Voices from Inside: Stanley Bellamy

 “My name is Stanley Bellamy. I’m speaking to you from Green Haven Correctional Facility, where I’m in the 36th year of a 62 year-to-life sentence. I entered the prison system as impulsive 23 year-old who did not value life, not even his own. I am now a mature 58 year-old man, who years ago came to the realization and the understanding of the harm, the pain and suffering that my crime caused the victim’s family, my family, and my community, for which I am truly sorry. For the past 30 years, I have engaged in or developed programs that not only address my criminal thinking and behavior, but that of others. When asked to make a statement about what the passage of the Elder Parole bill and the Fair and Timely Parole Act would mean to me, my first response was hope -- hope that it would finally give me the opportunity to present my case to a parole board. Then frustration set in. Frustration with the legislative process. Frustration with the Governor, who could provide so many incarcerated people with relief with the stroke of a pen -- clemency.“

“For years, incarcerated people were encouraged to have our family members vote Democrats into office, told that real criminal justice reform was being blocked by the Republican-controlled Senate. That legislation centered around criminal justice reform would never pass as long as that chamber was in their control. But what’s the excuse now? What’s stopping the passage of Elder Parole? Of Fair & Timely Parole? Or fully staffing the parole board? The People of New York have spoken. Even after all the pushback with bail reform, New Yorkers gave the Democrats a supermajority. When people vote, they are not only voting for a change in party but a change in policy. Now is the time to pass these bills. I thank all the legislators who have the courage to endorse our platform. I ask that you and your colleagues use this opportunity to restore our hope and our family’s hope. On behalf of the men at Green Haven Correctional Facility, we apologize to all of the families we have harmed. And we want you to know that we know that words without deeds are meaningless. Just as we have broken the social contract with you, and the community, that trust will not be returned or give easily. It must be earned. We ask that you give us this opportunity to earn that trust. Thank you.”