[Pnews] Last Menard hunger striker calls for a new generation of warriors

[Prisoner News]

    Last Menard hunger striker calls for a new generation of warriors
    <http://sfbayview.com/2014/last-menard-hunger-striker-calls-for-a-new-generation-of-warriors/>

June 25, 2014
*http://sfbayview.com/2014/last-menard-hunger-striker-calls-for-a-new-generation-of-warriors/*

/*by Joseph Tillman*/

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."

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.


      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.

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.

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.


      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.

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.

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.

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.

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!


      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.

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.

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!

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.

Hope my words and thoughts have helped boost morale.

/Send our brother some love and light: Joseph Tillman, R-40962, P.O. Box 
1000, Menard, IL 62259./

-- 
Freedom Archives 522 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110 415 
863.9977 www.freedomarchives.org
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