Remembering James Walker, who passed away recently in IDOC custody. Mr. Walker was sentenced to life without parole at the age of 17. CTJC Organizer Mark Clements shares a reflection below.
James Walker, farewell my brother
It's like yesterday, a young African American brother James Walker entered inside IDOC in 1986. Mr. Walker was much more than a juvenile lifer, a part of a street gang, but he was a great poet, able to write a poem, growing up behind the prison walls to understand the consequences of crime, while abandoning his street gang life.
James AKA Walt Dog, often called me when I was released, revealing remorse, crying at times, and understanding he had wronged society. He developed into a great young man participating in juvenile coalition meetings and writing poems to kids about prisons and staying away from a lifestyle of crime. I last spoke with him about 2 and a half years ago shortly before the release of James Gibson. He fought the good fight of faith for redemption.
Rest in peace brother James, you were an inspiration and a reminder to me and others that kids do change. Love you brother!