Reunite Crystal Mangum with her Children

Dear Community--

When I last met with Crystal at the Neuse Correctional Institution in North Carolina, we had the chance to hug one another for the first time in nearly a year, and do our best to fit a year's worth of updates into a two-hour visit. We talked about spirituality, Tyler Perry movies (don't judge me), community organizing, and what it takes to break the cycles of sexual violence we both know all too well. More than anything, we talked about Crystal's struggle to raise her three children from inside--what it's like to try to provide for, guide, and protect them while separated by bars and concrete and thousands of miles. My heart broke to hear that she hadn't seen or held her two oldest children, R.J. & Anna, in almost two years. 

That same day, I received a call from R.J. for the very first time. Within the first five minutes of conversation, I was inspired by R.J.'s brazenness and his devoted love for his mother and two younger sisters. It's the kind of radical love that would motivate a teenager to call up someone he's never met out in Oakland, CA and ask for help--the kind of radical love that keeps him fighting for a way to be in his mother's life. He let me know that more than anything, he would like for him and Anna--who live in San Diego--to join their youngest sister in North Carolina to visit their mom for the holidays.

That is why I'm asking if you can help us raise $1,200   to bring Crystal's kids to see her in North Carolina.

Those of you who follow Sprint or saw our debut performance know that Crystal and I came together while on our paths of healing from similar experiences of sexual violence. Since our first conversation, she felt like my sister. Crystal is a currently incarcerated survivor in North Carolina, most well known for having spoken out against white lacrosse players of rape at Duke University in 2011. Today, she is serving out a 14-18 year prison sentence for self-defense, which resulted in the death of her abusive boyfriend. Like too many survivors, Crystal has been met with unjust treatment at every turn where she should have been met with care and compassion. 

In the coming months, you'll hear from me about ways we can support Crystal in advocating for her freedom. Right now, I ask that you do whatever you can to help us make this family visit a reality, and to help keep her spirits strong as we head into what is sure to be a big fight for her freedom in the coming year. 

Thank you for whatever you're able to give. 

With love,
Nana

Other Ways to Help:

1. Donate miles - If you have miles on any airlines that travel from San Diego to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, please email me at [email redacted].

2. Spread the Word - Invite others to give so we can reach our goal quickly and get R.J. and Anna's flights booked!

3. Write Crystal a letter - Hand-written letters keep Crystal feeling connected and supported

Crystal Mangum #0801264      
Neuse Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 2087
Goldsboro, NC 27533-2087