Showing up for Lore

  • September 9, 2020 1:14 am

from We Love Lore

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The Trump regime hasn’t allowed incarcerated people to see their loved ones for five months and we’re sick of it. This weekend we showed up for Lore Elisabeth, the beloved community care worker and unconvicted political prisoner whom the government hides at Philadelphia’s Federal Detention Center.

[Video Here]

It was a joyous opportunity us to show our love and support for Lore (and for each other!). We will never stop fighting the cruel and violent intimidation tactics that are being used against Lore to chop down all of our rights, including free speech and the presumption of innocence. And we’ll do it dancing ???? Join us ????????

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How you can help Lore right now:

⭐ Donate here (or Venmo @WeLoveLore) to Lore’s support fund. Every penny supports Lore’s health, well-being, and legal defense.

⭐ Write or send books. Your love, solidarity, and support is critical.

⭐ Share this message, the website, our Instagram, and Twitter, with your communities. Help us spread the word and strengthen Lore’s safety net.

#RDTW2020 Video and Chuck Africa’s Recommended Resources

  • September 9, 2020 1:04 am

from Philly ABC

[Video Here]

The 2020 Running Down The Walls official reportback is coming shortly. In the meantime, check out this amazing montage by hate5six.

If you missed the full version of Chuck Africa’s speech on Sunday, he is calling on the movement to support women in prison.

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A list of women serving life without parole (or sentenced to death by incarceration) is available through the Women Lifer’s Resume Project. He encourages everyone to pick one to reach out to and see how you can support them. He also recommends donating to the Avis Lee Decarceration Fund. While Avis was granted commutation on September 4th, this fund will lie on to provide support for other women who are released in the dcoming years. Finally, check out the work of the Dignity Act Now Collective that is struggling on behalf of women and trans people in prison.

Political Prisoner and Prison Rebel Birthdays for September

  • September 7, 2020 1:56 am

from It’s Going Down

[This post only contains information relevant to Philadelphia and the surrounding area, to read the entire article follow the above link.]

Inspired by the spirit of the Political Prisoners Birthday crew, here’s a short listing of some rebel prisoners who have upcoming birthdays in September. For an an introduction on how to write to prisoners and some things to do and not to do, go here. If you have the time, please also check IWOC’s listing of prisoners facing retaliation for prison strike-related organizing.

Everyone should support the defendants facing charges related to their alleged participation in the George Floyd uprising – this list of our imprisoned comrades needs to be getting shorter, not longer. The status of pre-trial defendants changes frequently, but to the best of my knowledge they currently include:

Lore-Elisabeth Blumenthal #70002-066
FDC Philadelphia
P.O. Box 562
Philadelphia, PA 19105

David Elmakayes #77782-066
FDC Philadelphia,
PO Box 562,
Philadelphia, PA 19105

Shawn Collins #69989-066
FDC Philadelphia,
PO Box 562,
Philadelphia, PA 19105

Steven Pennycooke #69988-066
FDC Philadelphia,
PO Box 562,
Philadelphia, PA 19105

Please do not write anything to pre-trial defendants that could in any way have a negative impact on their trial, and keep an eye out for changes in their status.

Much as I hate to see even more of our lives and communications being enclosed by tech companies, it seems inescapable at the moment, so for anyone who doesn’t want to leave their house to buy stamps/cards/envelopes or to send mail, a reminder that many prisoners can be contacted electronically, via Jpay or similar services.

John Bramble

A former Vaughn 17 defendant and contributor to the Vaughn zine, “Live from the Trenches”. While the state has now dropped its attempts to criminalize John in relation to the uprising, he is facing continued retaliation, as he has been moved to Pennsylvania, where he is being held on lockdown indefinitely (via placement on PA’s Restricted Release List) on vague and questionable grounds, and recently went through a hunger strike against his treatment. More than three years later, these prisoners are still being abused for staying in solidarity with one another against the state.

Pennsylvania uses Connect Network/GTL, so you can contact him online by going to connectnetwork.com, selecting “Add a facility”, choosing “State: Pennsylvania, Facility: Pennsylvania Department of Corrections”, going into the “messaging” service, and then adding him as a contact by searching his name or “NT0282.”

Birthday: September 1

Address:

Smart Communications / PA DOC
John Bramble – NT0282
SCI Rockview
PO Box 33028
St. Petersburg, FL, 33733

Robert Hernandez

A former Vaughn 17 defendant and contributor to the Vaughn zine, “Live from the Trenches”. While the state has now dropped its attempts to criminalize Robert in relation to the uprising, all Vaughn-related prisoners continue to be targets for retaliation. More than three years later, these prisoners are still being abused for staying in solidarity with one another against the state. You can read a recent update from him here.

Robert is held in New Mexico, and facility guidelines say “Inmates are not allowed to receive phone calls or any electronic correspondence.”

Birthday: September 25

Address:

Robert Hernandez, #55368
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 639
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88004

Mural of Slain Philadelphia Police Sergeant Vandalized

  • August 31, 2020 1:03 am

from Mainstream Media

A mural dedicated to a slain Philadelphia Police Department sergeant was vandalized Sunday.

The mural of Sgt. Robert Wilson, near the intersection of 60th Street and Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia, was vandalized with the acronyms “ACAB” and “FTP,” as well as the “circle-A” anarchy symbol.

The defacement drew immediate and angry reaction from police.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw tweeted at the vandal, “You didn’t earn any extra “woke-points”. You’re not brave. You’re not a revolutionary. You’re certainly no hero.”

“I’m saddened and angered that vandals would deface the mural of one of our beloved heroes, Sgt. Robert Wilson III.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson family on this sad day,” said John McNesby, president of the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 union. “Wilson served our great city with passion and compassion and is sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in the Philadelphia police department.”

The police union later Sunday announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Anticapitalist group claims responsibility for West Philly unrest that left windows smashed, buildings vandalized near Penn

  • August 27, 2020 1:37 am

from Mainstream Media

An anticapitalist group taking part in what it called the “Summer of Rage” has claimed responsibility for unrest that erupted near the University of Pennsylvania campus Tuesday night, leaving windows smashed and prompting campus police to warn students and staff to remain indoors.

Roughly 60 people in black clothes and donning black masks gathered at Clark Park, near the intersection of 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, and began marching just before 9:30 p.m., campus police said. They quickly cut a swath of damage along 40th Street — building barricades, vandalizing several buildings and a marked Penn police car — before dispersing about 40 minutes later.

In their wake, several businesses were left damaged along 40th Street, including a PNC bank, a coffee shop, a pizza parlor, a bar, the Free Library branch at 40th and Walnut Streets, and a university residence hall that was spray-painted with the phrase “Nerds Call 911.”

A post that appeared Wednesday morning on Philly Anti-Capitalist, a clearinghouse for local antiauthoritarian and anarchist groups, and submitted by a person claiming to be an organizer of the demonstration, declared the event a success.

“Over 45 people marched through the streets chanting and smashing windows of banks, business and developments,” the post read. “There was a surprising amount of destruction.”

It went on to describe demonstrators using barricades to elude police intervention and covering identifying tattoos and facial features to avoid detection by authorities.

Philadelphia police declined to comment on whether their investigation of the vandalism was focused on the “Summer of Rage” group, saying only that the probe continues. Penn police didn’t respond to requests for details.

But as business owners and university staff boarded up windows, cleared broken glass from sidewalks, and power-washed antipolice and anarchist graffiti off building walls Wednesday morning, many were still trying to figure out exactly what had happened. Most of the businesses along the corridor were closed when the destruction began.

The shattered windows at a PNC Bank branch on 40th Street near Walnut. The windows were destroyed by a group of protesters marching in response to the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin.

Security footage at Allegro Pizza & Grill near 40th and Spruce Streets showed a crowd of people walking north on 40th just before 9:30 p.m., flanked by people walking their bicycles and halting traffic. People in the front carried a banner that read: “F— the police.”

Louie K., a part owner of Allegro who asked that his last name be withheld over safety concerns, said members of the group spray-painted on the wall of his business and a man took a baseball bat to its ATM, causing more than $10,000 in damage.

Another local business owner, who asked to remain anonymous because he didn’t “want [his] windows broken, too,” said he saw a crowd of about 25 people in black clothing ransacking a construction site near 40th and Sansom Streets.

The group threw traffic cones and toppled trash cans, he said while noting he didn’t see any violent behavior. At one point, he said, police approached the crowd near Chestnut Street and the group shouted profanities at officers but kept on walking.

A worker power washes graffiti off of a construction barrier outside of a University of Pennsylvania residence hall Wednesday morning after a night of unrest saw demonstrators vandalizing buildings and breaking windows along 40th Street in West Philadelphia.

The gathering that led to the unrest came together quickly through mostly private messages and social media posts. A graphic shared on Instagram directed attendees — “in solidarity with Kenosha” — to meet at Clark Park at 9 p.m. and wear black. “Screenshot & share on IG story only,” the graphic read. (Instagram’s “stories” function is not easily searchable.)

The post early Wednesday morning on the anticapitalist blog said the group was marching in solidarity with Philadelphia sanitation workers, Black Lives Matter, and protests in Kenosha, Wis., over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old man seriously injured by officers Sunday as he leaned into his car in front of his children.

Organizers involved in previous protests on behalf of those causes have disavowed property destruction in their pursuit of social justice goals.

But a group donning similar dark clothing and masks and also claiming to be associated with the “Summer of Rage” drew attention in 2017 after causing more than $100,000 in damage to new buildings and high-end cars in North Philadelphia.

Those demonstrators said they were marching against gentrification in the neighborhood.

Neighbors at the time described the masked demonstrators smashing windows, spray-painting messages like “Leave!” on new buildings, and throwing Christmas ornaments filled with paint. Two protesters were arrested after area residents surrounded the group and kept them penned in until police arrived.

No arrests have been reported in connection with Tuesday’s unrest.

Garbage cans thrown in the street by a group of protesters marching in response to the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin. Numerous windows were shattered at the University of Pennsylvania.

Police car burned in South Philadelphia

  • August 27, 2020 1:34 am

from Mainstream Media

An unoccupied Philadelphia Police car was set on fire overnight near Passyunk Square. Part of the vehicle was damaged, police said, but no one was injured.

The cruiser could be seen Wednesday morning parked outside the Third District precinct at 11th and Wharton Streets. The area around the front passenger side wheel well appeared to be charred.

A police car was burned at 11th and Wharton streets in South Philadelphia near the Third District police precinct.

The fire was set shortly after 3:15 a.m., police said, and it caused damage to the right wheel area and hood. The fire marshal declared it an arson, and police said they are investigating. No arrests had been made as of early Wednesday.

NBC10, Fox29, and 6ABC reported that authorities may be looking for a person on a bike who was seen fleeing the scene.

It was unclear whether the act was linked to an incident last month in which four unoccupied police cars were burned overnight. In that instance, at least two of the cars were burned from a tire, police said at the time.

Solidarity from Philly to Kenosha

  • August 26, 2020 2:53 am

Submission

The Solidarity with Kenosha, WI demo was more impressive than usual. People met up, discussed the plan, and started promptly. Escalation started right away and continued as a group of over 45 people marched through the streets chanting and smashing windows of banks, business and developments. There was a surprising amount of destruction. One of the most impressive things though, was the strong collective intelligence. There was good communication, barricading, and improvisation. People were decisive about both sticking to the plan and being flexible. Folks caught and lost a police tail and dispersed smoothly due to barricades and quick decision making all the while staying level headed and tight in stressful moments.
We really appreciate everyone who showed up and their energy! The more we do this, the better we get!
Also here’s two things we think we could get better at: Staying in the streets, not on the sidewalks and covering up better (this includes eyebrows, bangs, tattoos etc.) 🙂

Solidarity with trash workers and the recent storm leaving us ample debris.
Solidarity with anarchist prisoners, Kenosh Wisconsin, and everyone consistently turning up and inspiring us.
Black Lives Matter
RIP George Floyd
Get better Jacob Blake

The only way to end police brutality is to end police

“We will destroy, laughing
We will commune, laughing
We will get free, laughing”

– The 3rd Annual Summer of Rage

Judge Ruling Permits City to Evict Tent Encampments

  • August 26, 2020 2:48 am

from Twitter

Philadelphia, PA: A federal judge just ruled *against* a requested injunction filed by lawyers representing homeless city residents fighting @PhillyMayor Jim Kenney’s plan to send in police to evict tent encampments. The judge reportedly requires the city to give 72 hours notice.

Here at the James Talib Dean memorial encampment on the Ben Franklin parkway, things are fairly calm and dozens of tents are still up along with hand washing and service stations. Some police are nearby but no plans for raids seem imminent today, although camp residents are wary.
As with Philly city officials’ previous threats to use force to clear these camps, many camp residents say they aren’t going anywhere no matter what the government says. Many supporters of the camps have also mobilized recently to defend against possible deployment of police.
Here is federal judge Eduardo C. Robreno’s order denying the injunction and clearing the way for @PhillyMayor to use force to displace homeless encampments during the coronavirus pandemic, despite CDC guidelines to the contrary. (H/t @KeeleyFox29 for court docs)
Several sitting members of Philadelphia’s city council have strongly opposed any move by Mayor Kenney to displace homeless Philadelphians seeking refuge at these camps. It’s unclear to what extent contentious city politics may delay any use of force by police on this matter.
Any sweep of camps (and militant protesters defending camps) would likely involve Philly PD SWAT. PPD SWAT gained national notoriety for extreme on-camera abuses during George Floyd protests. They’ve shown a clear eagerness to commit violence against protesters and reporters.

Anathema Volume 6 Issue 6

  • August 25, 2020 1:58 am

from Anathema

Volume 6 Issue 6 (PDF for reading 8.5 x 11)

Volume 6 Issue 6 (PDF for printing 11 x 17)

In this issue:

  • Black August
  • What Went Down
  • New Projects
  • What Next?
  • Repression Updates
  • Die-Off Debate
  • DIY Defunding
  • Back to School
  • PSL, Occupations, & Some Better Possibilities

August Anarchist bazaar and reading discussion

  • August 23, 2020 1:17 am

from Viscera

Join us for our first incision into Philly with a reading discussion and social time in person (!) in Clark Park (tentatively) on the last Sunday in August!

Discussion starts at 1:30 with some hangout time beforehand, we’ll also have some books and pamphlets on hand for sale.

This month’s reading will be Monsieur Dupont’s “Your face is so mysteriously kind,” which you can find on the anarchist library here.

We look forward to seeing all of your mysteriously kind, masked faces! See you there!

Urgent Eviction Defense

  • August 17, 2020 1:36 pm

from Instagram

A Second Eviction Has been posted by the city for both JTD (22nd and Ben Franklin) and Camp Teddy (2013 ridge ave)
Residents have no intentions of leaving while the city negotiates their livelihoods in circles.

Tomorrow, Tuesday August 18th @ 9:00 am.

We need bodies to come out and hold down both locations for
* Cop Watching & Police Survalince
•Patrolling the area, recording names and badge number. Lower arrest risk
* Barricading & Securing the Camp
* Help move, and construct barricades for the perimeter. Trucks are useful in picking up barricades from around the city and transporting them back. Lower Arrest Risk
* Residential Support
* Keep resident informed on ongoing actions, help residents pack their belongings and clean, keeping calm and getting/keeping contact in the event we are displaced. Lower arrest risk
* Defense Unit
* Willing and able to defend camp against the cops physically. Using your bodies as a line of defense. Come equipped with protective gear. Higher arrest risk

With eviction courts opening back up and the moratorium over, landlord and police are ready to ramp up eviction like this city has never seen before. Philly will not back down and submit to the oppressive forces trying to sweeps us up and out of sight. We will stand together. The city has decided to use our cities unhoused as testing bunnies for what poor and disenfranchised folks all around the city will experience on September 1st, when eviction are allowed to procede and people can be uprooted from their lives. Send a CLEAR message that an attack on our must vulnerable is an attack on our whole community, this is unacceptable. Will you stand with us?

Tomorrow morning, BEFORE 9 o’clock !

Be prepared to defend against our camp.

Special Black August Birthday Event for Russell Maroon Shoatz

  • August 16, 2020 1:43 am

from Philly ABC

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Sunday 8/23, 4:30pm
Malcolm X Park–

This month’s letter-writing event will be a special Black August edition on Sunday August 23rd, the 77th birthday of Black Liberation prisoner Russell Maroon Shoatz. Join us in signing conscious birthday cards, talking about his case and history of struggle, and engage in political education through a raffle!

The PE raffle prizes are four pairs of Nike shoes that were donated in support of this event:

Nike Flight Legacy Men’s size 9 – white/black/red

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Nike Air Max Excee Men’s size 8.5 – black/white/dark grey

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Nike Fly By Low II Men’s size 11.5 – black

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Nike Bendassi JDI Women’s size 10 – black/rose gold

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If you win a pair of shoes in your size, great! Otherwise you can trade or give to someone that fits them. The raffle is a way to engage in Black August study, with each ticket containing information on related topics. We look forward to the discussions that carry on after!

We’ll also be making announcements about the upcoming 5K in Maroon’s honor, as the registration deadline is the following day (Aug 24). If you want to participate but haven’t registered yet, you can do it here! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and go over logistics. This will also be a good opportunity to submit tabling requests for the event, if you have material you would like to share.

We look forward to seeing you at this special, Black August edition card writing event for Maroon!

Prisoners’ Lives Matter: Dwayne Staats on Hunger Strike in SCI Albion

  • August 16, 2020 1:34 am

from AMW English

Prisoners' Lives Matter: Dwayne Staats on Hunger Strike in SCI Albion

Prisoners Lives Matter

by Dwayne “Bim” Staats

-On Wednesday July 8th, Michael Discenko #ME3162 (inmate at S.C.I. Albion, residing in the restrictive housing unit) was tested for COVID-19 because he was due to be released soon (July 15th).

-Sunday July 12th, medical staff (dressed in hazardous suits) went to Michael’s cell to inform him that he’d tested positive for COVID-19, and that another test would be arranged soon.

-Sunday night, a group of us held a meeting to discuss the circumstances. Our conclusion was that the administration was going to quarantine the whole tier without giving the rest of us testing or removing Michael. To counter the inevitable, ten of us decided to go on hunger strike in protest of them leaving Michael on the tier and not giving us testing.

-Monday morning, July 13th, 6:15 am, corrections officer does count and announces that the tier will be quarantined for 14 days… 7:30 am, the ten of us refused our breakfast… 8:00 am, captain and lieutenant come on the tier to investigate why we didn’t eat. They stated that exceptions would be made for us to take showers (which I consider a death trap)… 12:30 pm, inmates from an adjacent tier were brought over to use our showers while we’re “quarantined.”

-Tuesday July 14th, the tier was notified that outside recreation will be available (pretty sure this concession was only offered with hopes that we would start taking trays).

-Wednesday July 15th, 4:30 am, Michael is notified that he won’t be getting tested, and to pack up because they’re releasing him at 6:30 am… 8:00 am, Michael is made aware that they’re (D.O.C.) not putting him on a van. Instead, they’re driving him directly to his house (they never let him warn his family). Michael’s cell was beneath mine, which enabled us to communicate through the vent in our rooms. He expressed that he was a-symptomatic, and like the rest of us in solitary confinement, hasn’t come in close proximity with no one but prison staff. I told him don’t put his family at risk, and when he pulls up to the house, immediately tell his loved ones, “don’t come near me- call the ambulance- I’ve tested positive for COVID-19!”… 1:00 pm, two deputy superintendents and a psychologist came on the tier for a brief moment, then left.

-Thursday morning, July 16th, being that we’ve surpassed 9 consecutive meals, a nurse came on the tier to announce that “those on hunger strike will be charged $5 a day for medical service.” What she failed to mention was, under policy and protocol, the ninth meal signifies that we will be placed in P.O.C. (prisoner observation cells) and monitored by medical and psychologists multiple times throughout the day. True to their nature, policy or protocol wasn’t adhered to. This negligence discouraged a lot of guys from continuing their hunger strike. We were kept in our cells instead of being taken to P.O.C… 11:00 am, medical staff came around to talk to those who remained on hunger strike (Dwayne Staats #NT000, Reuben Henry #HJ3797, Ramon Sanchez #FH7056 and Deshawn Nelson #MN2187). He stated, “Pennsylvania’s governor Tom Wolfe is the only person who can authorize COVID testing for prisoners.” This far, the testing has only been reserved for prisoners who are transferring or getting released. Even those who’ve shown symptoms or have pre-existing conditions are refused testing… 1:00 pm, regional deputies take a tour of the prison. They came to our building, but never step foot on our tier.

-Friday, July 17th, still not put under medical/psychological observation… Guys in hazardous suit spray something in Michael’s old cell. Later on, another inmate is placed inside (yes, we’re still “quarantined”).

-Saturday, July 18th, 11:00 am, medical staff came on the tier, asking to take our vitals (which we all refused) and brag about charging us $5 like it was going into her pocket.

-Sunday, July 19th, 12:30 am, we’re at 18 consecutively missed meals. The guard came around for count and stopped at Reuben’s cell. He kept yelling his name and tapping on the window. This made me get up to see what was going on. Reuben was unresponsive, which caused the guard to alert medical and other officers. A few nurses and guards rushed on the tier. They opened Reuben’s cell and I seen him sprawled out on the floor. Once medical verified “signs of life,” they took him off the tier on a stretcher. About 20 minutes later, he walks back on the tier and the guards secure him back in the cell. Medical said he passed out because of dehydration and low sugar levels… 1:00 am, Reuben is brought peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (but still not put under observation). 6:00 pm, medical personnel finally follows up on Reuben (who still refused trays) and the rest of us who was on hunger strike… To be continued.

In closing, there is a total disregard for prisoners lives that needs immediate attention. Furthermore, all the guys who ended their hunger strikes are now being retaliated against by the prison staff or administration for having the audacity to protest. Until next time, be easy and take care!

Power is the people!

-Bim

Dwayne Staats #NT0000

S.C.I. Albion

P.O. Box 33028

St. Petersburg, FL 33733

P.S. I ain’t on no suicide mission and I ain’t gone let these people get the satisfaction of killing me!

Black August Reading & Discussion

  • August 14, 2020 1:52 am

from Facebook

WHAT: Black August Reading & Discussion Group
WHEN: August 21, 2020 @ 7 pm est
WHERE: Video meeting, link will be provided day of

Black August acknowledges the fallen comrades that die, sacrifice and struggle for the self-determination and liberation. Black August originated in the California penal system to honor fallen Freedom Fighters, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, William Christmas, James McClain, and Khatari Gaulden. Jonathan Jackson was gunned down outside the Marin County California courthouse on August 7, 1970 as he attempted to liberate three imprisoned Black Liberation Fighters: James McClain, William Christmas and Ruchell Magee. Ruchell Magee is the sole survivor of that armed liberation attempt. He is the former co-defendant of Angela Davis and has been locked down for 47 years, most of it in solitary confinement. George Jackson was assassinated by prison guards during a Black prison rebellion at San Quentin on August 21, 1971. Three prison guards were also killed during that rebellion and prison officials charged six Black and Latino prisoners with the death of those guards. They became known as the San Quentin Six.

On July 8th, 1971, Angela Davis and George Jackson met in a holding cell beside a courtroom in the Marin Civic Center in the company of two attorneys and an outside observer. It was the first time that they would be in the same room together for an extended period of time. About a year earlier, Davis had seen Jackson when she attended his pre-trial hearing. She had been organizing to free the Soledad Brothers. After their July 1971 meeting, Angela Davis began to write a series of letters to Jackson. On August 27, 1971 The LA Free Press published commentary by Angela Davis on George Jackson’s death.
On August 21, 2020 at 7 pm we will honor these fallen Freedom Fighters by reading commentary written by Davis and discussing themes such as prison rebellion and solidarity.

Link to article: http://jfk.hood.edu/Collection/White%20Materials/San%20Quentin/San%20Quentin%20078.pdf

“Settle your quarrels, come together, understand the reality of our situation, understand that fascism is already here, that people are already dying who could be saved, that generations more will live poor butchered half-lives if you fail to act. Do what must be done; discover your humanity and your love in revolution.” ― George L. Jackson

A Letter From Safear

  • August 14, 2020 1:28 am

from Dreaming Freedom Practicing Abolition

Imprisoned Abolitionist Stephen Wilson was taken to the hole (RHU) today (8/10/2020). His crime? Voicing a concern to the block’s unit manager. The problem was simple enough. We are locked in our cells for 19 1/2 hours most days. When it is time for our recreational periods the guards let us out late and lock us in early. Stevie simply wanted to know why they keep taking time from us. However prisoners are not expected to use their voices during a pandemic. Hours later the guards came to Stevie’s cell, cuffed him, and marched him away. Prison officials allege abusive or threatening language. Really they just wanted to silence him. This act is just the latest in a series of oppressive misconducts against prisoners. Stevie is just the most recent target.

For weeks the guards have been writing people up on bogus charges in an attempt to suppress potential resistance. Others have been given misconducts for actions such as walking up the stairs to ones cell (unauthorized area). Carrying extra prison food (contraband). And now Stevie for using his voice. The prison superintendents voice was broadcast over our TVs just a few days ago. “We want to remind everyone that this is not a punishment. This is for your own safety” he said. Not a punishment? From my cell it sure felt like punishment. No doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the lives of everyone inside and out. Free world people sheltered in place. They ordered food on Grubhub, clothes on MTailor, and everything else on Amazon. Families took socially distanced walks in the park. Or they just went for a drive when they felt like getting out of the house.

Those of us in prison got locked down. In PA we spent 23 hours and 15 minutes in the cell each day. For 45 minutes we were let out of our small box into a larger box. Weeks passed like that.Finally they gave us the “privilege” to be locked in the cell for 19 1/2 hours a day. We are isolated into groups of 40 people on the block. They created short incremental recreational periods. Then they let us out late and watch us fight each other over who gets to use the phone.

Stevie got tired of it. We are all tired of it. Not tired of protecting ourselves from COVID. Tired of being pitted against each other. Tired of the the guards’ oppression. Our only physical visits are from COs searching our cells. But I’m supposed to smile and be grateful for them “protecting me”? Fuck that. Let’s be clear – the only way a prisoner is going to catch the virus is if the guards or staff bring it in. And I do not believe that taking temperatures at the door is going to keep the virus out. Haven’t they heard of the term Asymptomatic by now? Don’t they know that it can take multiple days before a person starts showing symptoms? We don’t want to be in here when one of them brings the virus in. We have to continue the progress that has been made releasing people from jails and prisons.

To those who cage us: You want to protect us? Then let us out of this damn petri dish you call a prison. Let Stephen Wilson out of the hole for expressing a legitimate concern. Stop putting on this hollow performance of safety and security. Open up these gates! To our Allies, Comrades, and Accomplices: Dis-Organize this prison. Call SCI Fayette and give us a voice. Be a voice for Stephen Wilson and tell the administration to let him out of the RHU. Let them know that we have your support.

In Solidarity,

Safear