After living in an unknown underworld for 42 years as a prisoner’s wife, I made a vow to never forget the suffering of women like me. My journey began when I met Billy Sinclair, an extraordinary man in the Death House at Angola, a former slave plantation turned prison. Despite being a renowned journalist with prestigious awards, he was an inmate and co-editor of The Angolite, a magazine written by prisoners. I married him in 1982 and embarked on a mission to free him from prison.
Facing challenges such as losing my job and traveling long distances to visit him, our love endured. In 2006, after 40 years behind bars, Billy was paroled, but the fear of his health issues and past injustices lingered. Despite being convicted of felony murder, his intent was never to kill. The journey of fighting for his freedom and our love is a testament to resilience and dedication.
The narrative of women like me, who marry men in prison, is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Contrary to popular portrayals, we are diverse individuals with unique experiences and challenges. Through sharing our stories, we aim to shed light on the realities of our lives and the support we need.
Today, at age 85, I continue to stand by the side of the man I love, who is still on parole after 58 years in custody. Our lives may be influenced by a corrupt system, but my ultimate goal remains to raise awareness and advocate for women in similar situations.
