Memorial Walk 2002
 
 
Memorial Walk 2002. Pictures from Marletta Pacheco.
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Memorial Walk
From the SD Prisoner Support Group Newsletter. Written by Marletta Pacheco
The SD Prisoner Support Group held a Memorial Walk for those who died in Prison, Jail, and in the Juvenile System on Memorial Day. We also walked in support of those who are still behind the walls.
It made us happy to greet Tom Poor Bear from "Camp Justice" who came with a group from Pine Ridge to support us and also walked for Wally Black Elk and Ron Hard Heart and many others whose deaths have not been solved.
We were also joined by Alfred Bone Shirt and the group from "DLN, Dakota Lakota Nakota Human Rights Advocacy Coalition" who walked for Carlene Bone Shirt, (our hearts go out to their family in their loss) They came to the first Memorial March that we had. We are thankful for their support.
Deb with the "Parents Who Care Coalition" came in support of the walk. They have made such an impact getting changes for the Juvenile facilities.
Members of the "SD Peace & Justice" walked with us. They have helped us in many ways.
We walked (over one hundred participating) from the Memorial Park in Rapid City, to the Pennington County Jail carrying with us pictures of our loved ones still inside, posters with the names of those who died.
Special Lakota songs were being sung as we walked. Some families walking with tears streaming down their faces as the music and words of songs in Lakota spoke what was in our hearts. Our grief expressed.
We stopped at the large statue of the Indian who has his hands tied behind his back, his head down, I thought how symbolic of our walk.
Some people, curious, stopped for a moment peeking out at us to see what we were doing. Some after looking at some of the signs gave us some handshakes as they joined us as we walked through town.
We stood in front of the jail, as we said prayers for those behind the walls and our families we listened to the sound of pounding on the windows that came from inside the jail, letting us know they were aware of us being there. I hoped that they knew that there were people out here who care.
We returned to the Memorial Park, where Guest speakers gave us important information and encouragement. We closed with prayer and shared a nice meal with those who came a long way.
The RC Police Dept. blocked traffic for our walk. We were able to walk down the streets with no problems. We want to thank them.
Marletta Pacheco
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