San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

  • Home
  • Espanol Home
  • Image Galleries
  • Back Issues
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Donate / Subscribe
  • Wall City

SUE RUSSO: SURVIVOR, PRISONERS’ RIGHTS ACTIVIST

February 15, 2023 by San Quentin News

IN MEMORIAM

A prison advocate’s selfless acts during their struggle and journey toward redemption are rarely recognized. Sue Russo, longtime prisoner rights activist, died in the California Correctional Women’s Facility in September 2022. She had been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. 

Sue Russo

In 1996 her sentence was commuted to 25-to-life by former Gov. Jerry Brown in honor of her diligent rehabilitation and history as a domestic violence survivor, according to the Fire Inside newsletter. Russo was a strong and caring inside member for the California Coalition for Women Prisoners advocacy group. 

In Russo’s 28 years of incarceration she co-founded and facilitated Prison of Peace, a non-profit organization that aims to end violence in prison by teaching conflict resolution and restorative justice skills and processes. 

Russo was diagnosed with valley fever, a chronic condition endemic to California’s Central Valley. She suffered ongoing respiratory issues, including COPD. She had multiple surgeries to remove portions of her infected lungs, reported the newsletter. 

Russo’s commutation, accomplishments and remorse wasn’t enough to get her past the parole board, said CCWP representatives. 

“Sue would be with us today [if it wasn’t for the denial],” said the article. 

Rest in power, rest in peace — from CCWP and all the incarcerated servants. 

facebookShare on Facebook
TwitterTweet
FollowFollow us

Filed Under: Obituary, Recently Posted

Video

Made With Love At San Quentin State Prison The Last Mile Logo

  • Home
  • Espanol Home
  • Image Galleries
  • Back Issues
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Donate / Subscribe
  • Wall City

  • Featured
  • Recently Posted
  • Arts
  • Death Penalty
  • Education
  • Espanol
  • Legal
  • Most Read
  • Sports