A moving song from women in prison for life | The Lady Lifers | TEDxMuncyStatePrison

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. A life sentence in Pennsylvania means exactly that. These women, all of whom have served decades in prison, sing of the very real possibility of dying alone in prison.

The Lady Lifers, including Brenda Watkins, lead vocals, Dannielle Hadley, Debra Lee Brown, Theresa Battles, Diane Metzger, Thelma Nichols, Joann Butler, Lena Brown and Trina Garnett. Words by Howard Woodring, music by Naomi Blount.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

(Music)

Dannielle Hadley: Life
in Pennsylvania means just that:

life without the possibility of parole.

For us lifers,

as we call ourselves,

our only chance for release

is through commutation,

which has only been granted
to two women since 1989,

close to 30 years ago.

Our song, "This Is Not Our Home,"

it tells of our experiences

while doing life without
the possibility of parole.

(Music)

Brenda Watkins: I'm a woman.

I'm a grandmother.

I'm a daughter.

I have a son.

I'm not an angel.

I'm not the devil.

I came to jail

when I was so young.

I spend my time here

inside these prison walls.

Lost friends to death,

saw some go home.

Watch years pass,

people come and go,

while I do life without parole.

I am a prisoner
for the wrong I've done.

I'm doing time here.

This is not my home.

Dream of freedom, hope for mercy.

Will I see

my family

or die alone?

As the years go by,

I hold back my tears,

because if I cry I'd give in to fear.

I must be strong, have to hold on.

Gotta get through

another year.

I am a prisoner
for the wrong I've done.

I'm doing time here.
This is not my home.

Dream of freedom, hope for mercy.

Will I see

my family

or die alone?

I'm not saying that I'm not guilty,

I'm not saying that I shouldn't pay.

All I'm asking is for forgiveness.

Gotta have hope I'll be free someday.

Is there a place for me

in the world out there?

Will they ever know or care
that I'm chained?

Is there redemption for the sin
of my younger days?

Because I've changed.

Lord knows I've changed.

I am a prisoner
for the wrong I've done.

I'm doing time here.
This is not my home.

Dream of freedom, hope for mercy.

Will I see

my family

or die alone?

Will I see

my family

or die alone?

I'm known to you as Inmate 008106.

Incarcerated 29 years.

My name is Brenda Watkins.

I was born and raised
in Hoffman, North Carolina.

This is not my home.

(Applause)

Thelma Nichols: Inmate number 0B2472.

I've been incarcerated for 27 years.

My name is Thelma Nichols.

I was born and raised
in Philadelphia, P.A.

This is not my home.

(Applause)

DH: 008494.

I've been incarcerated for 27 years.

My name is Dannielle Hadley.

I was born and raised
in Philadelphia, P.A,

and this is not my home.

(Applause)

Theresa Battles: Inmate 008309.

I've been incarcerated for 27 years.

My name is Theresa Battles.

I'm from Norton, New Jersey,

and this is not my home.

(Applause)

Debra Brown: I am known as Inmate 007080.

I've been incarcerated for 30 years.

My name is Debra Brown.

I'm from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This is not my home.

(Applause)

Joann Butler: 005961.

I've been incarcerated for 37 years.

My name is Joann Butler,

and I was born and raised in Philadelphia.

This is not my home.

(Applause)

Diane Hamill Metzger: Number 005634.

I've been incarcerated for 39
and one half years.

My name is Diane Hamill Metzger.

I'm from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,

and this is not my home.

(Applause)

Lena Brown: I am 004867.

Incarcerated 40 years.

My name is Lena Brown,

and I was born and raised
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,

and this is not my home.

(Applause)

Trina Garnett: My number is 005545.

My name is Trina Garnett,

I've been incarcerated for 37 years,

since I was 14 years old.

Born and raised in Chester, Pennsylvania,

and this is not my home.

(Applause)

Will I see

my family

or die alone?

Or die alone?

(Applause)