Say My Name

When we are born, the first words that come out of people's mouths are our names. We are given a name for a reason. My name and yours identify who we are.

When we’re incarcerated, our name suddenly changes without our permission. We become an inmate, individual in custody, criminal, convict, prisoner, boy, girl, murderer, stupid bitch, dumb ass, felon, offender, “you,” your identification number — the prison labels go on and on. These labels place us in a box so we're not recognized as humans. These labels dehumanize us so that people are OK with the mistreatment that they force upon us.

We are not a label, a thing. We are somebody. We are people and should be recognized as people. We do not accept prison labels. The labels need to stop.

Acknowledge that we are human beings. Call me by my name.

I am Howard.I am Dixon.I am Harris.I am Ford-Wright.I am White.I am Phoenixx.I am Ramey.I am Samuels.I am Dextra.

Say my name.