dominique
This is a time where we are unsure of what is next. This is a time where we have to focus on what we DO KNOW.
What I do know is that we as a people have survived much. What I do know is that we are a family and our love is boundless. What I do know is that Black and Pink National Staff and Chapters are strategizing how we support you directly at this time, how we challenge systems at this time and what can we learn from this as we go forward in our work.
In this issue we did our best to provide you with essential information and self-care support at a time when we all need to be checking in on ourselves and each other.
Check in with your pen pals and share your experiences and anything else you would like us to amplify. Keep writing and singing and doing visual art. Above all else - Just breathe. We will continue to work and continue to update you on our progress. Do I love you, my oh my? Oh baby River deep, mountain high If I lost you would I cry Oh, how I love you, baby, baby, baby, baby - River Deep Mountain High, Tina Turner
Members of the Black and Pink family at the opening of Lydon House, which will provide safe housing and support for transgender women who are formerly incarcerated. (photo by Demo Lives)
Volume 11, Issue 2
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Este es un momento en el que no estamos seguros de lo que sigue. Este es un momento en el que debemos centrarnos en lo que SABEMOS.
Lo que sí sé es que nosotros, como comunidad, hemos sobrevivido mucho. Lo que sí sé es que somos una familia y nuestro amor no tiene límites. Lo que sí sé es que el personal nacional y los colaboradores en ciudades alrededor del país de Black and Pink están elaborando estrategias para apoyarlos directamente en este momento, cómo desafiamos los sistemas en este momento y qué podemos aprender de esto a medida que avanzamos en nuestro trabajo.
En este número, hicimos todo lo posible para brindarle información esencial y apoyo de autocuidado en un momento en que todos necesitamos cuidar a nosotros mismos y a los demás.
Consulte con sus amigos por correspondencia y comparta sus experiencias y cualquier otra cosa que desee que amplifiquemos de nuestra parte. Sigue escribiendo, cantando y haciendo arte visual. Por encima de todo, respira. Seguiremos trabajando y continuaremos actualizándote sobre nuestro progreso. ¿Te amo, por favor? Oh bebe Profundo como el rio, alto como la montaña yeah, yeah, yeah Si te perdiera, ¿lloraría? Oh, como te amo baby, baby, baby - Río Profundo, Montaña Alta, Tina Turner
Black and Pink’s executive director, Dominique Morgan, with founder Jason Lydon at the opening of Lydon House (photo by Demo Lives)
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In This Issue Black & Pink family COVID-19 Survey p5 COVID-19 Fact Sheets p7 - 9 Self Care Activities p14-17, 29, 37, 39, 44-45 Calendar Pages p36, 38, 40 Letters p30 - 34, 41 - 43 Welcome to Lydon House p47
Black & Pink News
March/April 2020
Black & Pink Hotline The hotline phone number is (531) 600-9089. The hotline will be available Sundays, 1-5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) for certain. You can call at other times, as well, and we will do our best to answer your calls as often as possible. We are sorry that we can only accept prepaid calls at this time. The purposes of the hotline are:
prison-industrial complex (PIC) is rooted in the experiences of currently and formerly incarcerated people. We are outraged by the specific violence of the PIC towards LGBTQ people, and we respond through advocacy, education, direct service, and organizing. Black & Pink is proudly a family of people of all races and ethnicities.
Supportive listening: Being in prison is lonely, as we all know. The hotline is here for supportive listening so you can just talk to someone about what is going on in your life.
About Black & Pink News Since 2007, Black & Pink free world volunteers have pulled together a monthly newspaper, composed primarily of material written by our family’s incarcerated members. In response to letters we receive, we send the newspaper to more prisoners every month! Black & Pink News currently reaches more than 9,400 prisoners! Disclaimer
Organizing: If there are things going on at your prison—lockdowns, guard harassment, resistance, or anything else that should be shared with the public—we can help spread the word.
Give us a call! (531) 600-9089 Sundays, 1-5 p.m. EST
We look forward to hearing from you! This is our first attempt at this so please be patient with us as we work it all out. We will not be able to answer every call, but we will do our best. We apologize to anyone who has been trying to get through to the hotline with no success. We are still working out the system. Thank you for being understanding. Restrictions: The hotline is not a number to call about the newspaper. The hotline is not a number to call for sexual or erotic chatting. The hotline is not a number for getting help with your current court case; we are not legal experts. Statement of Purpose Black & Pink is an open family of LGBTQ prisoners and “free world” allies who support each other. Our work toward the abolition of the
The ideas and opinions expressed in Black & Pink News are solely those of the authors and artists and do not necessarily reflect the views of Black & Pink. Black & Pink makes no representations as to the accuracy of any statements made in Black & Pink News, including but not limited to legal and medical information. Authors and artists bear sole responsibility for their work. Everything published in Black & Pink News is also on the Internet—it can be seen by anyone with a computer. By sending art or written work to “Newspaper Submissions,” you are agreeing to have it published in Black & Pink News and on the Internet. In order to respect our members’ privacy, we publish only first names and state locations. We may edit submissions to fit our anti-oppression values and/or based on our own editing guidelines.
Volume 11, Issue 2
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A Survey for our Black & P ink Family 1. What precautions and safety measures, if any, your facility is taking to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19?
2. What are your immediate medical needs or concerns?
art by luke thomas, courtesy of justseeds.org
3. What information or resources would be most useful for you during this health crisis?
Please mail your responses to Black & Pink —Survey, 6223 Maple St. #4600 Omaha, NE 68104
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Black & Pink News
march/april
2020
art by kayan cheung-miaw, courtesy of forward together
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Volume 11, Issue 2
Share Facts About COVID-19 Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors. FACT
1
Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can cause people to avoid or reject others even though they are not at risk for spreading the virus.
FACT
2
For most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low.
Older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. FACT
3
Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
For up-to-date information, visit CDC’s coronavirus disease 2019 web page. For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 CS 315446-A 03/13/2020
FACT
4
There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. FACT
5
You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:
• Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath Seek medical advice if you • Develop symptoms AND • Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
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Black & Pink News
March/April 2020
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and you What is coronavirus disease 2019?
What are severe complications from this virus?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. 5Ie virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multiorgan failure and in some cases death.
Can I get COVID-19? Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the world. Risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission. html#geographic. 5he current list of global locations with cases of COVID-19 is available on CDC’s web page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ locations-confirmed-cases.html.
How does COVID-19 spread? 5he virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. 5he virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/ transmission.html.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: • fever • cough • shortness of breath
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19? If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. 5hey will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Is there a vaccine? 5here is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. 5he best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
Is there a treatment? For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 CS 314937-H 03/06/2020
5here is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
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Lo que necesita saber sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) ¿Qué es la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)?
¿Qué puedo hacer para ayudar a protegerme?
La enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) es una afección respiratoria que se puede propagar de persona a persona. El virus que causa el COVID-19 es un nuevo coronavirus que se identificó por primera vez durante la investigación de un brote en Wuhan, China.
Las personas se pueden proteger de las enfermedades respiratorias tomando medidas preventivas cotidianas.
¿Pueden las personas en los EE. UU. contraer el COVID-19? Sí. El COVID-19 se está propagando de persona a persona en partes de los Estados Unidos. El riesgo de infección con COVID-19 es mayor en las personas que son contactos cercanos de alguien que se sepa que tiene el COVID-19, por ejemplo, trabajadores del sector de la salud o miembros del hogar. Otras personas con un riesgo mayor de infección son las que viven o han estado recientemente en un área con propagación en curso del COVID-19.
• Evite el contacto cercano con personas enfermas. • Evite tocarse los ojos, la nariz y la boca con las manos sin lavar. • Lávese frecuentemente las manos con agua y jabón por al menos 20 segundos. Use un desinfectante de manos que contenga al menos un 60 % de alcohol si no hay agua y jabón disponibles.
Si está enfermo, para prevenir la propagación de la enfermedad respiratoria a los demás, debería hacer lo siguiente:
¿Ha habido casos de COVID-19 en los EE. UU.?
• Quedarse en casa si está enfermo.
Sí. El primer caso de COVID-19 en los Estados Unidos se notificó el 21 de enero del 2020. La cantidad actual de casos de COVID-19 en los Estados Unidos está disponible en la página web de los CDC en https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/cases-in-us.html.
• Limpiar y desinfectar los objetos y las superficies que se tocan frecuentemente.
¿Cómo se propaga el COVID-19? Es probable que el virus que causa el COVID-19 haya surgido de una fuente animal, pero ahora se está propagando de persona a persona. Se cree que el virus se propaga principalmente entre las personas que están en contacto cercano unas con otras (dentro de 6 pies de distancia), a través de las gotitas respiratorias que se producen cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda. También podría ser posible que una persona contraiga el COVID-19 al tocar una superficie u objeto que tenga el virus y luego se toque la boca, la nariz o posiblemente los ojos, aunque no se cree que esta sea la principal forma en que se propaga el virus. Infórmese sobre lo que se sabe acerca de la propagación de los coronavirus de reciente aparición en https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission-sp.html.
¿Cuáles son los síntomas del COVID-19? Los pacientes con COVID-19 han tenido enfermedad respiratoria de leve a grave con los siguientes síntomas:
• Cubrirse la nariz y la boca con un pañuelo desechable al toser o estornudar y luego botarlo a la basura.
¿Qué debo hacer si he regresado recientemente de un viaje a un área con propagación en curso del COVID-19? Si ha llegado de viaje proveniente de un área afectada, podrían indicarle que no salga de casa por hasta 2 semanas. Si presenta síntomas durante ese periodo (fiebre, tos, dificultad para respirar), consulte a un médico. Llame al consultorio de su proveedor de atención médica antes de ir y dígales sobre su viaje y sus síntomas. Ellos le darán instrucciones sobre cómo conseguir atención médica sin exponer a los demás a su enfermedad. Mientras esté enfermo, evite el contacto con otras personas, no salga y postergue cualquier viaje para reducir la posibilidad de propagar la enfermedad a los demás.
¿Hay alguna vacuna? En la actualidad no existe una vacuna que proteja contra el COVID-19. La mejor manera de prevenir infecciones es tomar medidas preventivas cotidianas, como evitar el contacto cercano con personas enfermas y lavarse las manos con frecuencia.
• fiebre
¿Existe un tratamiento?
• tos
No hay un tratamiento antiviral específico para el COVID-19. Las personas con el COVID-19 pueden buscar atención médica para ayudar a aliviar los síntomas.
• dificultad para respirar
¿Cuáles son las complicaciones graves provocadas por este virus? Algunos pacientes presentan neumonía en ambos pulmones, insuficiencia de múltiples órganos y algunos han muerto.
cdc.gov/COVID19-es CS 314937-I MLS 315740 03/20/2020
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March/April 2020
14 Community Organizations Demand Mitigating Action for the Health and Safety of People under NDCS Custody in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic In response to the COVID-19 national crisis, the 14 undersigned Nebraska based organizations, demand that Governor John Peter Ricketts and the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) immediately release all people in NDCS prisons and Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF), local jails, and juvenile detention facilities who are designated as high risk by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), including people living with HIV, and take swift and decisive action to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the health and safety of individuals remaining in custody. State and local governments are taking drastic action to protect the health and safety of their constituents in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. People incarcerated in jails, prisons, or juvenile detention facilities and people detained in immigration detention centers are severely limited in their ability to practice protective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 inside these facilities. It is not a question of if COVID-19 will enter one of these facilities, but when. Given the well -documented lack of adequate health care in US prisons and jails, it is likely that many incarcerated and detained people will contract COVID-19. This problem is exacerbated by Nebraska correctional
facilities operating above 150% of capacity. Present conditions within NDCS raise severe concerns about the department’s ability to safely house the current population, as social distancing and other preventative measures outlined by the CDC cannot be maintained. Furthermore, the public faces an increased risk of the COVID-19 outbreak spreading due to correctional and medical staff entering and exiting these facilities daily. Unless swift and decisive action is taken, COVID-19 will spread quickly through Nebraska’s jails, prisons, and detention centers and, inevitably negatively impact the wellbeing of the general public. Many incarcerated people are living with HIV, are over the age of 60, and/or are living with chronic illness. It is imperative that they continue receiving comprehensive treatment and medication in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. People living with HIV are especially at risk of developing a weakened immune system without consistent access to their medication, which makes them particularly vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. The rapid spread of COVID-19 necessitates that people living with HIV have consistent access to medication and nourishment. In addition, we’re troubled by reports of incarcerated people
living with HIV being isolated from the general population. While the intent may have been to reduce their vulnerability, isolation risks exposing their medical status and violates their safety and autonomy. We are also deeply concerned that individuals assigned to Work Release will be unable to maintain their Work Release status. The general nationwide trend is that cities are implementing curfews, encouraging remote work, and, until further notice, placing a moratorium on nonessential industries. Many people assigned to Work Release may, through no fault of their own, find themselves temporarily unemployed, thus compromising their ability to pay rent. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services should immediately issue a policy ceasing the collection of rent and associated fees while people are unable to work and earn an income. Most disturbing is a lack of clear guidance, information, and resources provided to incarcerated people during this emerging health crisis. Incarcerated people are being denied guidance concerning their facility’s protocol for screening, treating, and monitoring cases of COVID-19. There is also limited information on the outbreak of COVID-19 and preventative measures for reducing the chances
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of contracting the virus. At the same time, preventative resources like alcohol-based hand sanitizer and soap are either denied, unavailable, and/ or designated as contraband. Incarcerated people have a right to know their facility’s crisis management plan, timelines for implementing the plan, and how it will affect their family and community. They also have a right to know how their access to resources like food, medication, and health services will be impacted. Incarceration should not strip people of their agency in a health crisis. To minimize the impact of COVID-19 in Nebraska and inside prisons and jails, we demand the following of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services/Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility, all local jails, and juvenile detention facilities: 1. Reduce the dangerous overcrowding conditions in NDCS facilities in the following ways: a. Immediate release of individuals at high risk (as outlined above) for contracting COVID-19. b. Halt prison admissions. Reduce the total daily population, and increase the capacity of available resources. c. Halt the practice of rearresting and imprisoning people for technical probation and parole violations. d. Reduce police contact with communities that would lead to arrest and detention, and put an immediate end to quality-oflife policing. e. Release persons in jail who are within 18 months of
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completing their sentence. f. Release anyone incarcerated on money bond and do not impose the use of electronic monitoring unless already ordered by a judge. g. Release any incarcerated youth who can safely be returned to their homes or communities. h. The courts should provide emergency bond reviews for all incarcerated people who request them with an increased mandate to use all options outside of incarceration. i. Craft detailed plans to help those released from incarceration to ensure they can meet their basic needs, including access to shelter and medical care. This is especially important when releasing incarcerated youth. 2. Issue a publicly accessible Crisis Management Plan, including: a. Explicit accountability measures for handling an outbreak at each facility, including a section specifically addressing incarcerated youth. b. COVID-19 screening and testing procedures. c. Comprehensive medical staffing plans in the event of an outbreak. d. Plans for assessing individuals on Work Release, including ceasing the collection of rent while these individuals are unable earn an income. e. Plans for assuring continued access to education for incarcerated youth. 3. Prioritize the health and safety of currently incarcerated individuals in the following ways: a. Free and sufficient cleaning
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(i.e. bleach) and sanitation supplies (i.e. hand soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer) must be made available for the duration of this health crisis. While these items are currently considered contraband, we urgently recommend officials reconsider their current policies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. b. Free commissary items for the duration of this health crisis, especially in preparation for a possible lockdown. c. Non-punitive processes and procedures in the event that quarantining incarcerated people is necessary. NDCS must not isolate incarcerated people living with HIV from the general population. Solitary confinement is not viewed as a viable, or acceptable, option. d. People who show symptoms of, or have contracted COVID-19, should be immediately transferred to area hospitals for treatment. e. Provide consistent access to medication, nourishment, and safe housing outside of NDCS facilities for incarcerated people living with HIV and other chronic illnesses post-release. f. Lift all fees and time restrictions for phone or video calls to loved ones. g. Cease all medical co-pays for the duration of this health crisis, and provide free screening, testing, and treatment for COVID-19. We are also monitoring recent announcements about a plan to have Nebraskans who are incarcerated produce hand sanitizer with industrial strength products for approximately
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a dollar an hour, while those same Nebraskans will not be provided this critical health and hygiene product. We are deeply concerned about the safety and inequity of this proposal. For any question or response, please contact Black and Pink Director of Policy and Advocacy, Mateo de la Torre, at mateo@ blackandpink.org or (202) 7449518. Sincerely, Black and Pink ACLU of Nebraska GLSEN Omaha
Black & Pink News
March/April 2020
Heartland Pride Inclusive Communities Nebraska AIDS Project Nebraska Appleseed Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Nebraska Civic Engagement Table North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance OutNebraska Queer and Trans People of Color Nebraska Voices for Children in Nebraska Young Black & Influential Omaha
Para minimizar el impacto de COVID-19 en Nebraska y dentro de las cárceles exigimos lo siguiente del Departamento de Servicios Correccionales de Nebraska / Centro Correccional Juvenil de Nebraska y todas las cárceles locales y centros de detención: Reduzca las condiciones peligrosas causadas por el operar sobre el 150% de capacidad en las instalaciones de NDCS de las siguientes maneras: Liberación inmediata de individuos con alto riesgo (como se describe anteriormente) para contraer COVID-19. Detener las admisiones a prisión. Reduzca la población diaria total y aumente la capacidad de los recursos disponibles. Detener la práctica de volver a arrestar y encarcelar a personas por violaciones técnicas de libertad condicional. Reducir el contacto policial con las comunidades que conduciría a arrestos y detenciones, y poner fin de inmediato a la vigilancia de la calidad de vida. Liberar a las personas en la cárcel que se encuentren dentro
de los 18 meses de haber cumplido su condena. Liberar a cualquier persona encarcelada con fianza monetaria y no imponer el uso de monitoreo electrónico a menos que ya lo haya ordenado un juez. Liberar a cualquier joven encarcelado que pueda regresar de manera segura a sus hogares o comunidades. Los tribunales deberían proporcionar revisiones de fianzas de emergencia para todas las personas encarceladas que las soliciten con un mayor mandato para usar todas las opciones fuera del encarcelamiento. Diseñe planes detallados para ayudar a las personas liberadas del encarcelamiento para garantizar que puedan satisfacer sus necesidades básicas, incluido el acceso a
refugios y atención médica. Esto es especialmente importante cuando se libera a jóvenes encarcelados. Emitir un Plan de gestión de crisis accesible al público, que incluye: Medidas explícitas y responsabilidad que tomara NDCS para manejar un brote en cada instalación, incluida una sección que trata específicamente a las instalaciones con jóvenes encarcelados. Procedimientos de detección y prueba de COVID-19. Planes integrales de personal médico en caso de un brote. Planes para evaluar a las personas bajo liberacion de trabajo, incluido el cese de la recaudación de la renta mientras estas personas no pueden obtener un ingreso.
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Planes para garantizar el acceso continuo a la educación de los jóvenes encarcelados. Priorice la salud y la seguridad de las personas actualmente encarceladas de las siguientes maneras: Los suministros de limpieza y saneamiento gratuitos (es decir, jabón de manos y desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol) deben estar disponibles durante la duración de esta crisis de salud. Si bien estos artículos se consideran actualmente contrabando, recomendamos con urgencia que los funcionarios reconsideren sus políticas actuales a la luz de la pandemia de COVID-19. Artículos de la tienda gratis durante la duración de esta crisis de salud, especialmente
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en preparación para un posible bloqueo de entrada y salida de las instalaciones. Procesos y procedimientos no punitivos en caso de que sea necesaria la cuarentena de personas encarceladas. El NDCS no debe aislar a las personas encarceladas que viven con el VIH de la población general. El confinamiento solitario no se considera una opción viable o aceptable. Las personas que muestran síntomas de, o han contraído COVID-19, deben ser transferidas inmediatamente a los hospitales del área para recibir tratamiento. Proporcionar acceso constante a medicamentos, alimentación y vivienda segura fuera de las instalaciones de NDCS para personas encarceladas
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que viven con VIH y otras enfermedades crónicas después de la liberación. Levante todas las tarifas y restricciones de tiempo para llamadas telefónicas o de video a sus seres queridos. Suspenda todos los copagos médicos durante la duración de esta crisis de salud y proporcione pruebas de detección, pruebas y tratamiento gratuitos para COVID-19.
¿Contraerá el virus corona (COVID-19) abriendo su correo? Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, “la probabilidad de una persona con la infección contamine bienes comerciales es baja y el riesgo de capturar el virus que causa COVID-19 de un paquete que se ha movido, viajado y expuesto a diferentes condiciones y temperaturas también es bajo “. Y según los CDC, “en general, debido a la poca capacidad de supervivencia de estos coronavirus en las superficies, es probable que exista un riesgo muy bajo de propagación a productos o envoltura que se envían durante un período de días o semanas a temperaturas ambiente. Generalmente se cree que los coronavirus se propagan con mayor frecuencia por gotitas respiratorias. Actualmente no hay evidencia para apoyar transmisión de COVID-19 asociado con bienes importados y no ha habido ningún caso de COVID-19 en los Estados Unidos asociado con bienes importados.
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March/April 2020
Self Care on the Inside Reprinted Courtesy of the Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations – or positive statements – are helpful in reprogramming our subconscious mind. Our brains and bodies often hold on to the trauma, pain, and hate associated with traumatic experiences. Sometimes this means we have automatic negative or painful thoughts that may pop up in our day-today life without us even being aware of it. When we practice positive affirmations, we are working to reprogram our brain to heal from the abuse or trauma. Positive affirmations should fit your particular wounds, experiences, and/or insecurities. For example, a positive affirmation should interrupt the pattern of getting stuck in harsh beliefs by replacing the negative thought with a loving one.
Positive Affirmations in Practice:
When you look in the mirror and think “I am worthless,” look at yourself with strength and say instead, “I am worthy of love and respect.” This isn’t easy! If you keep having negative thoughts, that’s okay! That’s just trauma still living in your body. Choose any affirmation you’d like and practice saying it out loud daily or whenever a painful experience/memory happens.
Positive Affirmation Examples:
I am strong, courageous, and brave. I am an incredible person. I am loved and supported. I am grateful for my body and everything it does to support me. I am beautiful. I am powerful. It was not my fault. I am worthy. I have a right to exist. I am (your name) and my identity is valid. I am valued. I am resilient.
Breathing Exercises
Sometimes memories of trauma or abuse can come back to us and make it feel as if we are re-living them. When that happens, it is important to try and return back to the present. One way to do that is through controlled breathing. Controlled breathing not only keeps your mind and body functioning at their best, but it can also lower blood pressure, promotes feelings of calm, and helps you relax. Breathing exercises can be something you do every day or you can do these when you are feeling very heightened and triggered in any moment.
Breathing Exercises in Practice
Try inhaling slowly through your nose for a count of four, and then exhale through your mouth for a count of four. If you have not tried breathing exercises before, start with just inhaling and exhaling for one minute. Work your way up and try for at least 10 minutes a day – it may take some practice and time before you can do controlled breathing for 10 minutes at a time. Sometimes it can be nice to close your eyes, to do them in a quiet place, to do them looking out a window or while sitting on a blanket, mattress, or pillow. But find the way that works best for you! You can also try another breathing technique by putting one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Take a deep breath in through your nose and try to fill up air through your chest and stomach. Repeat this deep and slow breathing pattern six to ten times per minute and try to work your way up to 10 minutes each day. As you get used to
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doing this, it can be nice to take note of your heartbeat and feel it calming down and to give yourself a compliment for your great work taking care of yourself!
Meditation & Mindfulness:
Meditation and mindfulness are selfcare tools that can be practiced anywhere. Like breathing exercises and positive affirmations, they help you to take your body and brain back from the experience of trauma. Meditation is a practice that allows the mind to exist in a calm and natural state. Mindfulness is the art and science of paying complete attention to the one thing you’re doing in any given moment.
Meditation in Practice:
Start by sitting down and allow yourself to become very still, relaxed, and alert. Try to focus your attention on one thing. It can be anything, but two good places to start if you are new to meditation are either focusing on your breathing or on a word or phrase (called a mantra) that you repeat over and over for the duration of your meditation. Some examples could be: “I am loved” or “I am enough.” Sometimes people prefer to make sounds that don’t have a meaning but are soothing, like making a noise as you breathe out or humming. As you do this, your mind will wander and that is okay! Try to allow these thoughts to pass by, like a bird flying past clouds or cars passing on the road. Your only job when you practice meditation is to bring your attention back when it strays from your object of focus. You may find yourself falling asleep at first and that’s also okay. As you practice, try to remember to stay
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relaxed, still, and alert. Meditation and mindfulness can also include other activities: Body Scan: A body scan allows you to pay attention and notice each part of your body. This can help you to reconnect to parts of your body that might still hold painful memories or be difficult for you to think about. Start by laying or sitting in a comfortable position. Pay attention to your body. Start at your toes and move up your body to your head. Focus on tightening each body part and muscle group as you move up your body. Then, release it. As you release your body part or muscle group, allow yourself to feel it getting heavy and relaxed as you let go of the burden of carrying it. Guided Meditation/Visualization: This practice is like meditation but you are imagining – or visualizing – a story instead of just a word or sound. Many people will visualize a relaxing place or the process of healing happening. Sometimes people will tell themselves a favorite soothing story as they visualize it happening. Maybe you want to visualize healing by imagining a ray of light coming to you and touching your body wherever it hurts, bringing you a warm glow and the feeling of safety. Maybe you want to imagine yourself with a loved one, making a favorite meal together. Think of something soothing that allows you to feel calm and at peace. Praying: If prayer is important for you, it can
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be a great way to integrate mindfulness and meditation. The next time you pray, be aware of straying thoughts and calmly bring yourself back to your prayers. If your prayers are physical in nature, become aware of the movement of your body as you pray. Think about how your hands feel when they move: Do you feel graceful? Do you feel strong? Make your prayer take up your whole body. Reflecting: If you are having a day where your thoughts seem very fast or very scattered, it can be helpful to describe your day to yourself. Include small things that you did and give yourself credit for all the work you put into surviving the day (examples could be: today I woke up. I opened my eyes, I stretched my arms, and I got out of my bed. I made my bed. I washed my hands and splashed water on my face, etc.). This kind of detailed description can help you to feel centered and it can remind you of the many things you have power and control over, the things that you chose to do with your day like open your eyes or stretch Those are choices you make for your body and you deserve credit for them!
Get Creative:
Whether it’s writing, drawing, or making music, expressing our story or experiences can be an important tool to help us let go of emotion, pain, and/or trauma. Creative expression can use our whole body and brain and this helps us to remove trauma from where it may be stuck inside of us. When we create something, we have the option of sharing our art with our community. Whether it’s a beautiful drawing or a letter, turning our pain into creativity can be a powerful experience – both for us and for others. Make Music:
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Music does not have to be made with a traditional instrument. We can make music using our bodies, our hands, our voices, and items like pens or pencils. You can try to make a familiar tune you love, or you can write your own piece. Physical Exercise/Movement: Sometimes our experiences can’t be captured on paper. Use your whole body to express what is inside of you. Try wiggling your toes and fingers, stretching different parts of your body, shaking out your arms and legs, or walking around. Notice the rhythm of your steps and breath and use this natural beat to create movement. Write Letters: Write letters to people who care about you and support you. Write letters to your idols, your past or future self, people who have hurt you. In the letters, you can say what you wish you had known, what you wish you had said, what you want to say one day. You can choose to send these letters, keep them, destroy them, or throw them away. Journal: Document your daily interactions, important events, or whatever comes to mind at the moment. Allow yourself to write freely without judgment. If words don’t come to you, use drawings. Read: Read something new or re-read something that makes you feel good. Memorize a favorite line and use that line to inspire you during meditation.
Grounding Techniques:
Volume 11, Issue 2
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Grounding is an exercise that helps keep you in the present moment and in reality. It can be helpful in managing overwhelming feelings, intense anxiety, or nerves. It can also help you regain control of your mental focus from a place of intense or high emotion. Grounding techniques can also help bring you back to the physical space where you are. When memories of trauma make you feel outside of your body, these activities can bring you back. Here are some grounding activities to try: 54321: Name 5 things you can see in the room with you, 4 things you can physically feel against you, 3 things you can hear right now, 2 things you can smell right now, and 1 good thing about yourself. Questions: Ask yourself questions to help bring you into this moment. Where am I? What day is it? What is the date? What is the month? What is the year? How old am I? What season is it? It is okay if you do not know the answers to these questions. If these questions are difficult, you may want to try another activity listed in this guide. Description Game: Plant your feet firmly on the ground. Physically hold an object and try to describe each detail of it out loud like you wanted someone on the phone to be able to see it. Try this with a comforting object like a blanket or a favorite shirt. Now try it with an object that is cold. Try it with an object that is rough.
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Ask for Additional Resources:
Healing is an ongoing process. As you work your way through these tips you may want to move on to other work. The work that you are doing is fantastic. Below are a few examples of places to reach out to when you are ready. Yoga: Many people find yoga to be a helpful and healing practice. You can write to the Prison Yoga Project and ask for a free book: The Prison Yoga Project, P.O. Box 426, San Quentin, CA 94964. Writing: If you have found that writing is a helpful tool, you may want to reach out to the PEN America Program, which publishes the work of people in prison and has a free handbook for aspiring writers: PEN America, 588 Broadway, Suite303, New York, NY 10012. LGBT Books to Prisoners: If you want to learn more about healing and trauma – or anything else – you can write to the LGBT Books to Prisoners program and ask if they have books on certain subjects. They might not, but they may be able to find other books for you: LGBT Books to Prisoners, c/o Social Justice Center Incubator, 1202 Williamson St #1, Madison, WI 53703.
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March/April 2020
Demands from Grassroots Organizers Concerning COVID-19 The Trump administration has botched its response to COVID-19. Due to incompetence and an unwillingness to acknowledge mistakes, the administration has worsened an already serious situation. COVID-19 is a deadly public health threat that must be taken seriously. We are a group of organizers whose work addresses a variety of issues, and we recognize that there is no organizing community or area of our work that will not be touched by this crisis. We hope this list of demands will serve as a tool for organizers and activists who are crafting their own responses to COVID-19. Panic is dangerous and often accompanied by violence against marginalized people. We believe responsible, productive dialogues about the needs of our communities must be initiated throughout the country. According to the World Health Organization, about 3.4% of reported COVID-19 cases have proven fatal. By comparison, seasonal flu usually kills far fewer than 1% of those infected. Over 3,000 people in China have died of COVID-19. China’s containment efforts gave the US precious time to prepare for this crisis, but rather than developing a nationwide testing system, Trump scapegoated Asian people, and later,
migrants at the southern border. Given the failure of the federal government and the obvious lack of preparedness in some municipalities, we have drafted a list of demands for people and groups to uplift and utilize for advocacy purposes. In addition to learning what safety practices to adopt in our own lives, we must also make demands for the greater good. These demands were drafted by grassroots organizers in collaboration with doctors, scientists and nurses. Officials at the city and state level will likely tell you that the federal government is responsible for services that you will be requesting from them. Under Donald Trump, the federal government has chosen not to be responsible, so we have to seize the narrative and demand action at all levels of government. When reviewing the first list below, which includes demands that should be made of city and state government, you may find that your municipality has already covered some of these bases. In that case, share what information you learn with others, if it’s useful, and focus on the demands that have not been met in your area. When calling public officials, such as city councilors or your governor’s office, be sure to ask
for specifics. “There’s a plan” is not a satisfactory answer. When calling public health offices to request information, please be kind to the people you speak to. They are most likely doing their best with limited resources. We want to improve their situation by getting resources allocated where they belong so that providers can do their work. Some demands may fit your community’s needs, others may not. One may jump out at you as your area of focus. To figure out what you should be demanding locally, you will want to find out if your city and state are in compliance with the following demands: 1) Your city should have a plan for housing the sick, including people experiencing homelessness. Where will your city be housing people who become ill if hospitals become oversaturated? Will modular units be built? Are there properties your municipality plans to purchase? 2) Local reporting mechanisms are essential. Some states already have 24/7 hotline numbers for people to report a suspected case of COVID-19 or ask questions. If your state is not providing this service, it should be pushed to do so. Calls to the hotline must remain anonymous, and must not under any circumstances lead to any involvement of law enforcement, ICE, or detention of callers against
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their will as a result of using the hotline, and this must be made clear to public health authorities, law enforcement, and callers. In the absence of state action, large cities should be able to arrange hotlines of this nature. 3) Cities and states should have protocols for shelters and outreach workers to implement around screening for illness and what to do after someone has been screened. This information should be WIDELY available. 4) Shelters and outreach workers should have stashes of surgical masks to give out only to those who are sick or who have symptoms. 5) Shelters and outreach centers must be able to remain open. Cities should provide added support to ensure baseline services for people experiencing homelessness are maintained or exceeded. 6) Recent events have highlighted the need for strict discharge planning protocols for people who were sick and received housing through the end of the quarantine period. 7) Assistance should be extended to help people enroll in Medicaid or local health plans, such as NYC Care, so that more people will have access to care. 8) City and state governments must take measures to ensure adequate protective measures for health care workers. All
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hospitals and care facilities must brief workers on what measures are being taken to mitigate the risks they face when providing care. 9) State governments should offer a safety hotline (which is not routed to law enforcement) that people who experience racist or xenophobic violence related to COVID-19 can call for assistance. 10) Medical teams must be dispatched to jails, prisons, halfway houses, and other locked facilities to assess and treat patients. Most facilities already have inadequate medical staffing and an outbreak will likely lead to many people failing to come to work. Physicians on-site must have the authority to dictate necessary changes in facility conditions in order to treat the sick and stem the spread of the illness. Iran has temporarily released 54,000 imprisoned people to prevent COVID-19 from spreading like wildfire through the country’s prison system, creating new outbreaks and new geographic concentrations of the disease. We believe this tactic must also be considered in the United States given the overcrowded state and torturous conditions of U.S. jails and prisons. 11) There must be aggressive public education about the illness, how it spreads, and best safety practices. These educational efforts must also actively dispel racist, xenophobic assumptions about
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the disease, such as racist characterizations of Asian people representing a public health threat. 12) Each city’s COVID-19 plan should include transportation assistance and accessible care for patients with disabilities. These guidelines should be developed in collaboration with disabled people and public health officials and must respect the rights and autonomy of people with disabilities. 13) Cities with high-density public housing buildings should dispatch teams, or create “clinic hours” on site to ensure that elderly and disabled residents who may have difficulty seeking medical care have access to it. If this is not possible, at a minimum, make sure public housing authorities are coordinating with local health providers to get important information to residents. 14) A commitment from public health authorities, law enforcement, prosecutors, and immigration authorities that disclosure or failure to disclose COVID-19 symptoms will not under any circumstances lead to criminalization, family court involvement or involvement of immigration authorities. We make the following demands of the federal government and invite you to join us in doing the same: 1) We demand free testing for anyone who is being told by a clinician that they should
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be tested. Tests have been in short supply in the US. We find this inexcusable, given that other countries have managed to mobilize mass testing. The government’s failure to provide and administer tests means that, at this point, we have no idea how many cases actually exist in the US or how far the illness may have spread. Doctors in affected areas have complained that they have no tests to administer or that health officials have not allowed them to administer tests for COVID-19. This is a disastrous failure on the part of the Trump administration and must be addressed immediately. We need reliable tests that are readily available to clinicians and administered at no charge. 2) We demand free care for those who test positive to ensure that those who are uninsured receive care and participate in measures that help slow the spread of the virus. 3) We demand transparency. We demand that the Trump administration allow CDC officials and other government scientists to speak publicly, without clearing their remarks with Pence, Trump or anyone in the administration. We demand the restoration of the page of the CDC’s website that tracked how many people had been tested. We also demand full transparency about this government’s handling of the crisis, and the release of all emails and documentation
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related to the federal government’s handling of this outbreak. 4) We demand financial and material assistance plans for people who are expected to refrain from working. It is not realistic to tell people not to leave their homes if failing to do so means they will lose their homes or go without food or medicine. Containment must be made accessible. 5) We demand that the federal government transparently address supply issues, including shortages in protective gear, testing kits and ventilators. If COVID-19 spreads nationwide, it is likely that our country will face a critical shortage of ventilators to care for patients who become critically ill. We demand a transparent plan to address and navigate these shortfalls. 6) We demand a moratorium on ICE deportations to ensure that undocumented people are not discouraged from seeking treatment or testing. 7) We demand a safety plan that addresses the needs of disabled people in the U.S. who may be affected by the virus. Disabled people have often been left behind in times of crisis. We consider that outcome unacceptable. Disabled people must also have a voice in determining what measures will be taken to help ensure their survival.
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8) We demand an end to the Trump administration’s dangerous rhetoric that has been directed at migrants attempting to cross the southern border. We will act in solidarity with our undocumented friends, family and community members to protect them in this time of crisis. Trump’s racist fearmongering and provocation will lead to escalations of state violence and violence perpetrated by civilian groups and individuals around the country. This rhetoric and violence must be opposed. 9) The federal government must honor its legal obligations to Native people by providing necessary medical personnel on reservations in order to combat this crisis. Indigenous people have suffered terribly during previous pandemics because they have been treated as disposable by government officials and the public at large. We must not allow those histories to repeat themselves. These demands are not allinclusive, but it is our hope that they will offer a solid jumping-off point for people and groups who are fed up with the administration’s inept and disastrous response to this crisis. The current media narrative is confused and unhelpful, while the administration’s narrative is both incoherent and actively harmful. We also recognize that this illness poses unique challenges to those of us organizing for change in our
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communities, and we intend to rise to those challenges, but first and foremost, we demand a just and appropriate response to this crisis. We will not be spectators as the president makes a deadly situation even more catastrophic for our communities. Signed, Kelly Hayes, Lifted Voices Sekile M. Nzinga Kristina Tendilla, AFIRE Chicago Chicago Action Medical Emily Casselbury, Chicago Action Medical Maya Schenwar, Organizer Alexis Goldstein, Organizer Noor Mir, Organizer Alicia Garza, Organizer Rabbi Brant Rosen, Tzedek Chicago Christine Geovanis, Chicago Teachers Union Emily Ehley Carly Guerriero, Food Not Bombs Xian Franzinger Barrett Audrey Todd, Food Not Bombs
Babur Balos, Organizer Chrissy Stonebraker-Martinez, Co-Director, InterReligious Task Force on Central America & Colombia (IRTF Cleveland) Phirany Lim Chessey Henry David Kaib Rina Li, Journalist Andrea Ritchie, Organizer Morning Star Gali, Project Director of Restoring Justice for Indigenous Peoples Diana Parker, Midwest Access Coalition Megan Groves, Organizer Chicago Ald. Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez 33rd Ward Jim Sullivan, Culinary Workers Union T. Kebo Drew, CFRE, Managing Director, Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project – QWOCMAP Kim Wilson, Organizer and Cohost, Beyond Prisons Families in Action & Resistance Together
art by meredith stern, courtesy of justseeds.org
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Aaron Goggans, FOR Rev. Jamie O’Duibhir, Minister/ Organizer Nazly Sobhi Damasio Jazmín Martínez Heather Redding, Hillsborough Progressives Taking Action Erica Chu, Visiting Instructor in Gender and Women’s Studies and English at UIC Angela Turnbow-Williams Jeanette Martín Ari Belathar, Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago Lisa Lucas Ronak K. Kapadia Rogers Park Solidarity Network Karen Morrison Ashlie Taylor, RN Eric Virzi Rina Li, Journalist Bresha Meadows, Organizer Lifted Voices Chiara Francesca Galimberti, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chicago Healing Justice Collective Mutual-Aid Disaster Relief Nebula Li
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Black & Pink News
As COVID-19 Measures Grow, Prison Oversight Falls by Keri Blakinger, courtesy of The Marshall Project
When two inspectors showed up at a juvenile prison in north Texas late last year, they heard about kids beating each other up, recruiting for gangs and dismantling their cinderblock cells. One kid had begun extorting his peers so he could hoard basic hygiene supplies; another said he was so scared of getting robbed he’d started carrying around his shampoo. But if that chaos is continuing at the Gainesville State School, there’s no real way to know: The state’s independent monitor for juvenile prisons has suspended its monthly visits because of COVID-19. So has the agency that oversees conditions in local jails in Texas. In fact, oversight visits to prisons and jails across the country are already collateral damage in the global pandemic. State agencies, independent groups and courtappointed monitors work in facilities across the country, often those with a history of problems. But in New York and Illinois, independent oversight officials no longer have access to prisons, while their counterparts in Washington State voluntarily halted their inspections. More informal oversight— the free-world connections that those behind bars can
turn to with complaints and concerns—are also fading away as prisons restrict visits to stop the spread of the disease. In some states, family visits have been suspended, along with programs run by educators and religious volunteers—the people prisoners might confide in when they have problems. “In some of these places we now have no idea what’s going on inside,” said Michele Deitch, a prison oversight expert and senior lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs. “There is little ability to flag the person who is not getting treatment for a serious medical condition or to investigate an allegation of brutality.” Of course, another approach would be to let people out of jails and prisons. “The fewer people who are there, the better off we are—and the slower it’s going to spread,” said Alan Mills, a long-time prisoners’ right attorney and the current executive director of the Uptown People’s Law Center in Chicago. But in the meantime, things could go very wrong without any outside oversight. A few days ago, I got a message from an incarcerated man who said officers smashed his hand into chicken wire and sliced off parts of two fingers. I’d hoped to verify that in person, by
requesting an interview—but now I can’t because media visits are suspended. For lawyers, the lack of access is even more frustrating. Without face-to-face, unrecorded meetings, attorneys say it’s hard to know that they’re getting the whole story, whether it’s about a criminal case or an allegation of abuse. And while many prisons are still allowing lawyers to see their clients, the Federal Bureau of Prisons is not. Neither, in most cases, is Georgia. “Now there’s literally no way to verify pretty much anything, which is insane—and it’s superconcerning because they say 30 days but it’s essentially indefinite,” said Seana Holland, who handles federal cases in her role as the investigations director of the criminal and juvenile justice clinics at Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. In Texas, John Hummel, who was scheduled for execution Wednesday, filed an appeal questioning whether it was safe to convene witnesses for the execution and whether he’d be able to get in-person access to visitors in the days before his death. Prison officials said he would, but the state’s highest criminal court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, postponed the execution anyway, citing the “current health crisis and the enormous resources needed to address that
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emergency.” That rare 60-day reprieve addresses only one of the death dates scheduled across the country in the coming weeks. All of them will probably face legal challenges, along with possible questions about whether reporters, family members, lawyers or even execution witnesses will be able to get into the prisons, said Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. To some oversight officials I talked to, visiting a prison doesn’t seem safe right now —for people being held behind bars. Inspectors are worried about unwittingly infecting a high-risk population with limited access to healthcare or basic disease prevention measures. In these uncertain times,
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they’re struggling to adapt, and hoping technology will let them stay on top of what’s happening. Texas officials said late yesterday that the juvenile prison monitors will have access to footage from video cameras and body cams worn by staff. “The real question is: How do you create transparency when oversight bodies can’t get into prisons?” said Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, a nonpartisan prison watchdog group in Illinois. “To be really honest with you, that’s what we’re brainstorming now.” Some early ideas: More access to video visitation, free stamps, increased mailroom staff and better access to phones. Already some prisons are offering free call time to make up for the lack of family visits. But that doesn’t solve the
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problem, since most calls are monitored by authorities and the phones are typically in common areas—spaces that may not be accessible if facilities go on lockdown. “I think it’s only a matter of time until they stop letting people out on recreation yards,” said Jennifer Scaife, executive director of the Correctional Association of New York, an oversight organization for the state’s prisons. Anticipating that, the Brooklynbased group has already mailed out 500 surveys to people over 60, asking about the agency’s handling of basic sanitation and pandemic preparations. But that’s not a substitute for access. “We will just know less and less about what’s happening,” she said. “That’s my concern because corrections already tends to be such a black box.”
Will I contract the corona virus (COVID-19) by opening my mail? According to The World Health Organization, “the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.” And according to the CDC, “in general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.
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March/April 2020
Healing Justice Is How We Can Sustain Black Lives by Prentis Hemphill, Director of Healing Justice, Black Lives Matter Courtesy of Huffington Post
Right now, those of us most vulnerable and least protected are under attack and whole communities―Black, Muslim, disabled, queer, trans, and women-identified folks are being targeted in the streets and in legislative halls. The threats are real and calculated. And the attempts to shore up the institutional correlation between the right to live and able-bodied, white, monied maleness is dangerous and deadly for the rest of us. We can’t overstate the impact that the outright plunder of hard-won rights has on our lives and the lives of those around us. As this new political and material reality is unfolding, many of us are struggling with our own well being and witnessing the same struggles with wellness in our communities and in our organizations. It’s trauma, both historical and present, that grips us and impacts our ability to be present, grounded, connected in this moment, when it’s so crucial. We may then understand implicitly why healing our individual and collective trauma is necessary in order to face what is coming. We are literally – not figuratively – in a
fight for our lives, and we need all of ourselves for that fight. Yet healing in the midst of ongoing trauma to ourselves and our communities is no small task. For all these reasons, we have a multi-front battle ahead of us. We are challenged with growing and building Black movements that can push back the onslaught. How we protect and care for each other along the way, how we come through connected and stronger on the other end, are possibly the most critical and meaningful questions we face. Healing justice offers some guidance here. Healing justice is the how of our movements – it’s the texture, the experience and the vision that guides us. It’s our effort towards transforming ourselves, our ways of building relationship and our institutions to support and sustain Black aliveness that has carried us forward. Healing justice is active intervention in which we transform the lived experience of Blackness in our world. Cara Page and Kindred Southern Healing Justice Collective cleared a path and told us that “healing justice...
identifies how we can holistically respond to and intervene on generational trauma and violence, and to bring collective practices that can impact and transform the consequences of oppression on our bodies, hearts and minds.” A broad and intersectional vision of liberation work requires that we continue to recall this vision of healing and healing justice into the center of our organizing. We have been inundated with public images of Black death and the flagrant violence of oppressive systems that obstruct justice. Our current systems promise complex, compounded and nearly constant trauma for Black people and ensure that we have little resources, space, time or energy to heal and little agency to protect ourselves and our loved ones from facing the same. Healing justice is active intervention in which we transform the lived experience of Blackness in our world. And in order to actively intervene and transform the experience of Black life, on every level, our movements and our organizations have to understand and value the wisdom of healing justice.
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Healing justice means that we make central to our work listening to those who are imagining transformative justice responses to harm, responses essentially that seek to meet harm in ways other than feeding Black incarceration. Healing justice means that we develop and honor practitioners of many different disciplines and modalities with capacities and skills to be with trauma, who know themselves well enough to navigate the complex terrain of emotion and guide others towards change.
art by roger peet, courtesy of justseeds.org
Healing justice means that we identify the institutions that interrupt and undermine our individual and collective abilities to heal. And in those places we organize towards change and interrupt our dependence, be it against the apparatus of the medical industrial complex or against harmful and life-
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Healing is being reclaimed from the mouths of those who use it without interest in true Healing justice means that we transformation, from those who begin to value care, emotional labor and resilience, not as add- mimic our ancestral practices to ons but as central components accumulate wealth. We are reof sustainability that restore us infusing the art and practice of healing with our souls, listening to life. to our bodies and to our ancestors, and remembering Healing justice means that that we don’t heal only for the we realize that care and accountability are at the root of sake of feeling good. We heal healing justice practice and are so that we can act and organize. We heal so that we can use some of the most difficult and direct actions we can take. Care the lessons gained through the and accountability require us to wounds of our trauma to make reveal, to center and more than necessary change in our world. anything, to change. There are risks ahead in Healing justice means that these our resistance and in our interventions, and so many more organizing, but the more we not yet imagined, can no longer risk in our practice of healing be pushed to the margins of our justice, the stronger our ground becomes and the more defined work, but must be central and our vision. And from that place given our attention and time. we carry on. We carry on to We heal so that we can act and transform, not just ourselves, but our world. organize. depleting food systems.
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March/April 2020
Are Our Prisons and Jails Ready for COVID-19? by Maria Morris , Senior Staff Attorney, National Prison Project Courtesy of ACLU
The country and the world face a public health emergency in the new coronavirus causing COVID-19. The media is filled with concerns about how we will respond. Will we close schools? Cancel sporting events and other large gatherings? Work from home? Avoid public transportation? But little has been said about one of the most vulnerable sectors of our population: the people in our prisons and jails. Although people often think of prisons and jails as closed environments, they are not. Medical staff, correctional staff, and visitors come from the community into the facilities every day and then return home. People are admitted to and released from prisons and jails, and they go back and forth to court and to medical appointments. There is ample opportunity for a virus to enter a prison or jail, and for it to go back out into the community. Once a contagious illness enters, conditions in correctional facilities are highly conducive to it spreading. People in prisons and jails live in close proximity to each other. Many are housed
in large dormitories, sharing the same space. Even where people are housed in cells, the ventilation is often inadequate. People in prisons and jails are often denied adequate soap and cleaning supplies, making infection control nearly impossible. Many people in prisons and jails are in relatively poor health and suffer from serious chronic conditions due to lack of access to healthcare in the community, or abysmal healthcare in the correctional system. While people sent to prisons and jails tend to be young, the harsh sentencing policies of recent decades mean that the prison population is aging. Medical staff are generally stretched thin even in the best of times. Though incarcerated people have a constitutional right to adequate medical and mental health care, the reality is they too often do not have access to it. All this means that prison and jail populations are extremely vulnerable to a contagious illness like COVID-19. Moreover, prisoners have fewer options for protecting themselves and others. They don’t have the option to stay away from other people when
they are sick. They can ask for medical attention, but prisons and jails have few infirmary beds and fewer rooms for medical isolation. If medical staff become ill or have to be quarantined, there will be even fewer people available to provide care. If correctional staff become ill or need to be quarantined, there will be fewer officers available to bring sick people to hospitals, to the infirmary, and even just to keep an eye on who in the facility is showing signs of illness. To limit outbreaks of COVID-19 in jails and prisons, officials must act, and they must act quickly. They should coordinate with local public health officials to determine the most appropriate measures to take, given the local conditions and the peculiarities of the correctional environment. While the plans will differ from facility to facility, there are points that should be addressed in any plan: > How will all people in the facility — incarcerated people, staff, and visitors — be educated so they can understand the risks, protect themselves, and protect
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others? This will ideally be operationalized and conducted at scale. > Under what circumstances will staff and people incarcerated in the facilities be tested for the virus? How many tests are needed? > If people who are incarcerated require quarantine and/or treatment, how will that be accomplished? > If medical staff must be quarantined or become ill, how will the facility monitor, quarantine and treat the prison or jail population? > If correctional staff must be quarantined or become ill, how
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will the facility operate, both in terms of addressing the virus and in terms of simply maintaining necessary services, safety, and security? > If incarcerated people must be quarantined or become ill, how will the facility continue necessary operations that are reliant on the prison or jail population, such as food preparation? > Are there particularly vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, or immunocompromised, and how can they be protected? > How will the facility meet the challenges of COVID-19 without
violating the rights of the people in its custody? People in government custody, including in prisons, jails, and civil detention, are often forgotten in emergencies. This creates unnecessary suffering and loss of life. We have the opportunity to take steps now to limit the spread of the virus in prisons, jails, and detention centers. But the time to act for the health of those incarcerated, and for the broader community, is now.
Art by Jory S. (NY)
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Black & Pink News
March/April 2020
A reminder to spend some extra time washing your hands during this time. Follow this diagram and sing along to "Defying Gravity" while you scrub you make sure your hands are as clean as can be.
Masking Your Feelings At times, we wear real masks to hide our faces, like when we dress up in a costume. Other times, we wear “imaginary masks” — the kinds that other people can’t see. Imaginary masks hide our feelings from other people. You are wearing an imaginary mask when you’re pretending to feel something that you don’t really feel. Examples of imaginary masks are: - Acting like everything is fine when it isn’t. - Saying you don’t care about something when you really do. - Pretending to be super nice when you’re really angry inside. - Acting angry when what you really feel is hurt. What masks do you wear that keep you from admitting to yourself that you have a problem with touching? On this page, draw the mask or masks that you wear to hide your feelings.
Resource: Steps to Healthy Touching.
CBT+
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Black & Pink News
March/April 2020
Letters from our Inside Family Hello there my LGBTQ+ community, my name is Jonathan also known as Shamrock. I’m a 33 year old gay white dude from Tennessee but currently housed in Edgefield SC FCI. Things here are not as bad as some of the other prisons that I have seen written about . Our community has around 16 that are out and 7 of those are girls, of course we can’t count all the closeted guys. We do have a few bigot officers here that talk down about a couple of the girls, but I personally haven’t seen it done to haven’t seen it done to the girls’ faces always behind their back. I pray for all of our LGBTQ+ community out there that their prison experiences do improve, but remember our actions in the system define us not as a single person but as a community. I’m currently waiting for my penpal form to arrive because sadly I get no outside mail really other than my mom three to four times a year. I’ll not go into all that at this time, well my family I bid you farewell and be safe. Jonathan (SC)”
L. AKA Shamrock
Dear Black & Pink siblings Major, major, major, major, major shout-out to Black and Pink and associates!!! For those who don’t know, on August 1st, 2019 B&P and associates attended a Boston Red Sox baseball game here in Boston
and hung a banner during the game seeking to abolish prisons. They were escorted from the game, but earned a world of love and respect. Go Black & Pink!!! P.S. In case you’re wondering, the Red Sox lost. Kelly L of DE (Sakinah) keep your head up girl and know that you’re not alone! Get at me if you desire to. You’ll always have a friend in me. Love always, Jerome T. Jerome T. (MA)
To my Black & Pink Family, I am a 47-year old African American bisexual male currently in Arizona Department of Correction. I got 7 1/2 in and got 14 more to go. Since I’ve been in prison in the state of Arizona, I’ve seen different people on all walks of life in the LGBTQ community. Some of the inmates welcome us as an individuals and some just don’t accept us. Although this is a safer yard to be who you are, there are some who pose as a predator to the youngsters. We as a LGBTQ community, as a whole are here to prevent any predatory act that pose a threat to one of our family members that is just fresh off the bus. I won’t allow this to happen. I guess you can call me the big brother of the family which is fine by me. But the other races both agree that it is wise to protect
our own as well. That made me feel good just to see different races in the LGBTQ community coming together as one to stop the predators from targeting us. I am writing you this letter to inform all the LGBTQ community across the State prisons that it doesn’t matte what race you are or what walks of life you are in. That we as a Family must stand together as a whole to fight what we are with Pride and Unity. I’d been gay since I was ten and I have my share of sexual assault and I’m here to pass it along that you are not alone and no matter what prison you are at, you are Family to me and my heart goes out to all my Brothers & Sisters in the LGBTQ communities. So take care and be safe. P.S. Is it any possible that you guys can set me up with a penpal? I will be more grateful. Love & Remember, Always & Forever Your Big Brother K. Jones (AZ) this letter contains discussions of rape/sexual assault, suicide, abuse and other traumas
Hello B+P family My name at birth was Wesley J. even though I was born with a penis and vagina. That fact was hidden from me until I was old enough to notice I was different looking “down there” than my brothers. When I asked my mother about it she was quick
Volume 11, Issue 2
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Letters from our Inside Family to change the subject. I began to abuse drugs and alcohol to hide the feelings I was having inside about who I was. When I was 10, my 15 year old cousin raped me after I told him that I was attracted to other boys and why. I kept it quiet until I was 13 and at rehab, my roommate and I began talking about why we started abusing. Our story was the same except he wasn’t raped by a male cousin it was his female cousin. We began a relationship that was almost too perfect. After 6 months he began to physically abuse me and was very controlling to the point I couldn’t even talk to my family or friends without him being there. I was too scared to leave him because he threatened to kill not only me but my mother as well. It ended about a week after my 15th birthday, we were at a party and he was snorting cocaine. I told him that I was leaving and he backhanded me so hard I blacked out. When I came to I was strapped naked to a bed with my partner and his friends standing around the room. He said to me, “This is how we keep a bitch in line around here.” So him and his friends gang raped me for what seemed like forever. To finish they inserted a baseball bat ripping me open and tossed me into an empty lot across town almost 1/2 mile from the hospital. A police officer saw me and rushed me to there. I woke up 3 days later in ICU and that is when I was told my vagina was sewn up due to severe tissue damage. My partner had committed suicide the day before I woke up. So I relocated to Texas
with my mother and hid what happened from everyone. I even got married to a woman 23 years my senior. We were married for 18 years until her death in 2013 just 4 days after my arrest for the charges I am incarcerated on now. While in jail I became cell-mates with an openly gay 19 year old white man. Although I prefer black men we began to engage in sexual activities. I was feeling myself doing so as the female I wasn’t allowed to be for 19 years. When I got to prison it wasn’t like county jail and I hid again to prevent being raped or killed. In 2017 I met the partner I have now. He has treated me like nobody else ever had, an equal. However in June 2019 we got separated because my job changed. He went wild and got locked up for smoking K2 and spitting on an officer. I talked the warden out of assigning him to 1 year isolation. But then he told the warden we were partners and had been for over 2 years. That is when the administration decided to keep us apart and during the last 2 1/2 months I have been raped by another inmate and verbally assaulted by security staff because I identify as female. My partner and I are being housed in separate barracks in the maximum security portion of our unit. I asked to move to a cell closer to his since my mental health has declined since our separation to the point I’ve contemplated suicide 3 times and my request was denied without proper reason why. My partner is currently working on a full exoneration of his 1981 conviction of 170
years given to him the day after his 17th birthday for rape, kidnapping, and robbery with no DNA or proof of penetration and no proper waiver of rights form was ever signed during his interrogation absent his mother or lawyer present. I thank you for allowing me to share my story and struggle. I would really love to be free with my partner but he has no legal assistance with his case so we can be. My name he gave me is Sierra Nikole. I welcome any and all letters and will answer as many as I can. Wesley Vieira 158205, PO BOX 970, Marianna, AR 72360. Love and Peace Sierra N. (AR)
I was running in the Dark chasing down a High, I did not CARE if I lived or if I would Die. The drugs took total control of my life, I didn’t CARE ABOUT my kids my family or wife. As I stood alone in the cold rain All I could feel was a numbing sort of PAIN. At Night I life in my bed Midnite MADNESS haunting MY HEAD, I found myself praying that I was dead. I was awoke by a knock on my door, I was laying naked on the floor. The HAND CUFFS were tight as cold was the Night I had once again been rescued from My suicidal Plight. Collins V. (CT)
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Black & Pink News
March/April 2020
Letters and Poetry from our Inside Family Respect:
“What does it look like to respect someone? You would imagine that this innocuous question has a simple answer. I would say that it all depends on your point-of-view. I would say that respecting someone looks like you had proper home training, that the foundation of a civilized society is well built upon your moral compass. Or you may just simply prefer not to out an ass. You could also say that this query would detail in it’s answer what the very building blocks of said foundation would entail. Such as good manners. Saying thank you, please and respectful request instead of demands. Either way, it is a look that if more of the world aspired to instead of fashion. Then we would all look better in everyone else’s eyes. Yekaterina W. P (CA)” “What Respect Looks Like To me, respecting someone looks like me. It looks like helping someone in need of meal or a dollar or a place to lay their head for the afternoon. Respect looks like sacrifice of time, effort and the desire to only think of self. It looks like love, patience
strength of convictions courage that withstands the test of time Respect looks like a heart filled with love because it cares for someone else. Respect looks like us. LGBT? Alfred J. M. aka Bear (CA)
What Does Respect Look Like To Me? There’s so many facets So many ways to show respect, Even though I aspire to -I haven’t mastered them yet. I learned by default To respect a woman’s no, It’s not a subliminal message That all systems go. Respect is a concept That’s constantly misunderstood, And it’s sad to say -- but it’s not considered Nearly as much as it actually should. Respect in its simplest form Is a lost art these days, It’s less about community And all about gettin’ paid. It’s not as fashionable As it used to be; To hell with you -It’s all about me. They say respect isn’t given
Respect is earned -But if it’s never shown to begin with Then how would one benefit in return. Respect is more than a tool Used to gain perspective, It’s empathetic method Used to implement social acceptance. The lack of respect could lead to destruction, But when it’s present -impossible is nothin’. We all can’t be doctors, lawyers, or scholars; I just wanna be heard They say respect isn’t given Respect is earned -But if it’s never shown to begin with Then how would one benefit in return. Respect is more than a tool Used to gain perspective, It’s empathetic method Used to implement social acceptance. The lack of respect could lead to destruction, But when it’s present -impossible is nothin’. We all can’t be doctors, lawyers, or scholars; I just wanna be heard, respected, and acknowledged. Respect for some people is too
Volume 11, Issue 2
much to ask -But it’s the first gift I extend, As opposed to the last. JM W (CA)
What is my life like now? My life now is not what i would have thought it would be. I grew up with the thought of not living as i am i’m happy to have been able to go through the things i’ve had to endure. My life to me is good because i’ve learned to love myself and not be so angry. I no that life in prison is not ideal for most it has helped me further my education. It has helped me grow into a better person. My life is what it is i am who i am i wouldn’t change anything in my life if i did then i wouldn’t be me. I’m a good person and i’m happy i’ve just stop being around negative people ☺ Davis (CA)
art by Jory S. (NY)
blackandpink.org
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unsanitary. Discrimination of color’s, Discrimination of wealth. A lot of great minds Passed to Put that bit on the shelf. They asked, where do I stand? I aid the discrepancy, punch lines of words literal weaponry. Razor wire, Fences, cages, this is insane! They might as well bring back the ball and chain. Listen, this isn’t to be taken lightly, so for a second disregard my humor, they never might for us to be free, its written in the Karma (PA) constitution this ain’t no rumor. Working me without pay and barely feed me, all parts of the poly in attempt to defeat Not A Dream me. Feeling like they want me to parish, they supply no Modern day slavery, there is no sustenance. reform. Courts give men life plus 30, I thought this system was built that’s death and then some. to rehabilitate a man, but yet What I’m gone die, come back they plague him degrade him and finish the sum? strike him down by there right Yeah!! That’s nefarious by all hand. means. That it became a custom, Reality, not a horrific dream. furthermore, customary. CL N. (FL)” Man! they playing the game so Cherish the love that is great, And never let It Go. Deep words of wisdom told to you To help you learn and grow. I keep in heart, those I love, I Love you. I Love you. I Love you. I thank the LORD GOD above for you My heart’s with you it’s true.
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March/April 2020
Black & Pink News
More Letters and Poetry from our Inside Family If there was an LGBTQ Superhero, what would they look like? What would their super power be? This took too much research in finding if one ever existed. I search on book after another, and still in more. I read, I persisted. I chose the Marvel Universe, for its depth of character and charm. But even they can’t tell the truth of their history, I found I was alarmed. Let’s take the similarities of the characters have all share the same name. Captain Marvel is just such a one, I tried to find the individual who was to blame. I first thought to have Captain Marvel as her mother, her father would be magneto. After I found 5 of them I felt it imperative I look for a different way to go. So her mother is Rachel Sumers, which was unique as she had a possible two moms. I moved on though, kept on Mr. Magneto, feeling Erik Magjust Lehnsherr still I good way to go. She’d inherit the ability to manipulate metal, through her Magnetic Vixen wiles. From mom a psychotic break, check the Phoenix Force from the secret files. She’d be educated and good mannered, saying please and thank you sir or ma’am. But at least I wouldn’t have her powers activate by
saying something corn like shazam.” ”I don’t know what my super hero would look like, but it would have a majestic and radiant glow -- one that would draw people to it, rather than away from it. It would be just as visible during the day as it would be in the night. My super hero would have a duality that believes and exercises inclusion, over division. It’s power would be one that strictly caters to the needs of kids. Cancer Ridden-Kids * Autistic Kids * Bullied Kids * Battered Kids * Homeless Kids * Kids of Divorce* Mentally Challenged Kids * Poverty Stricken Kids *Sexually Abused Kids * Abandoned Kids Physically Challenged Kids * Unpopular Kids *Lonely Kids * Kids Without Friends * Neglected Kids * Kids Addicted to Drugs I would rescue them from the evil, hate, and injustices of life and those that set out to purposefully harm and take advantage of them in any way. Too often we fail to listen to their cries, their pleas, ideas -- in their voice. They’re constantly bombarded with issues that shouldn’t concern them. The Tech-industry has given them a better chance at being heard and respected, but the scales
are still unbalanced -- and that needs to change. Sometimes kids make better adults than adults do. Go figure. Kids would know both the power and joy of LOVE -- if my superhero had it’s say… JM W. (CA)” My LGBTQ superhero would look like the person next door she wouldn’t have any facial features. Looks are not important for my superhero. Her super powers would be showing people how they look when they’re hurting others. When we show others how they look when they’re hurting others it makes them take a long look at themselves and do better. A superhero doesn’t have to hurt the people doing wrong but help them. The more people she helps the better the world will be. We are all LGBTQ superheroes because we all in some way every day help others, be it big or small. :) Davis (CA)
blackandpink.org
Volume 11, Issue 2
melanie cervantes, courtesy of justseeds.org
Send submissions to ABO Comix, PO Box 11584, Oakland, CA 94611
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Translation of text in above image: “With our hands we create the future.” We are a group of young men and women that don’t belong to any official or unofficial groups. We aim to collectively work for the present and a better future for our society. We aim to encourage humanitarian spirit and values, and support all that is positive/optimistic, by creating projects and activities, opportunities for volunteering. - ZAN studio (see bio page 11)
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2006 - ON: Millhaven Prison hunger strike & uprising
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2016 - Standing Rock: Sacred Stone Camp founded, an Indigenous sovereignty & treaty rights movement #NoDAPL
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1984 - Sekou Odinga gets life sentence for Brinks robbery
1914 – CO: Ludlow 1977 - Leonard Peltier massacre; National Guard convicted of killing 2 FBI attack striking coal miners agents & families
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1899 - Wardner, ID: 1,000 miners dynamite their mine protesting working 2000 - Coxsackie, NY: conditions Black Panther Albert Nuh Washington dies of cancer in prison
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“[…] my struggle and the struggles of where I’m coming from are similar to the struggles of people in places like El Salvador. They don’t want to take over the world or anything like that, they just want to improve their lot to the point where it’s livable and has some kinds of hope and some kinds of future to it. That’s all we were fighting for in the communities. It’s just a matter of realizing that your community is the same as their community, and that makes both of these communities our community.” - Tom Manning (Rest in Power)
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Volume 11, Issue 2
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Challenging Negative Thoughts Depression, poor self-esteem, and anxiety are often the result of irrational negative thoughts. Someone who regularly receives positive feedback at work might feel that they are horrible at their job because of one criticism. Their irrational thought about job performance will dictate how they feel about themselves. Challenging irrational thoughts can help us change them. Answer the following questions to assess your thought: Is there substantial evidence for my thought?
Is there evidence contrary to my thought?
Am I attempting to interpret this situation without all the evidence?
What would a friend think about this situation?
If I look at the situation positively, how is it different?
Will this matter a year from now? How about five years from now?
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” – William Shakespeare
© 2014 Therapist Aid LLC
Provided by TherapistAid.com
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Art by Olive Bias. "I drew Rattler's Canupa (sacred pipe) with the smoke from the bowl formed as a Rattler snake with bear paws on the stem of the pipe to honor his Lakota name, Mato Tanka (means Big Bear)."
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1954 - U.S. Supreme Court declares school segregation illegal
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2004 - Poet & activist Gloria Anzaldúa dies Nakba Day (Palestinian commemoration of the nakba (catastrophe) of 1948)
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1973 - shootout on NJ Turnpike leads to arrest of Assata Shakur and murder of Zayd Malik Shakur
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1996 - Abdul Haqq released from prison
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1974 - Reyes Martinez, Neva Romero, and Una Jaakola (first 3 members 2008 - 7 aboriginal of Los Seis de Boulder) leaders (KI6 & Bob killed in car bombing Lovelace) freed from jail after blocking mining on their land
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1974 - Florencio Granado, Heriberto Teran, Francisco Dougherty (second 3 members of Los Seis de Boulder) killed in car bombing
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My Strengths! A: 5 strengths I already had: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. B. Which strengths helped me deal with my trauma experience? t
C. New strengths I have because of the trauma experience: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. D. How I feel about these new strengths:
CBT+
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1989 - China: Tiananmen Square massacre
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International Day of Solidarity with Marius Mason
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1971 - Classified documents on Vietnam (Pentagon papers) released 1983 - Toronto: Bulldozer prison abolition journal raided by police
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1859 - San Quentin prison: Francisco Lalio leads mass breakout of Chicano & Indian prisoners. 40 escaped & 10 killed
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March/April 2020
Black & Pink News
Discovery Day (NFLD)
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What is true is that I have traded my freedom and everything I held dear in the free world for a chance at building a new world by resisting the old. I made many, many mistakes and some terrible decisions in that passionate quest. I am humbled by this, but not embittered. Because, if there is dialogue, reflection, and analysis—then perhaps there can be some worthwhile lesson found in my experience that could benefit any resistance movement in its growth. And it is that study of our collective history and legacy of struggle that helps me to see my efforts as a small stream joining that great river of change. brown speaks of this in her book; that we can learn to be like water, ever adapting to conditions and becoming what we need to be to push us forward towards freedom. - Marius Mason
Volume 11, Issue 2
Kindest Things 1) One of the kindest things I’ve done for someone is: buy 3 brothers, who happen to be my cousins a Nintendo game console – when it was popular. A couple of their friends had one and they were outsiders in a way…so I saved up some money and surprised them with one for Christmas one year Their dad passed away while they were still pretty young – so I devoted my life to them at that point to be a male figure they could trust, rely and depend on. I didn’t have a lot of money – I wasn’t very flashy – so I gave as much of myself to them as I could. And that Christmas is one I wanted to be memorable and special for them. Their mom, whom I love and respect dearly, didn’t have the funds to purchase one for them – so I took it upon myself to comfort her heart and be there for her and her children in a way that said….somebody loved and loves them! 2) The nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me is: The day of my 23rd birthday I was blessed with a beautiful/the most beautiful single red rose I ever saw from the woman I still love, but happened to end up killing unintentionally. It’s one of the fond memories I have that reminds me of when life and love was good for me. JM W. (CA)
blackandpink.org
There’s a lot of good things i’ve done for others as well as people have done for me. I don’t like to pick surface things because they don’t mean anything to me the things that matter to me is when i do something that makes a difference in someones life. One time since being here i lived inside in J-Wing and there was this older guy that this other guy was bothering. We were in the same dorm i was sleep the other guy came in started pushing on victor no one in the dorm said or did anything. I woke up after the dude left out Victor told me what happened i told the c/o let me out for noon meds once we did i went to the brother pushed him inside the barbers closet put hand on him then told him the next time i wont be so nice. A few months later i saw victor after come back from the hospital we were both in D-Dorm. I forgot that it was him he came to my bunk and we talked thats when he told me he has cancer. He has passed since up until he passed he always tried to give me stuff for what i did i would not take anything. One day he gave me some coffee i asked him for a spoon and he gave it to me i came back from work and there was a 16 oz. jar of coffee on my bad that he had gave me. I planned on giving it back to him while i was sleep he went man down so i had to hold on to it until come back he never did. I didn’t know how to take it
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then i realized that by keeping the coffee he got his blessing for it like i got mines for what i did. So i’ve learned to except something from people if or when i do something good for them cause being here you never no if that will be the last gesture they can do for anybody. Davis (CA) “Rainbow Love” What is Love? Love is Black & Pink, Love is two girls, Love is two guys, Love is the best of both worlds, Love is a boy that grows up to be a beautiful woman, Love is a girl that grows up to be handsome man, Love is two people becoming one in Heart, Soul, Body & Mind... Love is divine & has no judgments of other. Love is something that makes the heart beat fast & the soul strong! Love is the very reason we live or die, Die for the one we love & love the one we are willing to die for! Michael S. (NY)
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What’s my perfect life look like? My perfect life is a young child (me) being born into a loving household not being abused at a very young age. Being loved by both parents having the chance at a normal live in society with my twins staying away from gangs not being brain washed into thinking it’s alright to hurt people. I wouldn’t have been pressured to drop out of school and sell dope, gangbang. My family would be whole instead of broken the pain my mother had to endure from my dad everyday would not have happened. The pain I caused my mother by going out and committing crimes putting my live on the line always staying in harms way to prove tings to people who didn’t really love me. My heart would not have been broken my heart would not have been hardened. To think about it wouldn’t no the person those things didn’t happen to everything that happened to me made me into who I am today. I’m happy with my life because everything I had to endure made me see things and the world differently. Now I’m starting to love myself as well as who I’m becoming I would only exclude the pain the rest of my family went through even my father. I would take the hardships they went through in the end the things I went through helped me to be able to speak my mind as well as speak up for those who can’t. Davis (CA)
March/April 2020
Black & Pink News
I’m a simple man! But in some ways I don’t know if i can experience my perfect life in prison. There are far too many restrictions that are designed to strip people like myself in this position of their humanity. Truthfully I’m only alive now because of my desire to make amends for the life that I took, by saving or preventing someone that needs the push or incentive to keep them from fall victim to this fate or worse. I would love to have complete family of my own and share my life with a partner who desires to experience love on its deepest and highest level. That level will reach so much further than a sexual connection, more than animalistic lust, but a bond that unites the souls in a way that ends up being so strong in the ventures to the galaxies unknown to this universe; one that doesn’t end at death but continues past forever. The beauty of my partner is invisible to the naked and natural eye of mere humansbut comes into the view in cresses of one’s mind and intensifies in the beholder’s heart. Yeah, I know its one of those vision that fantasies and fairy tales are made of but if thats where i have to go to have it come to life - ill go as often as I desire. I don’t need all the finer things in life- just those intangible things that provide substance and illicit compassion. Finally my perfect life wouldn’t be one if it was void of me bringing joy to others just by being thoughtful, considerate,
appreciative, and genuinely caring. Spiritually and naturally balanced in a state of absolute contentment. JM W. (CA)
*MY DESTINY* Hear me scream, hear me roar, That’s all I’m askin’ for. And for those that feel I’m askin’ too much, I extend an apology -- and hope it’s enough. Now for all those that actually -care to listen, I thank you in advance -- for supportin’ my mission. I can’t continue living a lie, By oppressin’ and suppressin’ who I am in inside. I appear to be copin’ -- but under the surface, I’m mentally distressed -- and noticeably hurtin’. I’m crashin’, I’m burnin’, all at the same time, Strugglin’ to make sense of this life of mine. Regret has become my companion in chief, Yet every now and then -- I find temporal relief. What am I to do, with all of this pain? Why don’t you go back from whence you came! Suffering in this fashion, is too much on the brain,
Volume 11, Issue 2
They’ve gave me a number, and changed my last name. I get very little sleep -- but what’s abundantly clear, Is the feelin’ I get when I realize I’m still here. Asked you to listen ‘cause you never really know; My life, could be your life, or someone you know. It’s a miserable existence -- but I made my bed, Now I’m lyin’ in it -- dealin’ wit’ this shit in my head. I wasn’t made for this -- I’m livin’ proof, That’s why I’m fightin’ like hell to get back to my truth. I’d take my chances wit’ a bullet before I do this again, Locked in a cage -- just a means-to-an-end. High-tech jackin’ -- gettin’ rich off my misery, Yet they label me a criminal -- and wonder why they’re my enemy. Not all but some, tell me what am I to do, The corrupted outnumber ‘em -- they always do. They hold us to standards -they don’t even follow, And subject us to cruelty -that’s a hard pill to swallow. Just want a chance to redeem myself, And be a productive citizen like everyone else. Denounce this prophecy -- I
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want somethin’ more; Hear me scream, hear me roar -This is not the life… I was destined for! JM W. (CA)
The Shatter Dreams (fear and bold) Who I am? Is I’m you? What I become? God have me looking and holding two shatter dreams that transpire intimacy. But what do it mean; to transcend, to transform, When i transient individualist unconsciousness mind, to forsee the confiscate what forbidden us was fundamental in this fatherland, to intrigue through oblige natural by seducing me in the boundless place, without being afraid of their authentic self. because all things were, are, and will be out of one, through one and to one. But how can we explore the shadow side of our personality without incurring punishment or ostracism? Even without any invading rules and regulation, Even without any invading rules and regulation Even without reneging our companionship, Even without committed adultery
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when you have other committing incest, Even without discrimination, Even without given in to the temptation to shut off our mind. So what peoples procrastinate about? Because my sensibility gift can sense, see, hear, taste, smell and touch through your shatter dreams, to forecast it in the lights beyond your reasonable doubts by showing the world treacherous games through spiritual bonding connection inside you. by ZB
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March/April 2020
Black & Pink News
Gratitude Journal Keeping a journal of the things you’re grateful for has been shown to have a powerful effect on mental wellbeing. Among other benefits, journaling about gratitude reduces stress, increases happiness, and improves self-esteem. Instructions: Two times a week, write a detailed entry about one thing you are grateful for. This could be a person, a job, a great meal with friends, or anything else that comes to mind.
Journaling Tips • Don’t rush to write down the first thing that comes to your mind. Take time to truly think about what you’re grateful for. Expect each entry to take between 10-20 minutes. • Writing about the people who you’re grateful for tends to be more powerful than writing about things. • Explain, in detail, why you’re grateful. For example, if you’re grateful for a friend who is nice, describe what they do that’s nice, and why that makes you grateful. • Aim for two solid entries each week. Keep your journal somewhere you’ll see it, and plan when you can write. Set an alarm on your phone if you might forget.
Journaling Prompts Note: The use of prompts is optional. Feel free to write about anything for which you are grateful.
Someone whose company I enjoy…
A fun experience I had…
The best part about today…
An act of kindness I witnessed or received…
A reason to be excited for the future…
Someone I can always rely on…
A valuable lesson I learned…
Something I can be proud of…
Someone who I admire…
An unexpected good thing that happened…
Something beautiful I saw…
An experience I feel lucky to have had…
© 2017 Therapist Aid LLC
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Provided by TherapistAid.com
Volume 11, Issue 2
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Gratitude Journal Entry #1
Date:
Entry #2
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Š 2017 Therapist Aid LLC
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March/April 2020
Black & Pink News
Call for Submissions Seeking erotic short stories, poems, and art by Black & Pink incarcerated and free-world family members for a new zine. To be mailed, art cannot include full nudity. Please send submissions addressed to Black & Pink — HOT PINK. This is a voluntary project, and no money will be offered for submissions, but you might get the chance to share your spicy story with many other readers! The zine will be sent one or two times per year. To subscribe to upcoming issues of HOT PINK, write to our address, Black & Pink — HOT PINK.
Black & Pink Mailing Information Write to us at: Black & Pink — [see table below] 6223 Maple St. #4600 Omaha, NE 68104 Please note that you can send multiple requests/ topics in one envelope! Due to concerns about consent and confidentiality, you cannot sign up other people for the newspaper. However, we can accept requests from multiple people in the same envelope. There’s no need to send separate requests in more than one envelope.
If you are being released and would still like to receive the Black & Pink News, please let us know where to send it! Mail info: We are several months behind on our mail. There will be a delay, but please keep writing! Email us: members@blackandpink.org
If you would like to request:
Address the envelope to:
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Black & Pink — General
Newspaper Submissions — Stories, Articles, Poems, Art
Black & Pink — Newspaper Submissions
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Black & Pink — Feedback
Black & Pink Religious Zine
Black & Pink — The Spirit Inside
Advocacy Requests (include details about the situation and thoughts about how calls or letters might help)
Black & Pink — Advocacy
Submit to or request Erotica Zine
Black & Pink — HOT PINK
Stop Your Newspaper Subscription
Black & Pink — STOP Subscription
Welcome to Lydon House! Black and Pink has opened the first LGBTQ2S+ housing space in the state of Nebraska! Lydon House will be a fixture in Black and Pink’s TRANSitions program, which helps to provide safe housing and support for formerly incarcerated transgender women. Lydon House’s primary role is to serve as a community space for queer and trans people; it will also feature a library and meditation space, as well as room for therapy appointments, and office space for Black and Pink staff. Tenants will live in the three bedrooms upstairs. The spacious backyard provides room for outdoor meditation and a garden.
ABOVE: Ribbon cutting at Lydon House, from left to right, Rev. Jason Lydon, Johannes Wilson, Dominique Morgan, David Booth, Mayor Jean Stothert, Senator Megan Hunt, Melian Rocheleau, Omaha councilmember Ben Gray. BELOW: An image of the inviting inside of Lydon House. The house will serve as community space for queer and trans people. (Photos by Demo Lives)
art by Dave Loewenstein courtesy of justseeds.org
