The UCC support of the Hawaiin inmates in Diamondback Prison, is part of the ongoing reparations being made by the UCC to the people of Hawaii. Reverend Rosemary McCombs Maxey first became involved upon learning that the Native Hawaiin inmates were being denied their First Amendment rights at the prison. She first worked with pepole in Hawaii and local UCC persons, among others, to enable the celebration of the opening of the Makahiki season in 2002. Working with the Office of Hawaiin Affaires and others in Hawaii volunteers have been able to host traditional religious leaders adn others from Hawaii for specail observances. Individuals from COH, UCC congregations in Oklahoma City and other volunteers pay weekly visits to the prison to attend the Religion and Culture sessions and to help the men prepare and carry out various activities. COH companions who have attended these meetings include Darrell Christopher, Leslie Penrose, Melinda Foster and Armin Schmidt. The Native Hawaiin Religion and Culture Group meets every Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the prison chapel. Of the over 400 Hawaiin inmates at Diamondback, approximately 20-25 attend the weekly sessions. For more information, contact Armin Schmidt.
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