The Jay Act: Our Rebellion, Our Revolution

This morning has been silent. And I am grateful to have been able to see yet another sunrise, even if it's only with one eye. I have known some good men whose eyes have been permanently closed, who would never witness another sunrise. Their lights have been extinguished and their voices forever silenced. I think about Terry Cooper Jr., Robert Brooks, Raul Nunez, Messiah Nantwi, Tyran Taylor, and so many others that were placed in a carceral system that killed them by system-enabled violence or medical neglect.

As the silence lingers, I contemplate on the language we use concerning our efforts to change the structural inequities of our criminal justice system. I sincerely disagree when we constantly state that this system is broken. On the contrary, this system operates exactly how it was designed.

Designed to separate families.

Designed to warehouse human bodies.

Designed to steal, rape, and kill the human spirit.

Designed to propagate and indoctrinate falsehoods that incarcerated citizens are nothing more than the dregs of society.

However, for those who think we are nothing more that what is negatively portrayed, I challenge you to come see for yourselves what actually occurs in these places. I challenge you to come get to know society's boogeymen. I challenge you to look for truth and humanity in prisons across this country where genocide occurs without accountability.

It is hypocritical for our elected officials to point out the gross practices of foreign entities all the while turning a blind eye to the horrors that are committed against American citizens in the shadows of the American prison system.

The Jay Act Advocacy and Legal Reform Initiative is here as a voice for the voiceless. We fight and protect those who cannot fight and protect themselves. We will use all legal, media, and political avenues and resources to ensure we receive the care we are entitled to.

I must admit, after losing my eye to deliberate medical indifference I see more clearly. My focus has never been more acute.

We deserve dignity.

The Jay Act is our rebellion. This is our revolution!

In solidarity and love. May Allah bless you all.

Jose "Jay" Rodriguez