Justice Delivered - Humanity Denied

America watched the painful slow death of George Floyd on TV. Black Americans knew he was in serious trouble when George Floyd was surrounded by and ultimately held down by multiple police. As Black Americans, we know there is a huge cost to be stopped by the police. We know you can lose your life in a matter of minutes dealing with law “enforcement.” Many of us also know of friends or family members who did not die before or during an arrest, but were mistreated after their arrest or during their stay in jail or prison. We often think of our male relative or friend who has endured the negative treatment of incarceration. 

What about our female relatives or friends? Do you know of any women who have been incarcerated and have been bullied by their guards or wardens? You may have heard of a story from someone you know. Do you consider the mistreatment as a part of their just punishment or is that a separate consideration? I am not sure how to address, let alone, fix the “systemic injustice” system. However, harsh conditions within the prison system have become normal, and in some cases, expected punishment tacked on to the prisoner’s sentence. Is this a fair assessment for those who have been incarcerated? Watch Auntie Hour’s next episode to hear Freya Pearson’s experience of incarceration plus harsh treatment when faced with normal human needs. 

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