In late 2019, Harry Flemming’s daughter and son-in-law established this fund in his memory to make it possible for children and grandchildren of prisoners to visit their incarcerated loved ones. As they explain, “Dad was a high school student in 1927 when he was sentenced to thirty years in prison for defending himself and his friends from an armed attack. After serving twelve years he was pardoned by the governor. During his years in prison he saw his family very infrequently because it was so expensive and so far away to visit.
After release, Dad became a union organizer and a lifelong, outspoken social activist in California. He was a devoted father and friend. He loved to read the newspaper, speak Spanish and play the banjo. Although he had scars from the trauma of his years in prison, he told us that he had a happy and satisfied life. We’re so grateful our father survived and thrived despite his unjust incarceration and resulting isolation. We hope grants from the Flemming Fund will allow other children to remain connected to their loved ones in prison and help their parents/grandparents live similarly full and satisfying lives.” Anyone who wishes to donate to the Flemming Fund should indicate that designation when making a contribution to the RFC.