Darlene “Lulu” Benson-Seay
Photograph of Lulu, obtained from The New Republic.
For my best sister-cuz
By Sharon Louise Scott
Lulu is my besty; I love her for being a real speaking person. She is a magnetic human being. At times I would challenge her, only so that she wouldn't be depressed. As you may or may not know she was here for a crime that she didn't do, an’ at times she wouldn't handle it well. So she would act out, but wasn't noticeable to anyone but me, being that I knew the difference. I didn't make a scene; I would hang in there while we were either walking to school, or in the yard playing cards, or just kicking it. She is real street educated , and while going to school she'd say (I don't need school to pay my rent on time or to count my monies). We met in 2014 on 112a/b unit; I knew that she was a special person. Since that day I wanted to befriend her. At first she was a tough shell to crack, but I saw beneath the hardness; prayer and lots of it made me stay around. Sure there were other people she'd talk but like our talks. Stuff that I couldn't help her with she'd ask someone who did. She has 1 son and 1 daughter; she's a Grandmother and a great grand mother and a great great grand mother; she is funny too, we had plenty of days where we'd laugh at silly stuff. I miss her dearly.
From Mourning Our Losses:
Original artwork by Lulu, obtained from The New Republic.
“We’ve Been Punished for a Life Time. Be We Steal Survived.” - Lulu
As a Black woman in America, living is a daily act of resilience. Although the struggle for survival was incessant, Darlene “Lulu” Benson-Seay was an overcomer. Her incredible story includes traumatic experiences of domestic violence, grief, and health tribulations, yet she persisted.
On April 28, 2020, Lulu passed away from COVID-19 at 61 years old. She was the first woman to pass away from coronavirus in a New York state prison. As a daughter, sister, mother, and friend, she is mourned by her loved ones both inside and outside Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
Through all her walks of life, she is remembered as a “beautiful soul.” Her passion for life continued even in the maximum-security prison. Lulu’s presence was infectious to everyone inside. She brought joy through her smile, sense of humor, and willingness to engage with everyone. To reciprocate the love she gave, everyone in the facility willingly helped her with everyday tasks.
While inside the facility, Lulu also advocated for liberation. Through retroactive justice, she educated herself on legal matters in hopes to qualify for resentencing. Along with her pursuit of freedom and justice, she continued to empower others as a member of Survived and Punished, an organization that advocates for mass clemency. Despite many obstacles, her dedication to justice never faltered.
Lulu was a candidate for medical parole, and she advocated for her own release. As she began experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, she remained in good spirits. She stayed in contact with her family members and lovingly advised them to practice good health habits. As her absence in the common areas increased, her friend Crystal Whaley went to visit and insisted on taking her to the infirmary. Lulu’s declining condition led to her hospitalization and strenuous efforts by her family to attempt to see her before she passed. Unfortunately, after being forced to go through a lengthy process even to learn the name of her hospital, their request to say goodbye to Lulu by video was refused by a prison guard. Her family had to say goodbye through a phone call.
Lulu was loved by many, and her life is celebrated. Her legacy will be remembered by continuing the fight to support, acknowledge, uplift, and protect Black women.
This memorial was written by MOL team member Gabrielle Smith with information from reporting by Justine van der Leun of the New Republic.
