Ujamaa. Ujamaa. Hi, everyone. This is Dontie S. Mitchell, better known as Mfalme Sikivu, reporting to you from Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, New York. Last week, I talked to you a bit about UFD, the Ujamaa Fraternal Dynasty, the organization I founded. However, I didn’t tell you much about me, although it’s my first time coming to you on Prison Radio.
Well, I’m 39. I’ve been incarcerated since I was 17 – that’s 22 years ago – over half my life. I grew up into adulthood behind prison walls. I was given a sentence of 35 to 70 years. With a sentence like that you would think I’m in prison for murder or some other egregious crime. But nope, I’m not. I’m in prison for a petty robbery and attempted robbery. Though these are serious crimes for which I am deeply remorseful, I didn’t hurt, harm, or injure anyone. I was a first time felony offender, just a young, poor, Black kid whose life of crime lasted only but for 10 months. Yet for that, New York threw the book at me and tossed me away like a piece of trash into maximum security prisons with hardened adult criminals. I want you to guess what happened next.
You can learn more about my story by checking out my Facebook page at Free Dontie Mitchell and by watching my video there. Search for: Sentenced at 17, Dontie Mitchell Story. And catch my third installment here on Prison Radio, as I tell you more about my fight for the reform and rehabilitation of young prisoners, and how the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision is fighting to stop me. Until then, God bless and thank you for listening.
These commentaries are recorded by Noelle Hanrahan of Prison Radio.
