Lured with a vision of a paradise land, in the 1970s, more than 900 members of what was known as The People's Temple arrived in the jungles of Guyana to a place that became known as "Jonestown." On November 18, 1978, 918 of them died after being given Kool-Aid laced with cyanide.
Jim Jones, the founder of The People's Temple and master of the unthinkable torture that occurred through it, sought to attract individuals who had experienced oppression, particularly racism, offering beautifully described resources and opportunities. The settlement these partitioners arrived at, however, was a barbaric trap with a sadistic leader who held them captive.
At age 12, Yulanda Williams and her family became involved with The People's Temple.
Her family found release from the jaws of the scenic prison a few months before the massacre.
They were of very few to escape the heavily guarded compound.
Not only did Yulanda survive upon her return to the United States, but she also flourished, serving the San Fransisco community for 32 years as a captain in the San Fransisco police force. She is a living model of resilience after extreme trauma.
I met with Yulanda to hear her story and to better understand how she sustained her body, mind, and spirit. Her account is one of beauty, illustrating the potential strength of an individual and family. She gives a message that we can all appreciate and learn from.
In sharing her story, Yulanda repeatedly discusses how Jones used power and control to manipulate his members. She shares how Jones initially provided a deceitful, "concern for the people at the time," showing awareness of the oppression many faced, but ultimately........