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<h2><a
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title="Last Menard hunger striker calls for a new generation of
warriors">Last Menard hunger striker calls for a new generation
of warriors</a></h2>
<div class="date">June 25, 2014</div>
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<p><em><strong>by Joseph Tillman</strong></em></p>
<p>First and foremost I wish to thank you for the support and many
efforts put forth, not only for us, but for many that endure the
daily injustices of prison. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said,
“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”</p>
<p>There is so much going on in our struggle. It is easy to feel
defeated or just plain tired. Reading the many articles by people
everywhere made me come to the realization that I/we are not as
alone as we sometimes feel. It was beyond uplifting to hear how
people are fighting, while it helped to boost the morale of many.</p>
<p>It was also saddening and humbling. It was sad to see so many of
us fighting the same fights for what seems like forever, humbling
to come to the realization that I am a pawn in this struggle,
meaning it is so much bigger than me and my problems. The
systematic, old-fashioned oppression that we suffer has taken its
toll and left many unwilling to fight, which is also sad.</p>
<p>I participated in the Menard hunger strike and I actually was the
last to come off. The hardest part was not not eating but having
to notify my loved ones that I may die while trying to make them
understand this is worth my life.</p>
<p>During the period of the hunger strike, I thought out a lot of
things, yet I’ve not been able to stop thinking, “This is our
turn, our fight.” The men and women who came before us fought
bravely and courageously for many things!</p>
<p>However, the plight that is handicapping our generation is mass
incarceration. While we’re not being sent out to the fields, we
are being used as slaves. It does not matter your race, religion,
sexual orientation, crime or anything else.</p>
<p>If you are in prison, you are a slave. Once you are released with
that “X” on your back, it’s your “mark.” It shows that you belong
to the unworthy, downtrodden dregs of society. I question, though,
is it because we have accepted those terms in and on our lives?</p>
<p>We must be the new generation of warriors to demand our rights. I
watch as many have relinquished their manhood and humanity to be
seen as the animals that “they” would have us be perceived as. We
do have a voice.</p>
<p>We also have the spirit of warriors inside all of us. We are
still alive and well, despite their attempts to still our minds
and quiet or silence our thoughts. I simply want to remind
everyone that we have a purpose. We are pawns, pawns for our
children and futures.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800000;">The
plight that is handicapping our generation is mass
incarceration. While we’re not being sent out to the fields, we
are being used as slaves. It does not matter your race,
religion, sexual orientation, crime or anything else. If you are
in prison, you are a slave.</span></h3>
<p>It took a while for me to realize I was not alone, that we in
Menard are not alone. I see in us the capabilities to change the
landscape. It will not be overnight and the hard work and
dedication will be endless. But for our future it is well worth
it.</p>
<p>At some point we all have to decide what in life we are willing
to stand for, to give the ultimate sacrifice. I don’t look for
everyone to agree with me. I look for those who seek change to
stand up and voice their opinion and do what’s necessary to bring
forth the changes they seek.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800000;">We
also have the spirit of warriors inside all of us. We are still
alive and well, despite their attempts to still our minds and
quiet or silence our thoughts.</span></h3>
<p>This is hard, yet it is not a losing battle. We simply must take
our turns in being held accountable! I repeat, it will not be
easy, comfortable or the like. It remains. It must be done.</p>
<p>I do not agree with the assessment of who they say we are. I was
incarcerated at the age of 16. I am now 30 and counting! It scares
me to think I can be one of the people content with the
circumstances in which we are made to exist.</p>
<p>I’m no Malcolm, Martin, Huey or none of the awesome leaders of
and before our time. But I will be Joseph. That’s all I can
encourage everyone to be: yourself.</p>
<p>As we look to the past, for example, let’s also realize today is
a new day. We must be innovative. Most of all, we must stick
together. We are truly all we have!</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800000;">At
some point we all have to decide what in life we are willing to
stand for, to give the ultimate sacrifice. I don’t look for
everyone to agree with me. I look for those who seek change to
stand up and voice their opinion and do what’s necessary to
bring forth the changes they seek.</span></h3>
<p>It takes for us to do our part for anyone else to get involved.
Do not be deceived into thinking the color of someone’s skin makes
a difference once you are behind the walls.</p>
<p>The only way we can get free is if you and we see the space
between the bars and let that be our focus. Lead by example and
let’s try to pull our younger brothers and sisters up, as someone
will have to continue the struggle!</p>
<p>I thank all for the support and if you want to lend a hand or
talk … whatever, I’m here. We need all the support and
encouragement we can get. All those who have been supporting, you
are invaluable and we love you. Words cannot explain.</p>
<p>Hope my words and thoughts have helped boost morale.</p>
<p><em>Send our brother some love and light: Joseph Tillman,
R-40962, P.O. Box 1000, Menard, IL 62259.</em></p>
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