Gray-Haired Witnesses, supporters bring Scott Sisters’ case to Washington

The Gray-Haired Witnesses Fast for Justice held on June 21 in Washington, D.C., called attention to the growing number of incarcerated Black women and the gross oversentencing in cases such as the Mississippi Scott Sisters, Jamie and Gladys. The Scott Sisters received double-life sentences each in an alleged armed robbery of $11 in which no one was harmed or injured and for which they have steadfastly maintained their innocence.

Standing up for justice, June 21. Photo: Mike Johnson

This outrageous case became all the more urgent when Jamie Scott, now in the 16th year of this draconian sentence, suffered kidney failure in January, and has had several close calls with death as a result of poor medical treatment in the Mississippi prison.

The June 21 rally began at the Department of Justice with a small but spirited protest and speakout against the prison-industrial complex and the disparity in arrests, sentencing and treatment during and after incarceration of Black people.

Supporters came from as far as Boston and Mississippi to proclaim that the Scott Sisters must be released from prison, as well as all those suffering under the Mississippi Department of Corrections system. MDC is one of the worst prison systems in the country when it comes to medical care.

“We are here to represent those who came before us,” stated Gray-Haired Witness B.J. Peak-Graham, “Our ancestors cry through us, demanding all justices denied.” Attorney Sam Jordan was very thorough and spoke with great conviction, as well as Gloria Bolls, Clarence Bolls, Donnie Finley, Chioma Oruh and more.

Each was eloquent and adamant that an investigation into the case of the Scott Sisters needs to be a top item on the Washington agenda and that enough is truly enough for this devastating case.

Later that afternoon at Lafayette Park, the energy was still very high and a lot of information was shared with attendees and passersby. Brenda Branson, Spoken Word and Slangston Hughes were among those who brought the power to bear on this system during their hard-hitting and impassioned spoken-word presentations. The crowd was visibly moved by a beautiful musical performance by Khadijah “Moon” Ali-Coleman.

Speakers who brought dynamic information to the rally included Returning Citizens United, Universal Negro Improvement Association President General Senghor Jawara Baye, Clinton Alexander, attorney Nkechi Taifa, Mike Johnson, revered community mother and esteemed elder Mama Nia, and more. Attorney Ann Wilcox also spoke in solidarity on behalf of the local Green Party and the Gray Panthers.

Portions of the rally were very moving, and being in the shadow of the White House made them all the more poignant. Gray-Haired Witness Jamia Shepherd read from heartbreaking letters from Jamie and Gladys. In one Jamie wrote: “I’ve been robbed of so much by the state of Mississippi until I can’t feel anymore. But in the midst of this pain, I do also feel the love and support from each of you. Please stay strong in your stand for justice. One day we shall overcome. I just pray my day won’t be too late.”

The organizers were uplifted by those who attended as well as by all those who supported but were unable to attend. All expressed their love and admiration for the awe-inspiring courage and fortitude of Evelyn Rasco, the true engine behind all the organizing that goes on with respect to her beloved and long-suffering daughters.

The movement is growing, and all who are organizing on behalf of the Scott Sisters around the country and the world will be heard. “We come from a history of struggle. We must relearn that we don’t just lie down and accept injustice!” said Gray-Haired Witness Marpessa Kupendua.

The GHWFJ women vowed to remain consistent and continue in the future to move forward in the spirit of Ida B. Wells on this case and in other efforts to demand an end to the demonization and dehumanization of the Black community in general and Black women in particular.

For more information, call 866-968-1188, ext. 2; email ghwitnesses@gmail.com; and visit www.grayhairedwitnesses.blogspot.com.