Tamara Hinkle was a mother, a sister, a friend, a fierce advocate, a poet, and a beloved soul. She lost her life on April 29, 2026, while in a California State Prison. Tamara had been incarcerated for over 30 years and was serving a life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) sentence at the California Institution for Women (CIW). Throughout her incarceration, Tamara remained deeply committed to community, healing, and advocacy. She was an active member of California Coalition for Women Prisoners, Families United to End LWOP, Unapologetically HERS, Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, among many others. Tamara sought out opportunities, connections, and networks because she was committed to empowering not only herself but giving so much back to her community, inside and outside.
She is survived by her family, her three children, her loving sisters, and an extended chosen family inside and outside prison walls who love her deeply.
We are raising funds to support her family in this time of grief and remembrance. Donations will go to a family memorial service, the purchase of an urn and pendants for her ashes, a memorial banner, and a portrait of Tamara so her image can continue to live with those who have loved her. Any funds beyond those items will go to support her children. We have a goal of raising $10,000.
We thank you in advance for your support for our beloved comrade.
Donations should be sent directly to Tamara’s sister Marcella Swoopes via zelle (707-514-9786) or to Joe Hankins via venmo (@joseph-hankins-2) marked “donation for Tamara.”