If you have a loved one who is warehoused on a concrete plantation, you know the pain. If you know someone who has someone behind that wire, you know of the pain. There is a pain of not knowing what is going on in there that is tortuous. Much of what we see portrayed in movies and in the news is unfortunately very accurate. For many mothers, these images keep you in a state of anxious anticipation. 

I work with mothers of incarcerated persons on a daily basis and the hardest part for us is the not knowing. Whether they are guilty or innocent, and yes there ARE innocent people in those cages, they have people that love them. People that constantly worry about the violence and abuse. Worry about the neglect of their basic human rights, which include sunshine, air, clean water and human interaction. 

When you do not hear from your loved one for days upon days, there is a level of fear that causes your heart to skip beats. These experiences are perfect examples of why a "FAMILY LIAISON" is so necessary. Someone that we can reach AT ALL TIMES to be informed of that what and the whys that we have questions about.

I know that some people have tired of my advocacy for incarcerated persons and their families, but I will not stop. As long as the United States had the highest # of incarcerated persons in the wall, I will not stop. As long as we, especially here in the State of Maryland, are handing out these atrociously long prison sentences. I will not stop. As long as there are mothers and families hurting and unheard, I WILL NOT STOP.

Sign this petition and share it. Then email: dpscs.secretaryscruggs@maryland.gov with your thoughts. There is STILL MUCH WORK TO BE DONE.