For Black History Month, An Open Letter to My Brothers and Sisters, In and Out of Prison
By Colie Levar Long
In this polarizing time of public safety concerns regarding the rise in crimes perpetrated by young Black and Brown children, Black History Month in particular holds a profound significance in the realm of criminal justice reform, serving as a crucial catalyst for addressing many of the systemic inequities that allow for young people from underserved communities to choose a life crime. You see, as a former youth offender myself, I understand the redemptive quality of honoring the legacy of those who fought for our rights in the past, to help advance social justice issues that currently plague us in these days of civil unrest. This observance of Black excellence provides an essential platform that recognizes the historical struggles and contributions of Black individuals in the United States, while shedding light on the persistent disparities within the criminal justice system.
On a more personal note, I am grateful to be featured in a documentary produced by FAMM entitled “District of Second Chances,” which will be screened on February 15 during Black History Month in Los Angeles. It’s such an honor to be a part of this film, which critically examines the historical roots of injustice and oppression that continue to shape the sentencing laws in D.C., as well as the criminal justice landscape here in the U.S. today.
From slavery to segregation to the mass incarceration era, African Americans have faced disproportionate levels of policing, prosecution, and imprisonment throughout American history. Through my lived experience of growing up in an overly policed/underserved community, I have firsthand knowledge of the malignant effects of the school-to-prison pipeline, which played a factor in many of us getting incarcerated in the first place.
After serving over 26 years in prison with some of the most brilliant, generous-hearted, and solid men of character, I felt compelled to share my story of gaining a second chance at life as a free man. This way, maybe I could shed light on other deserving men and women looking for a new lease on life and help non-justice-impacted individuals gain a deeper understanding of the structural barriers that have perpetuated inequality within the criminal justice system.
I know my role as a returning citizen is not only one as an agent of change, but also as an ambassador for those of you who remain behind bars, who have made tremendous changes in your everyday lives inside the carceral system. It’s my duty to honor this Black History Month even though historically, Black Americans have been underrepresented in positions of power and authority within the criminal justice system, resulting in biased decision-making and discriminatory practices. And this is why I am equally honored to be a part of FAMM, as they work to celebrate the achievements of all returning citizens and advocate greater inclusivity and fairness within all facets of the criminal justice system.
Yet FAMM’s work would not be possible without all the hard work that you who are in prison do in maintaining your humanity inside one of the most inhumane places in existence. I honor all of you for tapping into the strength of our ancestors and continuing to fight to live a life of substance while serving life sentences.
So as I do my part to represent myself as your brother in this ongoing struggle, I will forever be cognizant that this Black History Month provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of those impacted by poverty and antiquated sentencing laws, and advocate meaningful policy changes, such as police accountability measures, prison justice reform, and community-led alternatives to incarceration.
You can learn more about Colie’s story in “District of Second Chances,” FAMM’s new documentary film.
