Roxanne B.’s Story
- Gender: Female
- State: Texas
Excerpt of Letter
Hello!
My name is Roxanne B. I am interested in joining the #EndTheException campaign. I will answer the question you had listed.
- What work do you do and how do you feel about it? My job title is ‘material handler’ a fancy name for a messy job. The ‘material’ I handle is the units’ left over food after feeding chow. I deal with the slop. Its a very dirty, messy job that requires strength because it does a lot of wear and tear on the body. Many nights I fall asleep with a stiff back and neck. All for what? I dont get paid, but I have no choice to work like this, for 10hrs a day (4 days on, 3 days off), because I want to make parole.
- What would you want someone who hasn’t been incarcerated to know about prison slavery?
What is the means of this punishment? Where is the rehabilitation in this? A lot of us will be released one day yet dont know what it's like to work and be rewarded with pay. To learn to support yourself and manage money are two major keys to succeed, yet prison doesn’t help you in that area. - When you read the Abolition Amendment, how does it make you feel?
I thought, ”YES! This is exactly what i’ve been praying for!” There is no purpose here in prison when you cant even make some kind of wage to support yourself! We are forced to work in extreme cold, rain, heat… with nothing in return, so my soul and heart became very hopeful when I read about this Abolition Amendment. - Do you want to be an active member of the campaign? If so, what role do you want to play in the campaign?
Yes, I want to be an active member, I would love to be a part of this greatness! As far as what role… a organizer, educator or even a spokesperson interest me. I would just like more information on each role and what is required of me. - Do you or others in your facility listen to a regular prison radio show?
I wish we had one! If we did, I would def tune in!
{Here is another lady interested in joining: Nancy [redacted]
Thank you for this opportunity to let me help in anyway possible! I’ll be eagerly waiting to hear back from you!!
God bless and take care!
Sincerely,
Roxanne
“My job title is “material handler,” a fancy name for a messy job. The “material” I handle is the unit’s leftover food after feeding chow. I deal with the slop. It’s a very dirty, messy job that requires strength because it does a lot of wear and tear on the body. Many nights I fall asleep with a stiff back and neck. All for what? I don’t get paid, but I…work like this, for 10 hours a day...”
