Shaquanda's Father Dies

I spoke to Paris, Texas, civil rights activist, Mrs. Brenda Cherry tonight, and she informed me Shaquanda’s father died approximately a week ago in Oklahoma.

The funeral was this past Saturday.

Mrs. Creola Cotton did not tell Shaquanda of her father’s death until today. She delayed breaking the news to her until she could do it in person, rather than by phone.

According to Mrs. Cherry, Shaquanda took her father’s death quite hard.

Shaquanda has received a blizzard of cards and her family sends their thanks.

Paris Texas Case Highlights Challenges Faced by Black Children Across the Country

This article by Shawn Williams of the Dallas South Blog offers an interesting perspective on the Shaquanda Cotton case.

Mr. Williams is a graduate of Paris High School and currently has two nephews and a Godson going there.

Judge Who Sentenced Shaquanda Cotton Fears for Community's Safety

"County Judge Chuck Superville says he fears for the community’s safety and is calling for the national media and other organizations to investigate the facts before drawing conclusions about the Shaquanda Cotton case."

The Paris News
March 25, 2005

Children Don't Belong in Prison

Children don't belong in prison.


In Paris, Texas or Sacramento, California children should not be imprisoned, especially for percieved sins of their parents.


Fourteen-year-old Shaquanda Cotton should be freed from her indeterminate sentence in a Texas prison immediately.


Last night I spoke with Shaquanda's mother, Creola Cotton. Shaquanda tells her she's tired and she doesn't know how long she can hold on. Ms. Cotton says Shaquanda has attempted suicide more than once.


Shaquanda enjoys receiving cards and letters, says her mother. She can receive mail at:


Ron Jackson Correctional Complex,
Unit 2, Dorm 4
P.O. Box 872
Brownwood, Texas 76804
1125308


Ms. Cotton also requsts that we write letters to Texas Governor Rick Perry asking him to intervene on Shaquanda's behalf.

I'm sending Shaquanda a card and writing the governor. I hope you will ,too.