Nearly 13 years ago, when I first contemplated taking the position of AIDS Information Coordinator at the ACLU National Prison Project in Washington, D.C., I felt I could count the number of people who cared about prisoners on one hand. Today we are back to our small numbers. Many activists on both sides of the walls have died or simply moved on to other fronts. Too many people are already aware and have witnessed the inhumane and cruel conditions imposed on prisoners. . . No reports need to be written.
Today there are new coalitions and connections to be made.
I recently received a phone call from the National Organization of Women about starting a prison subcommittee. It's time for a rebirth of activism around prisoner health issues and for the AIDS industry to reach out, support, and listen to HIV-positive consumers behind the walls. They are a vulnerable part of our community in dire need of advocacy whose voices must continue to be heard. By joining with the growing campaigns to dismantle the prison industrial complex we can make a powerful statement. Our humanity and the lives of our brothers and sisters behind the walls are at stake.