Open Letter From Hamedah Hasan
In God's name the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer God does command you to render back your trusts to those whom they are due; and when you judge between man and man, that you judge with justice: verily how excellent is the teaching which He gives you! For God is He who hears and sees all things.
-Holy Qur'an, chapter 4 - verse 58

My name is Hamedah Hasan (formerly known as Stephanie Lomax). I am a daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. I have been incarcerated since May 14, 1993 and I have approximately nine (9) years remaining on my sentence. To some people this may not seem like a big deal. After all, I did commit a crime and I must pay for that. I do accept responsibility for my actions that lead me here. However, the whole idea of spending 23-1/2 years in prison to the 25 I lived prior to my incarceration for a first-time, non-violent offense is absolutely cruel and barbaric.

Despite the intended purpose of mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines the results are often unjust. For nearly two decades human lives have been thrown away like expendable chattel. I find this most disturbing considering we live in such an advanced and civilized country. As a nation we face many challenges, and I do not claim to know all the answers. However, I do know that locking people up and throwing away the key does not solve our problems. Contrary to public sentiment, prisons warehouse. They are not structured to rehabilitate.

God has blessed me throughout this journey in many ways. I have done everything within my power to redeem myself for my past transgressions. I have experienced a wealth of spiritual growth, and like any other Believer, I pray for God's forgiveness, mercy, and guidance. I've learned to be a better mother and human being. I've maintained constant employment and clear behavioral conduct. I've participated in everything from youth outreach to currently being enrolled in college. Some people call that extraordinary. I say "all praises belong to God" for with Whom all things are possible. I am one of many first time, non-violent offenders travelling this very path without an opportunity to earn a second chance. Instead we look at spending the next 9, 10, 20, and for some, the remainder of our natural lives in prison. Meanwhile, the taxpayer dollars are not only being carelessly spent paying  exorbitant costs for long term incarceration but to also support our children in our absence.

Over the past several years there has been much talk about the unfair and unintended results of the federal sentencing guidelines. The highest court in our nation has declared them in part unconstitutional. In essence, somewhere along the process a mistake was made. As prisoners, we are constantly reminded of our duty to accept responsibility for our actions. I sit here wondering how much longer it will be before Congress takes responsibility for their actions and make the necessary changes to restore balance to the federal sentencing process. Presiding judges should be allowed to adjudicate. It's absurd to suggest something that is unconstitutional today wasn't unconstitutional 20 years ago.

Congress asserts these laws were enacted to target drug "king pins". One only needs to look into the prisons to see how many mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and low level offenders, not king pins are serving extremely lengthy sentences. In no way is it my intention to diminish the seriousness of drug trafficking. I do agree that in any civilized society there must be checks and balances. Our judicial system has been operating too long on checks without balance. An acknowledgement of error without rectification is an even greater injustice.

If passed into law, federal parole would afford federal prisoners the opportunity to earn a second chance at being productive, law-biding citizens. Three federal parole bills have been introduced within the past five years and have expired at the end of their respective congressional sessions due to inadequate support. In the interest of justice, compassion, and redemption, I strongly urge you to contact your local members of Congress and express your support for federal sentencing policy reform and the reinstatement of federal parole.

Thank you and God's peace be upon you.