Rome was located less than five miles from Parchman Farm, Sunflower County. It was facing bad weather and a political and human right squall. This happened after one of America’s most notorious prisons became the focus of national media attention because of its living conditions and violence that resulted in the deaths several inmates. Eric J. Shelton/Mississippi Today Report For America This unincorporated community is primarily African American with a population of less than 200. Many of the residents are either employed at Parchman prison or have retired from it. It seems almost as secure as the prison in its backyard. Residents sit on their porches, watching in wonder as stranger vehicles pass by. This is a place where everyone knows each other. You can find out who lives there. Lashunda Robinson, a young woman from Main Street, sat on the porch of her grandmother’s house on Main Street. She was only a few feet from the post office. Robinson spoke of happier times in Rome and expressed concern about the prison inmates. Robinson stated, “We had so much fun days in Rome.” Robinson said, “We had so many fun days in Rome.” Some homes were damaged and farm silos left in ruin. Perry Miller and Larry Spicer, former correctional officers, helped the locals with tornado cleanup in Mary Street. This street is just a few blocks from Main Street and Robinson’s grandmother’s house. Miller stood tall while he spoke about his military experience and his time at the prison. As he spoke about Rome and his love for the Mississippi Delta, his voice was filled with pride. Miller stated, “Mississippi’s life is mine and Rome my love of liberty and life.” Miller was a Mississippi Department of Corrections employee for six years, retiring in the middle of his sixth year. Miller was clear about his position on the living conditions of inmates. Miller stated that he believes it was a waste to taxpayers’ money. Eric J. Shelton/Mississippi Today Report For America Miller’s long-time friend Larry Spicer stood beside him, his arms crossed, and shook his head in disapproval with Miller. Spicer was a corrections officer for over 28 years. After his retirement from prison, Spicer was also a military veteran and drove trucks. Spicer quickly and humbly listened to his friend’s opinion about the conditions at Parchman Farm. Spicer then added: “We all make mistakes. Spicer stated, “Everybody should have the same treatment and the law should respect everyone.” They need to be able to get a decent place for sleep, food, and a bathroom. They are all good. Some of them may just be caught up in system.” Gwin was waiting for a representative of the Red Cross to bring a tent to his house so that he could provide relief to people who were affected by the tornado. Gwin was Parchman’s director of transportation. Gwin expressed frustration at county officials not being able to find Rome or acknowledge the poor conditions. Gwin stated that “we don’t have any mayor so we’re kind of like a village” because we’re not large enough. “So, we get a bad end of the stick.” Gwin said that he had spoken with state employees and couldn’t find the community on the map. Gwin stated, “You accept my tax money but you don’t know where Rome’s?” “Something is wrong in that picture.” Eric J. Shelton/Mississippi Today/Report For America Gwin also shared his thoughts on the problems at Parchman Farm. He believes that prison problems are partly due to low wages. “If you don’t have a clear vision of how you want to live, then you won’t be able to survive on the low pay they get down there.” “I feel sorry for the inmates. “I feel for the officers, because they are both in a similar boat.” Eric J. Shelton/Mississippi Today Report For America Back on Mary Street. The Rev. Silver Star M.B. is where Joe Young, the pastor of Calvary Chapel, Parchman stops. Church to find its pastor for the discussion on disaster relief efforts. He was the one who spearheaded the Red Cross’s visit to the area to distribute meals. Young’s church is right across the street from the prison. Young says that he and his members of the church have been concerned for some time about Parchman’s conditions. Young stated that many of us in the community are concerned about Parchman’s conditions since 2000. Young explained that there was a concerted effort to encourage the retirement of experienced men and to save money by bringing in in inexperienced guards. Young believes that the salary of guards is another factor. “As you don’t have as much funding to pay staff, it is harder to hire experienced staff and that leads to fewer tenured increases. We are already seeing the consequences of this.” As the media spotlight fades away, the community will continue to rebuild and prepare for the next storms. Although the tucked-away community of people who live in the shadows of the largest state prison have different opinions on the institution and its conditions; however, all share the concern and love for their home.