9-15-2021

To whom this may concern:

My name is Tamina H. Currently doing life sentences at [redacted] in [redacted], TX.

This is in response to questions that were sent to me. This is my own personal experiences and opinions of my life on this side of the razor wire.

1. What I do and how I feel about it? I’m a folder in laundry. It's a mindless job that doesn’t give me any job training, pay, respect and again mindless. 
2. I wish people did know about prison slavery especially in Texas!
3. Abolition Amendment would be amazing but I feel we're far from that goal in reality.
4. Do I want to be an active member? From in here or out there? If I did choose to be whom will I work with in there?
5. I do not listen regularly to prison shows but I did write to a prison show looking for civil rights lawyers (90.1 in Houston)

Let me tell you I’ve had almost every job in this unit. I loved most of my bosses and the job it entailed because I was treated like a human. We have a day program called [illegible] Paws. We train dogs how to be service dogs for veterans. They (free world people) act like they are professional with interviews an such, but they [illegible] through emails. They make up reasons to dismiss us. Me [illegible] not work a dog like I was asked to. I’m new to the program and have 4 dogs myself. Really! Oh-it's really because I look boyish and I call the two mentors out on their shit. The instructor never said anything. If I told you how the dogs are treated and how rarely an officer [illegible]. Not just any officer but the officer over that program actually was never there and lacked of ability herself you’d be mad and outraged how things were done. 

Texas basically says why pay inmates we give them work and good time but really those are only un-aggravated crimes. Once agg always agg, so don’t come back! If we dont do the jobs who will? If we dont do the jobs, what trainings will we get? Plus men get everything! Good jobs and training! Females we barely are offered anything. Even then (an example) welding class teaches you basics but you dont apply it. You have females going through the motions of it for a vocational for parole. They’ll never use it. 

You know they changed three Texas Prisons names because they were plantation owners and that meant slave owners. But we're still slaves and a new slave owner is on it. It's modern day slavery. Why even associate oneself with this institution unless you believe in slave labor!

Most officers are unprofessional but the few who are and treat us like humans it's a mutual respect. How easy it is to take our jobs too, it's outrageous. Like a person can’t make a mistake. Or God forbid you know more then a boss!

Anyways, if you know any civil rights lawyers please send them my way. I don’t see hope for my own case but I might as well fight while im here. 

Tamina H.

Feel free to write back.