Johnny Yahya Harris 
                          Pennsylvania Death Row
   

June 11, 2003
To Whom it may concern,

My name is Johnny Yahya Harris, and I am being held on death row at SCI Graterford.  Do allow me to give a brief summary of the darkness that has surrounded my state of being for the last eleven years.  I will commence by stating that I am engaged in a battle to overcome the death sentence imposed upon me by this bloodthirsty State.  I am a man sentenced to death without any physical evidence linking me to this crime.  This State, through zealous prosecution, and persecution, managed to attain a conviction on their third try; two prior trials resulted in mistrials.  This is inconcievable to any practitioner of law.  When dealing with an unjust system of oppression, you are faced with many evils that will not stop until they have you imprisoned.  It's an on going struggle for life each day in this environment, as it was when I was a free young man on the streets of Philly (Philadelphia).  However, I offer these words because a human heart can only be torn asunder for so long, before it is hardened, and the fighting positive spirit is caused to deteriorate to the point where a human being becomes someone other than himself.  The psychological torture I am forced to endure can only be sustained but for so long, before it starts taking you under.   As a man working hard to maintain his sanity, I am reaching out to you (those whom are caring and willing to help save a good heart) for whatever support that can be given to a man in my position.  

As a mature man I must keep fighting against this system in order to maintain a sense of balance in my life, this way I won't fall victim to this diabolical place.  I don't want to fall into the deep dark waters (ignorance, hatred, lies, and deceit) that besiege my vitality.  This is why I am reaching out to you, in order to keep my mind where it should be; on productive matters.

Its my sincere hope that you (whomever is reading what I've written) will take the time to engage in some serious dialogue with me, to explore the many facets of life.  I would like to venture with you on a journey that will produce a meaningful and everlasting friendship.  I am looking to grow in knowledge, so an open mind is needed. My words are not sent to garner sympathy, because the light of truth shall shine, one day over my head.  Thank you for your time and consideration.  Long live the struggle of life that we all must ENDURE!

Please contact me at :

JOHNNY YAHYA HARRIS   CF-5206
Box 244
Graterford Pennsylvania
19426-0244
USA




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This page was last updated September 5, 2003         Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty
This page is maintained and updated by Dave Parkinson and Tracy Lamourie in Toronto, Canada