by Donna Hylton
Many of my childhood memories compose an impregnable wall I find difficult to thin out. At times, I am allowed fleeting glimpses of the little girl I remember. As much as she was filled with pain and hurt, tears and sadness, she was filled with hopes and dreams. With laughter… and with joy.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I give thanks to GOD the “light” that is within us all. I would like to thank the “village” that embraced me throughout different times in my life, those who showed me what “unconditional” love truly looks and feels like.
Sr. Mary Nerney, you are the mother of my heart. Eve Ensler, you nurtured me as I found my voice. The sisters of my heart, Deborah “Denise” Banks and Nancy “Black Panther” Sicardo and Dalida Pullins-Clifton, your love and support warmed me on the coldest nights, your visits and packages nourished not only my stomach but my spirit. The women and girls of Rikers Island and Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, you opened my eyes to the sad reality of gender-based abuse and violence. Much gratitude and thanks to Mary “Tiffany” Johnson for saving my life as I was having a stroke, and later the teamwork of doctors including Dr. Rafael Ortiz, chief neuro-endovascular surgeon, and Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of women’s health at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Special thanks to (former) Superintendent Elaine Lord, Jaya Vasandani, Tamar Kraft-Stolar, Jeremy Benjamin, Robert “Bob” Dennison, and the law firm of Paul, Weiss.
Very special thanks to: Dan Pearson, who believed in me and my story and encouraged me to tell my truth, the entire team of Dan4 Entertainment, Daniel Pearson IV, Max Zampieri, Thomas C. Harris, Lawrence “Tumbler” Davis, Jerry Davis, and Jayd Leaky-Daniels. Former correctional officers Stephanie Smagler and Nicole Scott: both of you didn’t see me as a criminal but a human being worthy of love and forgiveness. My daughter, Adrienne; my agent and friend, Frank Weimann; my publisher, Hachette Book Group; my editor, Michelle Howry; and thanks to Kristine Gasbarre for going on this journey.
There are so many who’ve formed my “village,” although not mentioned (due to space), who will never be forgotten or silenced.
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