PAY TO STAY

HOW MASS INCARCERATION TURNS BLACK LOVE INTO A MONTHLY BILL

All across America, more and more Black families are affected by incarceration. Our people are more likely to be arrested and jailed than any other population in the country. Though the reason for this disproportionate number is often debatable, an estimated 28.5% of Black men, 16.0% of Hispanic men, and 4.4% of White men are expected to serve a prison sentence during their lifetime, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS, 2025).

Many would look at this number and assume that the Black population just gets in more trouble; however, rest assured, or more properly, be unsettled by knowing that many men and women in prison are wrongfully convicted. Racism and bigotry still play a part when it comes to America.

Let us not forget that the police force evolved from the slave patrol. The system was created to imprison us because it was financially beneficial and even more so today. When it comes to the prisons across America, it is a multi-billion-dollar business.

This is a problem that has been noticed by many activists and advocates while fighting for the

rights of brothers and sisters who are behind the wall. Who knows most about that billion-dollar business? The family members of those who are trying to hold on and support the loved one who is behind the wall.

One of the biggest issues is communicating with the outside world. Most times, these prices are outrageous, and I know people who spend up to $1500 a month just to communicate with their loved ones. Some of the lower numbers are still astounding, starting at $300 a month. Most of us

who have more than one cell phone don’t even spend that much money. However, families are spending this much because the loved one is unable to assist in payment, often not being able to secure a job while jailed or in prison. If they are given an opportunity to have a job, they are severely underpaid.

Some start at 12 cents an hour. (Schwartzapfel & Bartley, 2022) 

Commissary prices are outrageous, and items that you can get on this side of the wall are

sometimes five times higher for prisoners. This is one of the many ways that these institutions

get rich. Some facilities even charge for healthcare. In Michigan, prisoners have to pay to see a doctor, something that should be free since most institutions get funding for health care. 

The state of California has made it so that all calls are free, and New York has followed suit. I

personally, have begun the task of trying to make this a reality for all the prisons of the United

States. There have been studies done that show that when people can communicate with their loved ones while incarcerated, they have lower recidivism rates, and there is less violence overall. It can also assist in the transition process that every prisoner goes through when trying to acclimate being home. (Wang, 2021). Having bridges that have been able to stay solid due to communication is proven to be helpful to society. Why should one have to make life decisions when deciding if they will be able to keep contact with their loved one?

People are going broke, trying to keep that communication with their loved ones behind the wall, and if they cannot, the loved one often is left feeling abandoned and alone. Some would find no gripe with that. Some would say that if they’re in prison, they don’t deserve to have any luxuries. This isn’t about luxuries. This is about not condemning people so much that when something isn’t right, you’re willing to ignore it. These things do not have to exist. They are taking advantage of a population that is often forgotten and cast aside because of personal feelings and agendas. These practices go against the greater good of humanity, so not only are they making money yet again from us, but they are also helping to create situations that can disrupt the greater good.

What we can do is support policies and laws that will assist in decreasing or eliminating the

financial turmoil that can be created in families because of incarceration. (Stolze, 2023). If the

state of California can have free calls, that means every state can have them as well. These free calls stem from the knowledge of knowing the benefit of ensuring those who are incarcerated can keep their bond with their families. They have recognized the mental health benefits and the societal benefits of making sure that people in their state can keep in contact with the loved ones.

Time to get to work. Stay encouraged.