For nearly forty years, I have been a witness to and a victim of the harsh realities of forced prison labor. As an artist incarcerated in the California prison system, I have experienced firsthand the indignities and brutal conditions that come with this form of modern-day slavery. Proposition 6, which aims to abolish forced prison labor in California, is a crucial step towards justice and equality. Here’s why I strongly support this proposition and why every Californian should, too.

The Historical Context

The roots of forced prison labor in the United States are deeply entwined with the country's history of slavery and racial oppression. After the Civil War, the 13th Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery except as a punishment for crime. This loophole was quickly exploited, particularly in Southern states, to re-enslave Black Americans through the criminal justice system. Convict leasing, where prisoners were rented out to private companies for labor, became widespread. This practice subjected prisoners to brutal conditions and inhumane treatment, perpetuating racial oppression and economic exploitation.

In California, this legacy has persisted. Despite progress in civil rights, the state’s prison system continues to use inmates for labor, often under the guise of rehabilitation. Tasks range from fighting wildfires to manufacturing goods, with prisoners earning pennies an hour, if they are paid at all. This system raises serious ethical concerns about the exploitation of human labor and the perpetuation of racial and economic inequalities.

My Personal Journey

During my nearly four decades in the California prison system, I have seen the brutal realities of forced labor up close. Inmates are often compelled to work long hours under the constant threat of punishment. The tasks are physically demanding and mentally exhausting, and the pay is minimal to nonexistent. This system dehumanizes us, reducing inmates to mere tools for profit rather than treating us as individuals with rights and dignity.

In one of the most grueling experiences, I witnessed fellow inmates suffering lifelong injuries while working in prison kitchens. They endured severe burns and other injuries, earning just 19 cents an hour. The work environment is fraught with tension, as inmates must navigate complex politics among themselves and with prison staff. This creates an atmosphere of constant anxiety and stress, exacerbating the already harsh conditions of imprisonment.

The Exploitation and Its Consequences

Forced prison labor is fundamentally exploitative. Inmates are denied the basic rights and protections afforded to other workers. The dangerous tasks they perform often lack adequate safety measures, putting their physical and mental health at risk. This system perpetuates a cycle of abuse, exploitation, and dehumanization.

The most demanding and degrading jobs are often found in the prison kitchens. Here, inmates work in large crews, performing intense manual labor. The environment requires cooperation, but the presence of a few unmotivated individuals can slow down the entire crew. This leads to increased tension and conflict among inmates, further adding to the mental strain of the job.

Speaking up to prison supervisors about these conditions is rarely an option. Reporting issues can be seen as snitching, and the high turnover rate among supervisors leads to a lack of continuity and consistency in management. This inconsistency adds another layer of stress, as inmates never know what to expect from their supervisors on any given day.

The Importance of Proposition 6

Proposition 6 is a vital piece of legislation that seeks to eliminate involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime in California. By passing this proposition, Californians can take a significant step towards dismantling a system that has long perpetuated racial and economic inequalities. Forced labor disproportionately affects people of color and those from low-income backgrounds, further entrenching societal disparities.

Impact on Society and Taxpayers

Ending forced prison labor is not only a moral imperative but also a practical one. Taxpayers bear the hidden costs of this system through increased healthcare expenses, legal challenges, and the long-term social costs of recidivism. By abolishing forced labor, resources can be redirected towards rehabilitation and education programs that genuinely help inmates reintegrate into society, reducing re-offense rates and ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.

A Call to Action

I implore every Californian to back Proposition 6. This isn't merely a concern for inmates; it's a critical human rights issue impacting us all. By voting in favor of Proposition 6, you're advocating for justice, equality, and the fundamental principle that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity. Let's unite to eradicate this inhumane practice and work towards building a more just and compassionate society.