Dear Friend,

My name is Sikira Harris.  I am an inmate here at Lincoln Correctional Center.  I have been incarcerated since 1997.  Every day I thank God that the present circumstances have not hardened my heart.  I’d like to begin by sharing my story with you.

I was born November 3, 1973.  I came into life as a member of a dysfunctional family.  My mother (God rest her amazingly beautiful soul) did all she could for my sister and me but raising 2 children on her own was no easy task.  (I applaud my mom for trying to do all she could alone.)

My father was incarcerated so he had no hand in the raising of my sister and me.  My mother did her best.  Several years passed and I’m now a teenager, out in the streets, in places I shouldn’t be, hanging out with the wrong crowd.  At 16 years old I’m clearly nearing a path of destruction.  At 22 years old I am sent to prison even though I wasn’t directly responsible for the crime.  I was there and accept my responsibility.

My life took a turn for the better.  I enrolled in classes in culinary arts, dog grooming and sanitation and other classes that will earn me a degree.

As my out date nears I’m excited.  I could use an optimistic, positive friend to encourage me along the way.  Is anyone there?

Sikira