Dear friends,
I am moved to say a few words on the passing of my dear friend and benefactor, Bruce Forrester, Jr. (1947-2019), the news of which has reached me within these walls.
     Bruce was a friend to me for over twenty years just as he was a friend to [censored] before I came along. As a [censored] proud white man, he typified many of the finest qualities of our people including a sharp and inquiring mind, a love of knowledge, a creative and inventive spirit, and an idealism for the future of our people. Bruce stood with me in some of my darkest hours, his love and loyalty unflinching in its service. Indeed, one of the last acts of his life was to make sure that I had successfully received his last $100.00 donation, something that he had been doing ever since my arrest so many moons ago. That will help tell you what sort of man he was.
     More than anything though, Bruce helped me to understand the continued value of my life despite the horrible predicament which had befallen me. Not only did he provide encouragement to my literary efforts but he helped me to realize that I serve an important role for our cause simply by staying alive within my dungeon, that so long as I persevere, our foes will never win. His words always put a smile on my face and a resolve within my heart. For that I am grateful. He would chase away the natural tendency of a man in my shoes to feel sorry for himself, understanding that it is the mettle of the man that truly matters and not where he places his feet.
     Bruce was a fine man all the way around and I will miss him greatly. I am proud to have suchs friends!

Matt Hale