Since the last inmate testimony we published on 7.4.19 regarding the inhumane conditions in Roanoke City Jail (RCJ), we’ve received updates from 2 incarcerated workers there, and it sounds like we got a win *even if temporary*! However; it is worth reminding ourselves that humane conditions (including the basic means of sanitation) are minimum requirements for all people, on the inside and outside, and if RCJ or any jails/prisons cannot maintain those permanently then they need to be shut down and people released. And honestly that needs to happen regardless, as most the crimes people are locked up for shouldn’t be crimes, and even for the most atrocious and damaging crimes (rape, murder, etc) jails don’t help anything.
Here’s the message a newer inmate sent us on 7.19.19:
“I appreciate the concern about the people on this side. For the longest we were forced to live in foul and unsanitary conditions. No toilets in our cells, locked down for hours without being allowed to use the restrooms, black mold in our shower areas, no sprinkler systems or escape plans in case of a fire, no emergency intercom systems in our cells in case of a emergency. I know the people who were in contact with your organization. Because of their and your work the majority of us have been moved to another floor where these problems do not exist. Even though it is not by any means okay that we and other people have had to endure the environment we were forced to live in. There are too many deaths here for such a small population of people. There is too much funding for us to have been housed and fed the way we were. I wish there was a way for the people who allowed this torture and inexcusable living standards to continue for so many years to be held responsible for their actions and for the ones who endured it to be granted some type of relief. I feel it may never happen. We are housed by thugs with badges who have designed a system to protect those under its umbrella. But I thank you and anyone who had a voice in this for your work, it has paid off and gotten us better living standards.
Power to the people”
Here’s the letter from the inmate whose testimonies we’ve previously published, which was sent on 7.22.19:
“We the inmates of Roanoke City Jail would like to thank Roanoke Jail Solidarity for giving us a voice. Because of your efforts through our brother Eric Price we have made a statement in which stands to overcome mistreatment of us as inmates.
Although this is a temporary situation, we are grateful for everyone who has been a part of this effort. Thank you to our bloggers, viewers and sharers. Be it positive or negative you also help bring light to a ongoing cause.
For those who I cannot name, to safeguard anonymity. Yet you know who you are! Without you we would have never been able to get this thing off the ground. Our mutual friends, we pray for you and hope to see you soon in the future.
We are forever grateful and will continue in our efforts to promote peace, equality, and justice for those who have been injusticed.
All power to the people!
Thank you,
– Roanoke City Jail Inmates”
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