Reflections from Replica Solitary Confinement Cell

As I entered the cell my body began to tighten. I sat on the bed briefly and began to search the cell for anything. The stiffness of design and color was apparent quickly. More than that, the closed in nature was very troubling for me. I couldn't sit any longer and moved to my knees to pray. My prayers ranged from anger to frustration to sorrow. My mind raced, as I imagined the various groups and individuals I've known to be in solitary confinement. Tony Williams, a death row inmate who was reported to have taken his own life while waiting for an appeal and held in solitary confinement in a Harris County Jail. The immigrant women in Karnes Detention Facility who organized a Holy Week Hunger Strike and were placed in solitary confinement with their children. Through this time the noise began to bother me, in fact is still bothers me. I had a conversation with a gentleman shortly after leaving the cell and my mind was still trying to drown out the banging. My soul is not well with what is happening to our brothers and sisters in solitary confinement.

~ Anonymous participant at Ecumenical Advocacy Days, April 17-20, 2015