Jarvis Journal: Faced with a Twenty-Dollar Bill (Full Essay)

In light of the current U.S. government’s efforts to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, Jarvis now wishes to share his unpublished essay, “Faced with a Twenty-Dollar Bill,” in full. Written several years ago, an excerpt was most recently posted on this website in June 2019. Jarvis urges readers to weigh the fundamental contradiction of placing an icon of freedom on American currency—an ongoing source of brutal oppression for communities of color—and joins a growing chorus of Black voices in strong disapproval of the effort.

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Update: San Quentin to Adjust GTL Phone Use Policy, Jarvis Ends Hunger Strike

From September 18-October 7, 2020, Jarvis Jay Masters had been on a hunger strike to raise awareness of a new wave of phone restrictions at San Quentin State Prison. The prison’s management team is now developing plans for the maximum and equal use of GTL phone time. Friends and supporters are still asked to contact authorities to ensure the new policies are enacted.

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