jahnira
08-19-2002, 08:46 AM
Thank you for the time you've taken to read this message.
My name is Solomon Tafari #241832, and I'm currently an imate at Buckingham Corr. Center, Dillwyn, Va 23936.
Almost since the beginning of time, people have held different religious beliefs. People were free to practice their religion of choice which is the basis of freedom of religion. Yet, as the years went by that freedom has slowly been taken away. During slavery days, no Black man, woman or child was allowed to practice their religion. If caught, they were beaten, raped and tortured. Another memorable example is the persecution of the Jews. Millions were marched to death camps, burned, gassed or used for medical experimentation. Many countries, through coercion and threats, have tried to stop people from practicing certain religions. Eventually this persecution was outlawed. Or was it?
Today, as shameful as it may seem, those barbaric ways are creeping back into society at large and particularly in correctional facilities. You don't believe me? Take a look a little further. The Virginia Department of Corrections (VDoC)is persecuting us simply for our religious beliefs. We, members of the Rastafarian faith are being denied religious freedom to practice our religion as it states in the Bible. (Our locks and beards are holy and we are forbidden to trim). Yet we are currently experiencing unjust persecution and suffering at the hands of the Virginia Dept. of Corrections. This is a direct result of a grooming policy, DOP 864, which was implemented December 16, 1999. Harsh penalties were imposed upon those of us who refused to comply because of religious beliefs.
We are being held in indefinite segregation status (in the hole, where we have been for almost three years). We have lost all good time earned (which postpones an inmate's release date) and are being denied many "privileges", including loss of telephone usage, visits, not being able to participate in work, education or rehabilitative programs, unable to purchase food, toiletry items or over-the-counter medications from the commisary, just to name a few.
Not only are we suffering, but our families and loved ones as well. For nearly three years, we have been denied the ability to even see our families or to hear their loving and gentle voices. This unjust treatment is helping break the bond of human relations that we inmates so desperately need. Alienating inmates from families, not allowing us to practice our religious beliefs, and denying us the ability to participate in educational and rehabilitative programs surely cannot produce better individuals. But, throughout it all, we have proudly held our faith and composure. However, enough is enough. The way we are being treated is baffling, considering we live in a Christian society which is supposed to teach love and tolerance of others.
We know we have committed mistakes in the past which we cannot change. However, we are earnestly trying to make a better future for ourselves. We humbly ask that you assist us as we make this simple appeal to the hearts of our brothers and sisters within the human family. If you can provide any assistance regarding this matter or would like additional information about this plight, please write to me or leave a message on this site with Jahnira and she will forward it to me. Or contact:
Keith Wm. DeBlasio, Director of AdvoCare, Inc.
PO Box 133
Hancock, MD 21750-0133
Phone: 304-947-7003
Email: AdvocareInc@aol.com
Web site: www.advocareflash.homestead.com/advocarefalsh.html
Thank you for your time and patience.
Ras Solomon Tafari
My name is Solomon Tafari #241832, and I'm currently an imate at Buckingham Corr. Center, Dillwyn, Va 23936.
Almost since the beginning of time, people have held different religious beliefs. People were free to practice their religion of choice which is the basis of freedom of religion. Yet, as the years went by that freedom has slowly been taken away. During slavery days, no Black man, woman or child was allowed to practice their religion. If caught, they were beaten, raped and tortured. Another memorable example is the persecution of the Jews. Millions were marched to death camps, burned, gassed or used for medical experimentation. Many countries, through coercion and threats, have tried to stop people from practicing certain religions. Eventually this persecution was outlawed. Or was it?
Today, as shameful as it may seem, those barbaric ways are creeping back into society at large and particularly in correctional facilities. You don't believe me? Take a look a little further. The Virginia Department of Corrections (VDoC)is persecuting us simply for our religious beliefs. We, members of the Rastafarian faith are being denied religious freedom to practice our religion as it states in the Bible. (Our locks and beards are holy and we are forbidden to trim). Yet we are currently experiencing unjust persecution and suffering at the hands of the Virginia Dept. of Corrections. This is a direct result of a grooming policy, DOP 864, which was implemented December 16, 1999. Harsh penalties were imposed upon those of us who refused to comply because of religious beliefs.
We are being held in indefinite segregation status (in the hole, where we have been for almost three years). We have lost all good time earned (which postpones an inmate's release date) and are being denied many "privileges", including loss of telephone usage, visits, not being able to participate in work, education or rehabilitative programs, unable to purchase food, toiletry items or over-the-counter medications from the commisary, just to name a few.
Not only are we suffering, but our families and loved ones as well. For nearly three years, we have been denied the ability to even see our families or to hear their loving and gentle voices. This unjust treatment is helping break the bond of human relations that we inmates so desperately need. Alienating inmates from families, not allowing us to practice our religious beliefs, and denying us the ability to participate in educational and rehabilitative programs surely cannot produce better individuals. But, throughout it all, we have proudly held our faith and composure. However, enough is enough. The way we are being treated is baffling, considering we live in a Christian society which is supposed to teach love and tolerance of others.
We know we have committed mistakes in the past which we cannot change. However, we are earnestly trying to make a better future for ourselves. We humbly ask that you assist us as we make this simple appeal to the hearts of our brothers and sisters within the human family. If you can provide any assistance regarding this matter or would like additional information about this plight, please write to me or leave a message on this site with Jahnira and she will forward it to me. Or contact:
Keith Wm. DeBlasio, Director of AdvoCare, Inc.
PO Box 133
Hancock, MD 21750-0133
Phone: 304-947-7003
Email: AdvocareInc@aol.com
Web site: www.advocareflash.homestead.com/advocarefalsh.html
Thank you for your time and patience.
Ras Solomon Tafari