I Protest, I Protest: Letter to My Brothers and Sisters On Supervision
By Mark Taylor
African Americans in the United States are born into the bondage of a racist system that has systematically devalued, oppressed, and inflicted horrendous acts of sustained violence upon us. I have felt the weight of this brutal system my entire life. The virtual chains that keep me in a perpetual state of bondage today are just as binding as the real ones that imprisoned me in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for twenty-one and a half years. Although I was released from prison on September 12, 2018, I am not even close to free.
George Floyd’s brutal murder by police officers reminded me that Black Americans in this country are not — nor have we ever been — free. The peaceful protests that are taking place across America are a source of deep inspiration and are an essential part of our never-ending quest for justice. Instinctively, I want to take to the streets and join these protests. But I am on active parole, which means any contact with law enforcement, even if I have not committed a crime, can lead to the reinstatement of my life sentence. Simply stated, I can be sent back to prison for the rest of my life for participating in street protests, especially if the proper permits have not been issued.
As an individual on active parole it is relatively easy for any police officer or parole agent to re-incarcerate me. Case in point: I am strictly prohibited from traveling more than 50 miles from my residence without a signed travel pass from both my parole officer and his supervisor. If I am stopped outside this 50-mile radius, I can, and probably will be, sent back to prison — a fact that ARC community members know all too well. And my parole agent made it clear that no travel passes are being issued at this time.
Protesting is an essential part of our democracy, and I commend all of the brave people who are taking to the streets to engage in their civic duty. But I am locked out of this process just like I am locked out of the electoral process. There are several other restrictions parolees face daily, all of which are designed to disenfranchise.
But my conscience still compels me to protest in ways that affirm the humanity of incarcerated people, and counteract our society’s decision that their lives do not matter. So I protest by supporting ARC’s policy team that has helped pass 17 laws that have impacted over 41,000 people in California’s criminal justice system. I protest by showing everyone empathy, respect, and compassion. I protest by transferring my parole from Los Angeles to Crescent City so I can help the men confined in Pelican Bay State Prison get home to their families. I protest by amplifying the voices of those who are trapped in our criminal justice system. And I protest by staying out of prison so I can continue to fight for those who are still incarcerated.
I am a proud member of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). I argue, and truly believe, that ARC’s very existence is one of the purest forms of protest that exists. We protest an inequitable system by fighting to create a more equitable one that respects the dignity of all human beings.
Brothers and sisters, this is in no way designed to discourage you from engaging in street protests. Let your conscience be your guide. Protest in whatever manner you feel is most appropriate. Protest in a peaceful, responsible, and intelligent manner that enhances the freedom of all human beings. Our protests, our advocacy, and our never-ending desire to serve and protect our community will win in the end.
Collectively, we will force this country to live up to the ideals that it was founded on. Remain motivated. Remain resolute. Remain compassionate. And never give up the fight for justice.
In solidarity,
Mark
Mark Taylor was sentenced to 26 years-to-life in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and spent twenty one and a half years in prison. Mark now works with ARC’s Hope and Redemption Team facilitating character development classes in California’s northernmost maximum-security prison, Pelican Bay State Prison. He is a staunch advocate of criminal justice reform.
