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Incarcerated Men at Kyle Commemorate the End of Slavery and Share Their Feelings

The Kyle Correctional Center, in Kyle, Texas, recently held a Juneteeth event, celebrating the freedom of African Americans from slavery. Residents shared their thoughts on the Juneteenth celebration.

John Booker: “The function overall was really something to experience; the diversity of the people, everybody took part, the speeches, the artwork. The overall event was just outstanding. It really reinforced the message that we’re exposed to through this process of becoming a better people in life and in our communities and understanding a sense of purpose.”

Eddie Jones: “It helps with treatment, personal treatment for me, just reflecting and remembering what our ancestors did for this country and for us personally and individually. And it makes me responsible in what I have to do to be a responsible citizen heading back into society.”

Raymond Oldham: “What we got from it, out of all of it, was that you need education. No matter what background you’re from, what racial culture you are, education holds the key to your future.”

Jimmy Crow: “Here at MTC, they like to represent being a part of a family, and that’s what I felt yesterday, because everybody was involved; all races were involved. And it just nearly brought tears to my eyes.”

Qwalme Fowler: “It showed that we could all come together as one; all races, all from different nationalities, from different parts of Texas, wherever, and just come as a whole. It brought about a peace amongst us all.”

Alex Lott: “Here at the Kyle facility, the counselors and the staff are very caring and concerned. We had fun yesterday here at MTC, and it taught me that you can have fun without being high off of drugs and alcohol, and that there’s more to life than just being high or drunk or feeling any type of substance abuse.”

Mustafa Carlisle: “I have a very bad problem in speaking in front crowds, and MTC has a way of taking me out of my comfort zone. So, it took me out of my comfort zone, and that’s a prime example of what I will need when I get back to the free world. I thank MTC for everything that they’ve given me, and all the tools I’ve learned.”

About Kyle Correctional Center

Kyle Correctional Center is accredited by the American Correctional Association—
achieving over 99% compliance for both mandatory and non-mandatory standards in
its most recent audit. Other accreditations and certifications include the Correctional
Education Association and the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).