Editor's Note: Z recounts his journey from being incarcerated at 19 years old to being resentenced and released. His wife, Celisha, recounts her journey of finding participatory defense and advocating for her husband. The Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition and Los Angeles Participatory Defense hub worked with Z and Celisha, fighting for his freedom.
First, I would like to thank my wife and the Participatory Defense team, for supporting and believing in me throughout this journey. To Emily and Leana, I want to say thank you for all the support, advice, and the full court press for my release. We did it!
My journey started in 2006 when I was sentenced to 24 years for 2nd degree armed robbery. I couldn't breathe under that type of pressure at that time. Like how do you accept a reality you can't even understand? I was immediately sent to a maximum security level 4 prison, Corcoran State Prison. At that time, Corcoran was known for its corruption and violence. I was 19 years old at the time and I didn't know how to express my emotions outside of aggression and violence. I couldn't cope with the reality of my existence, so I didn't. I subconsciously distracted myself with the politics and chaos of prison, thus hindering myself from actually growing as a man.
Blessings come in many forms. My blessing was my wife. She has been a beacon of hope since she stepped into my life. Not only did she challenge me mentally, she forced me to step outside of my pain and see the truth of who I am as a man. And that blessing in itself helped me correct a lot of maladaptive thinking and behaviors that were opposite of who I truly am. Through lots of soul searching and self-correcting, I have been able to set healthy goals to improve my life. I've taken self-help courses, conquered my GED and through “positive programing,” I was approved for the Male's Community Reentry Program (MCRP).
During my time there, I've graduated from college construction school (CEI), enrolled in college for addiction counseling and continue my quest for freedom. Thanks to Emily and Leana who have been relentless in fighting for my resentencing. We finally made it happen. I was resentenced to 19 years and 8 months which is 4 years off my original sentence. The resentencing ultimately resulted in time served.
Thank you again to the Participatory Defense team for advocating with my wife to get my life back started. It would be an honor to hopefully one day join your organization to help others achieve their freedom.
Sincerely,
Z
A message from Celisha:
I heard of participatory defense from listening in on one of the groups I followed that advocate for families impacted by incarceration. I first reached out to Cecilia at De-Bug and was recommended to work with the Los Angeles hub since my husband was sentenced in LA. I was then connected to Sister Warriors, formerly known as Young Women's Freedom Center (The Participatory Defense Hub in Los Angeles is facilitated by Sister Warriors and previously the Young Women’s Freedom Center).
When I joined the group I was accepted and supported. I was provided information on completing my husband's social bio packet and the group created a connection with his assigned public defender where we virtually had meetings to discuss his case and possible resentencing avenues. Having worked with Emily for years on the case, I can confidently say that they are very resourceful, supportive, understanding and a force to be reckoned with. With the support, resources, letters and collaboration received from Emily and Leana, my husband was resentenced to time served and released within two weeks of his resentencing. Reflecting on the process, I have great gratitude for the participatory defense hub and the immense amount of support they provide. I felt seen and heard every week we met even if there were no major updates and changes. The level of care and desire for change the hub leaders have is incredible. Emily and Leana were truly advocating for positive change for my husband while working through the challenges of the prison and court system.
My husband has now been home for 3 months and it has been an experience we are more than grateful for. We are still attending participatory defense meetings just in case we are able to be of any support to others as they had been to us.
For anyone who may read this, I want you to know that I've had very hard moments of feeling the world is caving in and that nothing is moving because, let's be honest, the prison system can make families of incarcerated persons feel hopeless at times. However, I am more than grateful that I found the hub and they helped keep me hopeful and that along with the support they provided led to the resentencing. Never give up!
**Z was also featured on the Post P Chronicles podcast where he talked more about his journey and transition back home. The podcast can be viewed below!
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