Through the Lens of 29 Years Behind the Walls of Massachusetts State Prisons

By Ernest “Nate” Benjamin

“A prisoner has time that he can put to good use. I’d put prison second to college as the best place for a man to go if he needs to do some thinking. If he is motivated in prison, he can change his life!”  Malcolm X

My name is Ernest `Nate’ Benjamin and I have been incarcerated now for nearly 29 years straight. I was asked by a dear friend to become involved in guest-writing for the FFIMI blog. This first piece is about some of what I have encountered, while shining a light on important issues with the hope the public and taxpayer can be informed on these issues that need to be fixed.  I will be addressing the following areas where change is needed:

• A transparent, investigative eye toward a fair parole selection process
• Effective sensitive training for corrections officers regarding race
• Mental health training geared towards trauma
• More community engagement with those who are incarcerated; and those who have re-entered society.

For many years I have become frustrated with the parole process.  However, let me clearly state that I understand the members of the Massachusetts Parole Board have a difficult job; trying to find a clear and impartial line in seeing what best suits the families of the victim, as well as the individual seeking a second chance in returning to society, and the safety of society as a whole.  The reason why I have become frustrated is through my many experiences with men behind the wall who have demonstrated true change. Yes, for some ill apparent reason they receive setbacks (denials)! Again, I am privy to the painstaking process that the board goes through, however, I feel the way to solve this enigma would be an investigative eye and or a hidden camera or designated officer. These instruments of change and transparency would allow the Mass State Parole Board to see those men and women in real time who are truly doing their part in cultivating personal change, showing the Mass State Parole Board and public that they are worthy parole candidates. Recent use of cameras has shown their profound and transparent effect that allows society to understand the makeup of an aspect of the criminal justice system!

After the cruel and appalling act we all witnessed in relation to George Floyd; and sadly among many others, as you know today, there has been a spotlight on criminal justice reform. Throughout my decades in prison I have yet to see many correctional officers of color. This is certainly a problem. Why? Let’s allow the numbers to do the talking: African Americans make up 40% of the 2.2 million people that are incarcerated in the United States. As we continue with the numbers, ladies and gentlemen, these numbers state that African Americans are incarcerated 6 times higher than whites; while 2 times higher than Latinos. What I have seen are countless correction officers who don’t really understand the “black” and “brown” prisoners.  Furthermore, they don’t come from diverse backgrounds nor have they lived in these same inner cities. Now many would ask, why is that important?  It’s important within the realm of the incarcerated to see more men and women of their background, while giving the inmates comfortability, therefore, asking for a chance for that particular bridge with sharing, understanding, communicating, and in some instances mentoring.  The benefits of these attributes are shown with regards to community policing!

From the inside looking outside it seems that most of the problems that plague society stem from a lack of communication. Through effective dialogue, difficult topics and questions can be answered, like the need for more training geared towards trauma response and treatment. Many who have themselves been incarcerated, or work with the incarcerated, have experienced trauma.  You hear stories from some of their traumatic experiences of being in combat or having relationships with certain inmates. From my own personal experience, and in conversations I have had with others, I know a great deal of incarcerated individuals are victims of horrible incidents involving violence, as well as committing them.

What I have been able to learn from some “prison self-help groups” is that “hurt people hurt people; healed people heal people!”  Therefore, I believe that there is a dire need for more mental health training and dialogue geared to trauma. This is important since a high percentage of those incarcerated will eventually be released. Mental health treatment would also be important for the certain corrections officers who have been affected by trauma.

As a man who has spent over 28 years in prison while pridefully taking self-inventory with regards to changing my life, I wouldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for people I have met from the community outside of prison. Yes, a community of people who I met while I have been in prison! These are people who took the time to erase their fears and maybe their preconceived notions to sit and visit me. Though we may have come from different circumstances and demographics, the time and willingness to mentor an inmate is something special!  The mentors I have met over the years have encouraged me in so many ways that I can’t even begin to express the profound gratitude I have for them!  Just imagine where we would be if more people took the opportunity to mentor an inmate? 

Folks, not all men and women have taken these important steps to change or redeem themselves. Yet, what about those who do, who strive to be better people?

I hear all this talk about criminal reform. Shouldn’t we prepare and help those who are about to re-enter society? As for those who have mentored the incarcerated; the question is, would the collective be able to look, listen and learn so that we can understand the problems, and find the solutions instead of dwelling on the problem; having that collective, men and women, mentors who serve as that spoke in the wheel to promote criminal justice reform? Remember, it takes a village!  Furthermore, I am hoping that through having mentors from our communities there can be another road in helping those incarcerated in recovery while continuing the help needed in restoring our communities as well.

So, 29 years is a long time. I am hopeful that as a whole we can stop putting a band-aid on a wound that requires stitches. And clean the wound properly by finding ways that we can elevate life just a little for those who work and live behind bars, while aiding those who are about to be released.  In closing, to learn more about me, you can view some of my other blogs at ernestnatebenjamin.bogspot.com and I ask that you continue to support this FFIMI blog.

Photo Image: https://unsplash.com/@carlesrgm