Wow. What a stop. Long story short, I spent 22 hours in jail. It was terrible; I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Our visit to Covenant College was much more productive than I thought it would be. The school did not allow us on campus and it is literally on the top of a mountain, so I didn’t actually think we would see any students. When we arrived at the school there were many police, as usual. Higher up the hill, we could see a bunch of little heads poking up over the bushes. We got out our ‘Welcome the Equality Ride on your campus’ banner and stood in our silent vigil. We waved a few times at the students further up the hill and they waved back, however they did not come down at first. Eventually a group of students headed down the hill and stood with the police, about 50 feet in front of us. More and more groups of students stood with the police and it was awkward. However, eventually the first group of students came over to us and it was amazing. I could tell that all the Rides were very excited that they came down. After that first group, it took longer for the next group, however after the second group came down, everyone came to talk to us. I was ecstatic and couldn’t believe that we were talking to so many wonderful people.
A few groups came up to me and knew who I was without introducing my self to them. At this school, the dorms were divided up by floors and each Rider had a floor in a dorm praying for them. The floor that was praying for me brought me a lot of wonderful junk foods and was incredibly nice.
Today was interesting for me, because usually I spend most of the time on campus talking to the same group of people. However, at this stop I spoke to many people and it was great.
Jarrett, Browned, Rachel and myself were the 4 that were designated to do the Civil Disobedience at this stop. We created a new covenant for covenant and it was inclusive of LGBT people and affirmed them. At 10 we were supposed to attempt to deliver it to the school, however we were having so many conversations it got pushed back to 12. We all read a part of the new covenant and then we stepped on campus in an attempt to deliver it. We invited students to walk with us, however none did, that I am aware of. We were interrupted by the police in our delivery and escorted to the booking van.
I had many mixed about the arrest. I felt bad because I did not tell my group of people that I was going to possibly be getting arrested and did not get to finish the conversation. Also, there were so many other great conversations to be had, but I knew that the Civil Disobedience had to happen.
Our trip to the jail seemed to take forever. Watching the people outside and the cars drive by us was a very weird experience. Once we arrived at the jail, I felt that our time would be a short one. We were booked almost immediately and fingerprinted soon after that. For a while it was just I and Jarrett in the holding cell, however people started to come in and out. We told everyone why were there (just like in TV shows, peoples first question is always ‘why are you here?’ That was interesting to see) and no one seemed to be appalled or disgusted, so that was good. A 20-year-old guy came in and he looked at the two of us and the first words out of his mouth were “I just saw you on TV!”
We waited, waited and waited. The more we waited the more my hopes of getting out that day disappeared. I don’t remember much of my stay in the cell. I tried to sleep, but just ended up staring at the ceiling, or the huge Jesus face carved in the wall. Eventually two men came in and one of them snored very loudly and the other one kept throwing up and coughing horribly. It was horrible to see a person so obviously sick in jail. I talked to them a little bit, but they were tired and I was also so I tried also. All the sounds of snoring, vomiting and coughing made it very hard to sleep.
Eventually, we got out. Jail is a very good way to get people to obey the law. I never, ever want to go back, even though I know I will be. I didn’t think that the experience affected me, but when were on the bus and we were all standing up to get off the bus, I started to have a panic attack (or what I assume was one) and absolutely had to get off the bus right then. I don’t know why, but it scared me a lot to be standing up with everyone so close, in such a small space. I got off the bus and ran around a whole lot and I think that helped.
From what I hear, the rest of the day went well. The stayed for a long time talking to students and then went to a park and coffee house. Apparently a lot of people were asking for me, from my prayer group. I really wish I could have talked to them. If any of you are reading this, please e-mail me! Adam@EqualityRide.com, I would love to hear from you!
When we got out of jail, all the riders were there and I hugged everyone and it was really wonderful for me. Having amazing friends waiting for you when you get out of jail helps the whole experience greatly.
With my love,
Adam