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JACOB
CONROY the SHAC7
SUPPORT FUND DONATE
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| ::JAKE'S
FIRST STATEMENT FROM PRISON
Today marks the 10th day since I arrived here at Victorville. After traveling to New Jersey in January, sitting through a month long trial, spending 5 days in a New Jersey county jail, and then nine months of home confinement, it was nice to return to the West Coast. Having left my life on hold in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was granted a few days to return, pack up and tie up some loose ends, before surrendering to prison on November 16th. The time I got to spend with my partner, her dogs, and my friends was invaluable. I wouldn’t have traded those days for anything. But like all good things, it came to an end as I walked through the gates of Victorville Federal Correctional Institution and soon after became #93501-011. To say it was overwhelming would be an understatement. For someone who has never been to prison before, it was an unusual feeling to be pointed toward a cell, and then left to figure everything out. From when to eat, how to make a phone call, to mailing a letter—they drop you in the deep end and don’t care much if you can swim. The first person I met passed me a book and a pencil, the next some shower shoes and the next a place to sit and eat. After a few days I was moved to a new unit, where my new cell mate has done more than his fair share in pointing the ‘youngster’ in the right direction. As someone who has been a big advocate of prisoner support, yet very rarely put pen to paper, I have to admit I’m somewhat ashamed. After a few days not knowing what it felt like to have your name called at mail call, I now know the feeling is like no other. It’s by far the best part of the day, and I regret that I rarely gave that joy to others. To get a letter or two brightens the day and gives you a connection to the outside world. So please, it doesn’t take much—spend 10 minutes writing a letter to a prisoner! I can’t really say it enough—thank you. The support you gave us during our trial was overwhelming. And to show up at sentencing and see 150 smiling faces was a shot in the arm. Sitting on house arrest for so long, with very little connection to the movement, it was easy to feel forgotten about (and not that I would blame anyone—there is a lot to keep active with!) but to see everyone there was incredible and I thank you. And hope that the energy and support and spirit of resistance that was there that day is with all of you every day. Whatever your cause is, recognize your gift of freedom and use it well—and often! I also want to thank my mother and my partner again—two women who continue to inspire me and make me proud. Lastly, and most importantly, keep your heads up, your mind focused, and your eyes on the prize. Now, more than ever, is the time to buckle down and double your efforts. Never give up, and keep fighting! Jake Conroy Write the SHAC 7 Prisoners! JACOB CONROY, # 93501-011 DARIUS FULMER # 26397-050 LAUREN GAZZOLA #
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