Elaine Bartlett is an African American activist from Harlem [1] who was charged with a first offense felony for selling cocaine in 1983. [2] Bartlett, a mother of four children, spent sixteen years in the Bedford Hills prison in New York. [3]
During the time of Bartlett's arrest, New York had just undergone major changes with their drug laws. The controversial Rockefeller drug laws caused an upset and caused many to second-guess the motives of the criminal justice system. [3]
While Bartlett was in prison, she became involved with multiple activities to keep busy. [4] In 1999, while still in prison, Bartlett obtained her associate degree from Mercy College. [4]
After her release in 2000, [3] Bartlett found that her family did not have the resources necessary to be successful, but states that she was determined to be successful. [5] She became an activist to repeal the Rockefeller drug laws. [4] Bartlett helped found the Mothers of the Disappeared which is an advocacy group aiming for repeal of the drug laws. [4] She has advocated to New York state legislators, delivered speeches at rallies, [4] and attended anti-drug law events in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Texas. [4]
Life on the Outside (2004)
A 2004 book by Jennifer Gonnerman, Life on the Outside ( ISBN 9780312424572), tells the story of Bartlett's crime, her time in prison, the effect of incarceration on family members, and her re-entry into society.
References
- ^ Barbara Ross (2005-06-26). "Drug-law 'victim' sent back to jail". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
- ^ Jennifer Gonnerman. "Captive of the System". Legal Affairs (March/April 2004). Retrieved 2017-11-03.
- ^ a b c "Synopsis". Life on the Outside. Archived from the original on 20 February 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f "Bios". Life on the Outside. Archived from the original on 20 February 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
- ^ Rimer, Sara (April 29, 2004). "At Last, the Windows Have No Bars". The New York Times. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
External links
- "Women to Women: Elaine Bartlett, "Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Bartlett"". YouTube. City University of New York Television. 2004-05-18.