Monthly Archives: March 2012

Shared by Anonymous

My sister is incarcerated. Now I have a niece to care for and I have to also handle another household, along with fees and attending court.

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Shared by Marsha

My husband is incarcerated, it has impacted me tremendously. I am a mother of six kids; I am overwhelmed. Now when I need a break I cant take one. I visit him every week.

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Shared by Joel

Family is everything to me. Its what gives sustenance and beauty to life. It is the essence of our culture. I am african and that is a statement without explanation. My people have always been people of an extended family. That reality should be perpetuated by us all. Family is beautiful, it is who I be, the reflection of my African diaspora.   I write my family. Even if they dont write me back, because regardless, I love them! I call them. Regardless of how much it costs me, because their voices are unparalleled to anything I have heard or felt. I love them. Regardless of whether they love me back, because my tears for them are genuine. I long for them. All of the time. And that reality is what I remember (to do, think, and react to) before I commit the next crime. My greatest suggestion is that people recognize that love will find a way. And the only way for Love to find a way is to leave a door open. Never close the door. Whether you are in home, or in prison, you must always stay focused. In my heart I truly believe that. Stay focused and the future is up to us.

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Shared by Anonymous

I’m scared for my son and any future children I may have. I’m also concerned about the young men and fathers to be, for their children. My nephew who is 22 is currently incarcerated for 10 years for assault and attempted murder. Knowing that he is alone in there, I feel bad, and scared for him. I would visit him if I could. (only immediate family is allowed) I want him to know that he isn’t forgotten and that he is still loved.

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Shared by Joanne

In response to these facts: Did you know? One in every 28 adults were in prison, jail, or in probation or parole in PA in 2009 (Pew Report, 2009) There are more than 1.7 million children in the United Stated with an incarcerated parent including one in 15 African American children, one in 42 Hispanic children and one in 111 caucasian children. (The Sentencing Project 2009) Over half of incarcerated fathers reported that they were the primary source of financial support for their children prior to their incarceration. (Glaze and Maruschak Incarceration and the Family: A review of Research and Promising Approaches for Serving Fathers and Families, 2008) These facts are horrible. The U.S. is leading the world in mass incarcerations and spending virtually northing on diplomacy and peace building.  

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Shared by Carlos

My boyfriend is in prison. I was incarcerated once, I feel scared for him because of all the things that happen in there. I cannot visit him because I am on probation.    

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Shared by Keith

Incarceration affects more than families, it affects society and the innocent. I feel for anybody who has been a victim. Hopefully rehab can cure a person’s sins.

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Shared by Anonymous

I have 2 sons and a brother in prison currently. My Grandfather and other brother died in prison. Plus another two brothers who spent the majority of their lives in prison.   It impacts me tremendously.

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Shared by Alicia

In response to the following facts: Did you know? One in every 28 adults were in prison, jail, or in probation or parole in PA in 2009 (Pew Report, 2009) There are more than 1.7 million children in the United Stated with an incarcerated parent including one in 15 African American children, one in 42 Hispanic children and one in 111 caucasian children. (The Sentencing Project 2009) Over half of incarcerated fathers reported that they were the primary source of financial support for their children prior to their incarceration. (Glaze and Maruschak Incarceration and the Family: A review of Research and Promising Approaches for Serving Fathers and Families, 2008) These facts make me feel that my brother, as an inmate, does not have total control of his life incarcerated.

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Shared By Anonymous

Having an incarcerated family member makes me appreciate my freedom and value family, because you never know when you can lose them to jail or death.

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Stained Glass Progress

Here are some progress shots of the glass work that is going on in my studio, as well as a few shots of the mural in progress both in the studio and at workshops. (originally posted on 3/20/12 @ blog.ericokdeh.com)

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