As the White House desperately tried to stoke patriotism by parading U.S. tanks in the streets of D.C., and we were encouraged by conservatives, liberals and capitalists alike to celebrate another year of a nation built on slavery, genocide, and colonization… and as even pediatricians and Congresspersons are affirming details of the continued crimes against humanity that ICE is carrying out against immigrant/indigenous kids & adults in concentration camps along the border… an incarcerated worker in Roanoke City Jail was writing us, sending an insightful and maybe-not-coincidental reminder that whether undocumented or citizen, whether concentration camps, federal prisons, or city jails: law enforcement under a capitalist state does not serve the people nor care about humanity; its job is literally to protect the system, which itself is barbarism. These are their words:
“To my fellow bloggers, viewers, and sharers alike: be it positive or negative, thank you for the support and feedback. I want you to know that the oppression is not over. I want you to know that what’s happening behind these walls is catastrophic. I want you to be aware of the inhumane treatment as inmates we continue to endure. This is far beyond a resolution. This is a revolution and a call to the lawmakers and justices of the land. This is a call for affirmative action.
You’re already aware that Roanoke City Jail has one of the highest jail suicide rates. You are already aware of the Clifton Harper’s and the Jeffrey Lee’s who have lost their souls in this facility. You are aware that they are still locking us in cells without toilets and intercoms by deputies like Lt. Lanning.
Are you aware of the fact that 3 women overdosed on the 2nd floor in April? Are you aware of the foul play amongst Roanoke’s own Sheriff’s Department? I have witnesses to the trafficking of drugs in and out this facility. I have proof of inmates being abused and beat beyond recognition. Names, dates, and times that will be made public when the time is right. These are not isolated incidents; this is a conspiracy, one that is happening all across the state of Virginia. Are you woke? Are you aware? Are you listening? Are you hearing me.
John Marshall Higgins (Rockbridge Co.), Vernie Francis Jr. (South Hampton), Tony Pham (Newport News), Lauren Bedard (Fluvanna Co.), Tim Allen (Roanoke City). How many more shall I name? What is the 411 because obviously 911 is not the answer!
I have sent letters to Mark Herring, asking him to investigate. I have wrote the ACLU, NAACP, DOJ and countless other entities throughout the community. Yet to no avail have they responded. So I ask you, the public, the friends and family of the inmates being victimized, to stand. Let it be known and lift your voice. Let it be known that there is a conspiracy and crime syndicate right in the very backyard of your home. What is it gonna take? A mass casualty or macabre news report? A call from the city jail telling you that your loved one has died and won’t be home for the holidays?
What’s next Roanoke? What’s next?”
Contact Roanoke Jail Solidarity if you have a loved one locked up in a local jail, and/or if you’d like to organize to demand that incarcerated workers at the very least have humane living conditions!
E-mail/Smart Jail Mail: roajailsol@protonmail.com
Facebook.com/groups/RoanokeJailSolidarity
Phone: (540) 404-2023