It's been 14 years since a judge in Mississippi banged the gavel sentencing two sisters, each to double life sentences, for a crime witnesses have said they did not commit. It's been 14 years too long that these sisters, Jamie and Gladys Scott, have been locked away as their children grew into adults and their father died from a broken heart, partially brought on by the stressors of trying to free his daughters. It's been 14 long, long years that their mother, Evelyn Rasco, has cried herself to sleep at night wondering when, if ever, she'll see her daughters free again. 

Fourteen years ago, the locks were turned not just for Jamie and Gladys, but for their mother, their father, their children and their loved ones. Many people became prisoners that day, even members of the community without direct ties to this family, because an injustice against one of us is an injustice against us all. 

Lest we ever forget, any one of us could become the Scott sisters, as these women represent a growing number of our community's political prisoners; falsely tried and convicted by a spiritless system that daily reminds us how hard, cruel and wicked it is. In the face of its steady stream of injustice, of brutal familial separation, this system stands as a testament that slavery continues, despite the illusion to the contrary that pours from our televisions, radios and the mouths of politicians.

Much thanks should be given to Nancy Lockhart, a legal analyst, whose life mission has been to see Jamie and Gladys freed. Lockhart's work is truly a gift of love, considering she has advocated for years, with no pay, to bring recognition to the injustices waged against this family.  

For more information on the Scott sisters and how you can assist in the effort to free them, visit Free the Scott Sisters online.

Y. Jacobs