To
Participate in H2H’s A Thousand Kites Project send your poem, song, story to A
Thousand Kites 91 Madison St. Whitesburg, KY 41858. It will then be incorporated
into the performance.FedUp! 5125 Penn Ave. Pgh, PA 15224 Fedup@riseup.net 412-802-8575 (no collect calls please)
Halo Everyone!
What it is up, fine folks of the Fedup!? Many moons have past since our last August newsletter and seems like so much is going on. As we enter into our third year of action, it is important to reflect on the past and to figure out where we want to go from here. It’s significant to note that FedUP!, a 100% volunteer non profit organization, is driven by people who are incarcerated. All ideas are generated or inspired by correspondence and communication from people who are locked up.
FedUp! was founded almost 2 years ago to combat the physical abuses taking place in Virginia specifically at Red Onion, Wallens Ridge and Keen Mountain, three prisons that are extremely isolated from city centers located in the western region of Virginia. Throughout this time FedUp! has documented and made public incidents of abuse, sending our reports to top Virginia Government Officials, Public Safety Department, Heads of the VA DOC, Department of Justice Special Litigation Department, and to various human rights and social justice organizations around the region. While we are still receiving reports of misconduct by prison administration, the amount of physical abuse being reported to FedUp! has dramatically decreased since May of 2006.
Last September, we established a Virginia Prisoner Legal Defense Fund to help pay for litigation in class action suits regarding the abuse. FedUp! will continue to document and make public incidents of physical and mental abuse. We will continue to seek legal advice for justice regarding the abuses and conditions that have occurred there and other legal options to work towards systemic change for all prisoners of Virginia.
THE HONORABLE GUARD PROJECT Since our existence FedUp! has made a point to identify and document correctional staff that has misused their power, abused and disrespected prisoners, and otherwise behaved unjustly. We have circulated a list of prison staff working at Red Onion State Prison that have been reported by prisoners to be involved in 3 or more incidents involving abuse. Along with this list is a note that says, “Because Prison Staff have every ability to cover up their tracks, because they are the ones in the position of power, because the prisoner is always assumed guilty, and because the prisoners’ story seldom is told, we believe it is important to give voice to this side of the story. Regardless of whether the prisoner or the guard instigated the violent confrontation we believe the frequencies in which these guards are engaged in violent behavior are grounds for immediate investigation.” There are 11 guards listed who have been involved in 3 or more incidents of violence since 2003. Two Officers were sited with 10 incidents. Point being that we have yet to acknowledge any prison staff that are kind and respectful. FedUp! realizes that all correctional officers are not malicious and dishonest and that in environments like prisons and police departments where there is often corruption it is difficult to be truthful and speak out against injustice when it occurs. Often time honest guards face threats and intimidation. FedUp! proposes that we start an “Honorable Guard Project” to recognize correction staff that are known for being kind, helpful, honest and respectful. Three of the incarcerated advisors consulted on this idea thought it was a good initiative. One went on to recognize two staff at Wallens Ridge for being respectful, helpful and kind. What we need to hear from members on the inside is 1) what you think of this idea and 2) what would the best way to go about “recognizing” guards that are so-called honorable. Would folks care to talk to staff you appreciate about what they think and get their opinion?
SHARING INFORMATION AND SELF EDUCATION Another goal of FedUp! is to help share information, promote self education and with the newsletter -provide a place for folks to discuss and dialogue different topics and issues. With the passing of every newsletter we receive more and more submissions and interest, so it seems that people appreciate the publication and its not something to give up. We are going to try to put the newsletter out 4 times a year. CORRECTION TO THE LAST NEWSLETTER: I mis-credited the article titled Together, it was written by Big Al from KM. Sorry Big AL!
On the self education front there are some ideas and developments to share. One idea is that folks on the inside use the religious study group time which is offered in place of yard time as a period for discussion that does not necessarily have to focus on religion. I’m not sure if this is offered at every institution and it definitely seems unavailable to those in solitary. Some folks at Wallens Ridge just started a weekly commitment with different participants leading the hour’s discussion each week. The first week’s topic was a workshop “Capitalism vs. Socialism”. The comrade who was layin’ the concept down said it needn’t necessarily be about politics but could cover anything from health to family relationships etc. The comrade also said something along the lines of “it’s only an hour a week, make the sacrifice” If people are interested in the study group idea but don’t know folks in your pod or area who might also be interested in talkin’ deep shoot us a line and we’ll try to make you aware of each other if it’s possible. Keep us updated on your studies so that we may all learn from each other! Maybe if you do have a study group you would be interested in giving reports of what kind of things you talked about for the newsletter.
Ok, here’s another proposal. A comrade and I have recently started an inside-outside study project. Thru working with the books to prisoners program here, Book ‘em, specific topics are requested. Then a brief synopsis, including commentary and criticism is written and shared with me. Then we chew the fat. Book reports! (This idea partially came from the lack of time I have to study and how envious I was of all these books I wasn’t able to read. Get it? Feeding two birds with one piece of bread.) ANYWAY. I talked to some of the volunteers at the books to prisoner program here and one person, so far is really into the idea and would like a study partner. (study partner only, not intimate relationship) Is there anyone who would like a study partner on the outside? If so, write and say what topics you are interested in studying. If many of you are interested in this idea, we could pitch it to volunteers at ALL of the books to prisoner programs. What do you think about printing some of the book reports in the newsletter?
Also, I met a woman who was interested in visiting people at Wallens Ridge. I think she has a Christian back ground. I mention this because I think that’s a topic she was interested in discussing during a visit. Her son is incarcerated and she passes Wallens Ridge on the way to visit him. Anyone interested?
BUILDING THE MOVEMENT Over the past couple years, FedUp! has also worked to build relationships with other community organizations and justice seekers. FedUp members in and outside of prison have built friendships with amazing groups of people around Virginia, DC, Kentucky and the Pennsylvania area. Many dedicated people are getting to know each other and trying to actively support each other on different strategies to create change. Whether it’s using legislative campaigns to change laws, art and creativity to raise awareness and change minds, or general support to help people educate themselves and renew self empowerment, people on both sides of the walls are finding out about each other. I think it’s really important to acknowledge these kinds of friendships and relationships as positive movement building. For widespread change we must encourage and support diversity in tactics and strategy, and see power in friendship and getting to know one another.
This ties in with the important question of whether we want to align ourselves with the Human Rights Coalition (HRC). This was proposed on the radio one Monday night, but for many of you it may be the first time hearing this. (Please let us know when you write if you have access to H2H) I personally have been working with members of the HRC for a couple years and I highly respect the mission and structure of the group. They were founded by prisoners in Pennsylvania and have been active since 2000.(I think) Some of the bullet points of the Human Rights Coalition’s mission is to make visible and public the injustice and abuse that are common place throughout our judicial system, support work with other activist groups, abolish solitary confinement, and to encourage the rehabilitation of prisoners. If anyone is interested in the entire document outlining the mission statement please request it. The Human Rights Coalition has autonomous chapters throughout PA and one other chapter in Texas. This partnership was suggested by a prisoner and many people I have spoke with incarcerated in Virginia and Pennsylvania think it’s a great idea. Only a few things would change. Our name for one. Instead of only FedUp! it would be “HRC- FedUp!” In essence we would be a chapter or branch of the HRC. Everything else about our group would remain the same. Because there is power in numbers and great similarity of our missions and current work it seems a natural partnership. What do you think? Your input and participation is needed and important!
On the same tip, there has been talk about expanding the region which the current incarnation of FedUP! supports. The region of support would start in VA and grow up to Western PA where the current base of FedUp! is located and potentially include, institutions in West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. I would like to propose we expand our support to High Level Security Facilities in this region, starting small with 2 institutions in PA that I personally, already have relationships with, and where many abuses are reported. Expanding our region would make it easier for us in Pittsburgh to recruit new people into the organization as work will be directly affecting people in the state of PA. (Not that this ideally should be an obstacle as there are many groups fighting for human rights all over the world. what’s a couple states away?) Of course, there would need to be research done about institutions in other states to potentially include and organizations that may already be working with those groups. But for starters, SCI-Greene and SCI- Fayette are the two high level security institutions located no more then an hour and ½ from Pittsburgh. Also, many of the issues are the same. Long term segregation and problems with Keefe commissary, come to mind. Please write with your input on this question specifically by the end of January 2007.
GIVING THANKS! I want to take a minute to shout out and honor the FedUp! volunteers on the outside who graciously donate their time and hearts to this effort! In the first year: Grace Keller (research), Jake (rubber stamp designer, newsletter enveloper), Alexei Hong (radio story co-editor, correspondence answerer, photo copier, transcriber, newsletter mailing team), Maria Graziani (report compiler, CD for H2H maker), Von (transcriber), Andalusia Knoll (transcriber and CD for H2H maker), Shaun Slifer (transcriber), Hank Pughsey (2005 Roanoke contact), Irma Skinner (2005 Norfolk Contact). This year Alexei continually dedicated, helped hold down stuff in Steel Town until she moved at the end of August. At about which time we put a call out for a transcription team. Elizabeth Cummings from Iowa, Jen Tate studying in New Jersey, and Nichole V. Hirt, a local free lance writer answered the call and have been transcribing articles and letters dutifully! MADLOVE to the new transcription team! Becky Sambol (also a devoted transcriber) FedUp! also started working with our first intern, Lisa Lee who some of you may have already corresponded with. Lisa Lee has been doing lots of research, organizing of information and reconfiguring our mailing list. THANKS GIRL! Especially, I would like to recognize Erika Zauzig in VA Beach! Committed to supporting prisoners specifically folks with mental illness across VA and state lines, Erika is friend, therapist, advocate to so many, even when the world continues to put obstacles in her way she perseveres and continues to fight for justice! She has been the VA Beach contact since almost the very beginning. Love you girl! Also want to show love for the Holler to the Hood folks for being there….there on the airwaves…there in the movies…there in the theatre…working over time! THANKS!
Ok, now, you know I could rattle off a list of love and praise twice as long as the above, for all the people on the inside, folks doing time in the mountains - that have made volunteered and put in time for FedUp! Folks have been participating in the newsletter, guiding and developing ideas and decisions, reaching out to other organizations and participating in their activities, having the courage to report abuse, graciously donating stamps and money to the legal fund, being all around awesome, genuine, kind folks who want nothing more then to have a second chance so they can help change the world…etc. etc. Thing is, I feel apprehensive about pointing out specific people. I’m afraid I will miss someone. I wonder if it will have any negative affects to name you here. What do you think? Anyway, you know who you are, so THANKS!
Holy guacamole, am I long winded tonight. And now, (drum roll please) I give to you…the rest of the newsletter!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh! The crowd goes wild!
Love. Respect. Hope. Struggle.
Chins to the Sky!
etta
---------------------From the Heart of R.I.H.D-----------------------
Since we are acknowledging and spreading the love! Love and acknowledgment to Ms. K, Leonie, Brenda, Juelya, and all the good folks at RIHD, our dear sister organization!
Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged
RIHD – PO Box 55 – Highland Springs – Virginia 23075 New Telephone # (804) 562-2123
Web Site: www.rihd.org Email: InMateResource@aol.com
Hello,
This is Ms. “K” with Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged (RIHD) working with FedUP! Calling for “Prison Reform” in the Commonwealth of Virginia. RIHD, Inc. mission and purpose is to assist all disadvantaged people regardless of religion, color, creed and ethnic background with a Special interest on you, the prisoner and ex-offenders, your family and loved one on all levels. We wish to assist, uplift and empower improvement in the existence of your lives through self-help rehabilitation and reduce the stress felt by all. Our goal for 2007 is to bring about prison reform, prisoner rehabilitation and reentry through responsible and smart legislation. We need your support, your family, friends & communities. Support from those with/without incarcerated or ex-offender love ones, for it is our civic duty to help those at a disadvantaged. The current VDOC & its policy leads prisoners oppressed and at a disadvantaged, disenfranchised! Below are updates, news/information and upcoming events. “Knowledge is Key Towards Freedom” for with it, it allows you to make conscience and responsible decisions.
In partnership with Appalshop and the Holla to the Hood program’s A Thousand Kites project, the play, “Prisoner Count Standing” came to Richmond the week after Thanksgiving. The play is comprised of personal stories of Virginia prisoners, their families, prison employees, and people living in communities where prisons are located (Keen Mountain, Red Onion & Wallens Ridge) The play was a success and I was honored to be included as a “cast” member. When they speak of prisoner truth in sentencing, well, I am here to tell you that the play “Prisoner Count Standing” delivers the “truth in prison” and with that said the “truth” is being told throughout the Commonwealth and within the United States, so shall the “truth set you free”. (et-ta-der’s note: i also witnessed the play in a small town in Virginia. One of the goals of the plays from an audience member’s point of view struck me as trying to humanize both positions as guard and prisoner. From the guards point of view, “I don’t want to be here, I need a job, I get benefits at least, It’s dangerous” From the prisoners point of view, “I don’t want to be here, the system put me here, everything is working against me, no programs, no parole, seldom chance for redemption, It’s dangerous.” After the performance, there was not really a dialogue but more or a testimonial of people standing up and sharing their stories. It was quite emotional with one fella receiving one of two pardons recently after he did 10 years on a 20 year sentence for a crashing a car into a tree when he was 20 and running from the cops. He had only been out for a week. His sister and her family was there.)
During 2007 Spring, RIHD, Inc. will host two additional showing of “Prisoner Count Standing” and invite you and your family, friends & community to be in attendance. We thank Roadside Theater (the Appalshop project that’s working with A Thousand Kites) for a wonderful play. We thank you the prisoner for sharing your personal stories. Now we know.
To
Participate in H2H’s A Thousand Kites Project send your poem, song, story to A
Thousand Kites 91 Madison St. Whitesburg, KY 41858. It will then be incorporated
into the performance.
RIHD, Inc. is gearing up & planning to meet one on one with both State Senators & House Delegate Committees during the Virginia General Assembly Advocacy Week – January, 2007, pertaining to prison and prisoner affairs. Our meetings will be in Respect to the following Bills: SB 249 Parole Board Guidelines; HB 1060 Parole Board – Serious Nature of the Crime and SB 105 Good Conduct, Mandatory Literacy aka VaLERA, 50%/65% Bill; to discuss the following prisoner concerns: a) parole board administrative abuses – denials due to serious nature of crime b) prisoner transfers to lower levels (primarily Red Onion ,Wallens Ridge & Sussex One) c) lack of educational/rehabilitation programs for level 5 & 6 facilities (RIHD, Inc. believes rehabilitation should begin day one and at all facilities) d) any/all prisoner abuse & human rights violations. We will submit written documentation regarding any/all the above issues in addition to written petition signatures in support of SB 105 and SB 249 Bills.
2007 General Assembly Sessions begins January 10, 2007 and runs for 45 days.
We ask that you, your family, friends, & community be proactively involved with getting petitions, acquiring signatures and returning them back to RIHD – PO Box 55 – Highland Springs, VA 23075 immediately. Petition Drive will continue until these bills are passed and signed into law!! Family, friends, & community MUST be in attendance during the hearings/vote for these bills during the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, Virginia. Please make sure we have your family and loved ones contact information (address, telephone, email or fax number).
If we all – “Do a little and a little at a time will make a BIG difference” and keep the faith.
“Faith begins by believing in your heart that what is right has a chance.”
Peace and Blessing
Lillie (Ms. K) Branch-Kennedy Your Advocate
TELEPHONE TAX REFUND
Have you heard? There is a telephone tax refund available to anyone that paid federal exercise tax on long-distance phone bills from February 28, 2003, through July 31, 2006. You can file for your refund on your 2006 income tax return. It is a one time pay-off from the government, so get your money back, and spread the word.
The telephone tax refund is a one-time payment available on your 2006 federal income tax return, designed to refund previously collected long-distance federal excise taxes. It is available to anyone who paid long-distance taxes on landline, cell phone or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. Several recent federal court decisions have held that the tax does not apply to long-distance service as it is billed today. The IRS is following these decisions and refunding the portion of the tax charged on long-distance calls. The IRS is also refunding taxes collected on telephone service under plans that do not differentiate between long distance and local calls.
In general, anyone who paid the long-distance telephone tax will get the refund on their 2006 federal income tax return. This includes individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The 2006 return is usually filed during 2007.
Individual taxpayers can take a standard amount from $30 to $60 based on the number of exemptions claimed on their tax return. For those claiming:
The instructions to the 2006 1040 tax forms will provide more information on how to determine the correct number of exemptions. (Because the term, “exemptions” does not appear on Form 1040EZ, people who fill out this form should follow the instructions carefully.) For More Information go to: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=161506,00.html or ask your accountant.
Resource Guide and Free Books
VA Prisoners Directory Action – A resource guide This guide is 45 pages and has local and national prison advocacy groups listed as well as listings for legal, health, government contacts, penpals, book programs etc. It is currently Free to people in Virginia and available thru Book ‘Em – a books to prisoner program. Write to Book ‘Em at P.O. Box 71357 Pittsburgh, PA 15213. You can also request books from Book ‘Em – a free books to prisoner program. Request by subject not by title and author. Book ‘Em will send you a pre approval form. You submit it to the property people and if and when it is approved, you mail the form to book em and they will send you the books you requested. Please only request once every three months.
STOP! It’s LEGAL Time!
(FedUp! Wishes to have a regular legal column. Please consider submitting legal information that is relevant and helpful to others. Thanks!)
From the pen of Daniel Thomas - ROSP
First of all, I respect the cause for which your organization was founded, and the fact that those issues of physical and mental abuse are superlative. However, every inmate/convict housed at Red Onion has not been abused physically, and what exactly constitutes mental abuse is not quite clear (Maybe you can elucidate.). What is clear, however, is the absence of any set criteria or standard by which to govern, and reasonably limit, the discretion of ICA (?) board members. Left to their too-broad discretion segregation assignments are excessive and extreme. Any inmate/convict shipped to Red Onion for any reason will spend 1, 2, and 3 years in segregation despite his showing of stable and positive adjustment (a prerequisite for one’s release from segregation to Progressive Housing). According to the Treatment Program supervisor, “there is no set time limit for inmate/convict segregation assignments, and consideration will be given to the reason(s) for initial assignment and an inmate’s/convict’s conduct there from. The fact that there are no criteria that would govern and limit ICA board members’ discretion and also no set time limit for segregation assignments means that ICA board members are free to do what they have done: abuse their discretion and authority, and extend segregation assignments excessively to a point of being extreme. We are afforded a formal due-process hearing every ninety (90) days to determine, and consider a change in, our custody. You would think the ninety (90) day review would set the time limit for one to show stable adjustment; otherwise a 90-day review is irrelevant: In (?) other institutions an inmate/convict is rarely held in segregation past his 90-day review; only in extreme threat/escape cases is this done. Here at Red Onion though, the 90-day review process has become a simple formality, seeing as how an inmate/convict has never been released from segregation in 90 days.
Also at issue is the classification of an inmate’s/convict’s custody. There are several different classifications of segregation assignments, but only two (2) are relevant here: Administrative Segregation (a.k.a. Custodial Management) and Disciplinary Segregation. As suggested by the names, there should be a difference between the two; Administrative Segregation is a longer term segregation assignment (normally 90 days) which is simply to manage an inmate’s behavior; it is not designed to be a punishment or disciplinary measure, so an inmate/convict should enjoy the same privileges as the general population, respectfully, otherwise it is a punishment, marked by one’s privilege limitations. Disciplinary Segregation is just that, disciplinary; an inmate/convict enjoys only a modicum of privileges: Commissary (limited to non-consumable items and stationery), showers 3 times a week, recreation 5 times a week and property (limited to legal/assorted papers and mail, and a television for access to ICE school programs which are shown on an institutional channel; we just started getting cable on weekends). There’s NO difference between Administrative Segregation and Disciplinary Segregation, but there should be. Most inmates/convicts housed here are on Administrative Segregation but are treated as if we are on Disciplinary Segregation.
These two issues affect the whole inmate/convict population and are not “individualized”. If the court issues an injunction and sets a criteria for the ICA board members and a time frame (limit) on segregation assignments more people will make it to progressive, and subsequently off Red Onion.
Virginia Prisoner Legal Defense Fund is currently (along with 1000’s of social justice and grassroots organizations across the country and world) accepting donations! A super big thank you goes to the folks who have sent donations to the fund. Please consider donating $1, 5, 10 or 15 dollars for the purpose class action lawsuits. Make check or money orders out to FedUp! and send to 5125 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(of course if you have more we’ll accept that too)
Security Threat Group Update
From: Kamau Berkitema --KMCC
Since my last correspondence, I have discussed the labeling policy of the Virginia Department Of Correction’s Security Threat Group(STG), with numerous fellow prisoners. We all agree that the primary problem with this STG classification is that there is no official code of conduct or guidelines available to prisoners that define a STG violation. This is the primary reason we have not sought to rectify these infringements through the courts.
For instance, the KMCC mailroom regularly returns black cultural magazines such as, Smooth, Vibe, XXL and King, as well as personal pictures from family and friends simply for having what they characterize as pictures with gang signs. Consequently, prisoners have requested legal representation from some of the above listed magazine companies, regarding subscription infringements.
In addition, I have a First Amendment 1983 Civil Action pending in the U.S. Court Of Appeals for the fourth circuit (no. 04-7797, Lovelace vs. Lee) www.CA4.USCOURTS.gov, regarding my right to participate in the 2002 Ramadan observance. Because of my activism, I believe the warden at that time conspired to have me barred from the Ramadan observance. Oral arguments for my case were held March 17, 2006. I expect the court to render their decision soon.
Money, Power, and Respect
By: Kwame Toure Kayale --Jarrat, VA
(He who fuels the fires for revolution, born in a time of trouble)
Many times power is confused with a particular person or thing. I can think of the number of times when I was younger both mentally and physically when I looked to the older brothers around me as being mighty and powerful because they were in possession of the 3 jewels of ghetto life: money, power, and respect. But now that I am older, and I like to think, a little wiser, I understand that the money they had was really “chump change,” and the power I thought I saw was actually and illusion and the respect they got from us was really the disrespect they showed to us.
I’m sure all of you have heard before that “knowledge is power,” right? But it wasn’t until I sincerely sought this knowledge that I truly understood what P.O.W.E.R. really meant. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who saw the Erykah Badu video “Next lifetime” and saw the part where her and Method Man was attending a Black Power meeting and misunderstood the whole scene. The Black P.O.W.E. R. that was referred to in the video was the Black P-eople- O-rganized and W-orking for E-conomic-R-ebirth. And that’s exactly what we need now more than ever as we travel further along the 22 century.
We as a collective make, as some people so proudly like to say, over 400 billion dollars a year making us about the 12th richest nation in the world, if we were to come together and pool our resources for a common goal. Don’t get me wrong I’m not one of those types of brothers who don’t understand the realities of life. I know that is takes C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) to provide a person with food, clothing, and shelter. If we were to start to look at ourselves as being the ones that can solve our own problems and to be there to help and assist one another we would no longer have to depend on the government and it’s self serving agencies to provide us with the things we need to live off of. We will have the power to ensure our own positive growth and development. Also to give our children a future that will empower them instead of one that will oppress and destroy them mentally, physically, and spiritually. This can only be done when we start putting aside our differences and begin working for our own benefit.
I realize I can’t tell you brothers and sisters who are out there hustling your ghetto products to put down any one of them things you are doing to put food on your tables, clothes on you back and a roof over your head - to stop dong what your are doing unless I can first offer you something of value to replace what I am asking you to put down. What I have to give to you is more valuable than all the coke, dope, weed, or anything else you can sell to survive. Because what I have to give you will enable you to live instead of just surviving. I’m giving to you a future of hope and filled with the promises of prosperity instead of a waking nightmare or desperation and hopelessness brought on by a dream that most white people can’t even achieve. The gems I am handing to you is the knowledge that power and empowerment comes from the inside not outside of a person - be it an individual or a people.
Black P.O.W.E.R. is essentially us making a conscious commitment to invest in brothers and sisters who are providing a meaningful, productive, and positive service in our community. Be it buying or shopping in black owned businesses in your area, wherever that may be or supporting the struggling artist or activist you know by buying his or her cards, poems, or drawings or by making donations to their cause. Wherever you are now you can begin to make a difference and stand up with me to usher in a new era of Black P.O.W.E.R.
Black + White = Unity
By Truly Hon. Mark A. Reid Bey - WRSP
I’m Moorish/Moor & Spanish (some may say Negro). I believe that racism is a lack of vision. All around the world we see races governments and religions lining up to take what they consider their rightful place in the world. The Jews are organized for Jewish Power. The Arabs are organized for Arab Power, The Chinese are organized, the Christians are organized, the Communists and Socialists are organized. The Muslims are organized and they all organize us for their benefit. Black folk are afraid to organize. They’re always talking about relocating wherever it may be. If the Black people in the U.S. were able to relocate tomorrow would we have all the talent and skills necessary to build and maintain a Nation? We have for so long worked and depended on others for all of our life-giving and life-saving elements, could we now supply those elements to ourselves? We would not have to make earth shaking decisions in respect to the lives of millions of people. Can we do that? Can we take orders from Black people? Do we trust Black People to make decisions for us? The answer to all of the above questions is “No,” do to the racism that exists amongst one another. Racism is on a much bigger scale. Stop looking at RACISM as a whole, look at it from what race you are and see what role that you play within your own sec.
We can see the bigger picture pertaining to racism in the schools, work place, military etc. It will never change. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States are the forerunners to Racism, and as long as these documents exist so do Racism.
Our children are being swallowed by ignorance and de-education. Few of them have knowledge of the most recent history of Black struggle, White struggle, and less understand the ingredients that run the world. They no nothing of the struggle of the sixties or before, but could without hesitation, run down the plots of the latest Black exploitative T.V. shows or movies. The danger, however is that each generation of children are learning less and less from their own families. Television (tel-a-lie) is babysitter and teacher. As our association with white people become more refined and controlled the interaction with our immediate and extended family should definitely increase and become more meaningful. And with this increased contact must come a higher level of study and work. Be calm and positive with each other. The future is moving in the hands of the people who care and we must prepare. Their new liberating work will be unlike any we’ve undertaken in the past. It’s true that we cannot out “violence” the enemy but we can out think and out work them. Move close to each other and a new vision will appear not only for us but for the world.
Soldiers on the Front Line in Action… Stay Committed, Stay Focused and Stay Revolutionary!
By O/G Man Man
Revolutionary Salute To The Soldiers On The Front Line!
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of S.O.T.F.L, Feed The Children is doing something about the terrible hunger and poverty threatening the children of Kenya.
There are fifty thousand orphans struggling to survive in Liberia alone. Each day we are aiding local schools in their effort to provide hearty meals of beans, maize and more to over 70,000 boys and girls.
Thank you for helping give hungry children around the world what they need most – the gift of a nourishing meal.
We Are Making A Difference In:
Central America and Haiti: (El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua) Feed The Children’s medical team cared for thousands of people in rural Nicaragua; many of whom had never been seen or treated by a doctor, nurse or dentist.
The Results: 6,000 people received care; 3,000 pairs of eyeglasses were distributed; 1,500 people were treated by dentists and more than 10,000 prescriptions were given to families and children in need.
Asia: (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, Thailand) At a Feed The Children school site in Thailand, students are working together to grow vegetables. They are being taught to work the land and then use the fresh produce in meals. It is hoped the children will acquire the skills necessary to eventually help their families to grow their own gardens.
Africa: (Angolia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda) Feed The Children will begin a new program in Kenya to help reduce cases of abandoned babies. This program is my primary focus. We will assist in the providing of daycare for needy babies, which will allow parents to continue working to support their families. Each day the infants will receive nutritious formula, regular doctor visits and loving care.
These infants have a lot in common with the children of incarcerated parents. We’re blessed to have received an Angel Tree application to send our children one clothing item and one toy item, which is donated by local churches at Christmas time. In response, to show my gratitude and the thoughtfulness my comrades who donate the nine dollars to Feed the Children/ Abandoned Baby Center, we give back to those children who are in worse shape than ours.
(ettader’s question: Man Man- How does your group support these worthy projects? Are you working with one or more outside groups?)
“Truth Of Being In Denial”
-Kelvin Khaysi(Canada)ROSP
I write this letter to reflect and echo the truth that was spoken by my fellow comrade, Frank “Outlaw” Reid, in his letter for last month’s newsletter. In it, he wrote of the misguided values of our generation, as well as those of the up coming generation and how blatantly they exhibit those values.
My comrade stated how brothers and sisters are so preoccupied with the illusion of capitalism that they are willing to die or become incarcerated for the rest of their lives to achieve this mendacious “Status Quo” regardless of their livelihood and future preservation. The world has become so fascinated and conditioned toward the desire for materialism and the social status that accompanies it, that they have lost sight of the real, desperate issues that are obliterating masses within recent generations. Education, health care, job security and societal poverty all take a back seat to the superficial issues on American’s agendas. Because of this, millions of people, black, white, old and young have been and will continue to be neglected. Adding to the problem is the government’s over-zealous desire to colonize every destitute, third world country that is not monetarily or politically able to defend themselves.
Being that the so-called “peasant class” and sixty percent of middle class Americans are oblivious on how to challenge these conditions, the U.S. government uses their ignorance against them. The government keeps them perpetually dominated by its capitalistic and imperialistic stronghold. As the old saying goes, “The best way to control people is to have knowledge of something that they do not.” I say that to illustrate how we are a suppressed and oppressed class of individuals who do not take the initiative to learn about things that can facilitate our own liberation from said conditions.
We have become compliant and so preoccupied with the illusion of materialism that we have neither the time nor desire to concern ourselves with changing, or even challenging the suppressing and oppressing conditions. Most of what I have seen in the thirteen and a half years I have been incarcerated is a lot of individualism and a lot of bogus rhetoric. Several individuals initially become involved with the idealism of becoming freedom fighters or revolutionaries. They act out of social convenience or a desire to be involved in the sensationalism of being a freedom fighter/revolutionary and never fully comprehend the mental and physical sacrifice it takes to become a true revolutionary and freedom fighter.
In addition, a lot of individuals have no intentions of actually manifesting any of the sacrifices that are required. Their objective is only to be associated or affiliated with the ideology due to the fascination that surrounds it. These individuals become a distraction to the cause; therefore, it is imperative to avoid these “lampreys”. We, as an oppressed and suppressed class of people, need to come to the realization that we must unite as one to challenge the oppressive, suppressive, capitalistic and imperialistic conditions we are living under.
There are only two things that are imminent: we are either going to die as an oppressed and suppressed class, or we are going to survive as an oppressed and suppressed class. It is your choice.
Amani (peace) and Shindano (struggle)
W.R.S.P.(Where Respect Subdues Prisoners)
By Outlaw
In an effort to remake their image and further legitimize their power and authority in the public's eye, the administration at "W.R.S.P. - Where Respect Symbolizes Professionalism," is the new rallying cry of the administration. This new slogan was created with the intent to portray the staff at W.R.S.P. as a body of respectful, dutiful, law-abiding correctional staff inspired by a humane, justice upholding spirit of "professionalism." I've overheard staff members often remark on how "professionally" correctional officers had conducted themselves, usually while in the course of hauling a prisoner off to segregation.
Since W.R.S.P. is now under new leadership it would be totally unfair of me to remind the reader of those "past" abuses carried out by the staff at W.R.S.P. These abuses ranged from outright murder, to torture with stun guns and tazers, to brutal beatings. Although these overtly extreme abuses have subsided for the most part largely due to public outrage, more cunning and covert methods to abuse prisoners have been adopted instead. Staff at W.R.S.P. went from a mindset of ruthlessly subduing prisoners primarily through physical intimidation to one of ruthlessly subduing prisoners primarily through administrative or legalized intimidation- although physical intimidation is still an open option. Same difference.
This new rallying cry of "professionalism" represents the new improved face of W.R.S.P. Staff at W.R.S.P. will continue to abuse prisoners, but now they're going to be "professional" about it. Accompanying this change of heart by W.R.S.P. staff was a new "Incentive Program" which promised to offer great rewards to individual prisoners and whole housing units who remained on their best behavior. Prisoners have been granted the wonderful opportunity to receive ice cream and movies plus extra recreation for following the rules. It's important to mention here that prior to the implementation of this "Incentive Program," prisoners were to receive seven hours out of cell time each day, per the Regional Director, in a memo entitled "Privileges for Security Levels- Male Facilities," which went into effect January 1, 2004.
Somehow when this "Incentive Program" was implemented, prisoners' recreational hours were drastically reduced to a mandatory minimum of one hour of recreation a day, leaving prisoners to "earn" any recreational time beyond that. To give the reader a clear picture of how this "Incentive Program" works, I'll briefly explain here. The infractions of all the individual prisoners in a housing unit are combined to reflect the behavior of the housing unit as a whole. Each housing unit is reviewed on a monthly basis to see how many infractions it has received. For example, if six individual prisoners in a housing unit receive infractions during the month, the housing unit as a whole receives six infractions for the month. The monthly privilege level of each housing unit is determined by the number of infractions it receives; if the housing unit receives the maximum number of infractions it receives no privileges. There are four privilege levels: level 0, no privileges; level 1, minimal privileges; level 2, medical privileges; and level 3, maximum privileges. Privilege levels 1-3 share a common defect: the vague wording of the "Incentive Program" only allows for "recreation beyond the mandatory one hour of recreation provided for under ACA guidelines." For privilege levels 1-3, there are no specified hours of recreation, so ultimately it doesn't matter whether a housing unit is on privilege level 1, 2, or 3. If the prisoners in a housing unit in general population receive two hours of recreation a day- that's still 22 hours a day spent in the cell.
Besides the insulting "rewards" of ice cream and movies being handed out along with other trivialities, the whole "Incentive Program" is unconstitutional. The 14th Amendment right to due process guarantees that a persyn can be punished only after s/he has been charges, tried, and convicted. This includes being allowed to prepare and put up a defense, present evidence, call witnesses, etc. This process was created and designed to protect U.S. citizens (yes, prisoners are still U.S. citizens), from arbitrary punishment. The "Incentive Program" violates the right to due process of prisoners at W.R.S.P. by summarily punishing everyone in a housing unit even if only one or two prisoners have caught individual infractions. Strangely enough, these individual prisoners are afforded their due process rights under VA DOC Division Operating Procedure 861- Inmate Discipline. So while the prisoner who receives an infraction is given a hearing and by extension the right to appeal the results of said hearing, all other prisoners are afforded no such hearing and essentially no form of redress.
At this point I must note how this repressive "Incentive Program" has opened the door for more abuses of power. Since everyone can now be punished for the actions of one, this program, in practice, provides an "incentive" for correctional officers to give out excessive infractions for the most frivolous reasons, just so they can keep whole housing units confined to the cell all day. This reduces their work duties, specifically watching over our recreational activities: more infractions for us, less work for them. In the process, prisoners are not just being asked to simply follow institutional rules, but to display the utmost servility and "respect" to arrogant figures of authority in our efforts to stay infraction free, with the hope of eventually be transferred out of W.R.S.P. Being "in compliance" includes not upsetting the staff by complaining about not getting enough recreation, not complaining about commissary prices going up every few months (that's another article), and basically not questioning the abuses of power carried out by authoritative "professionals" who obviously are professionals (perhaps specialists) in only one specific field: subduing prisoners. The "Incentive Program" has created a more controllable, exploitable, and submissive population of prisoners who are suffocating in a climate of fear and intimidation.
“Put Down the Guns and Pick Up the Gloves”
Conversations at the Gym of Future Champs
by etta cetera
The Gym of Future Champs is a non-profit 501c3 boxing program in Pittsburgh geared to keeping young people off the streets. Medhi Muhammad founded the group in 2004 the year he was released from prison to encourage kids to “put down the guns and pick up the gloves.” Currently there are two active gyms open to young people to learn the sport of boxing, the most active being the Weight Masters Gym in Wilkinsburg. Hopefully it won’t be too long before the program expands and has gyms on the North Side, the Hill District and Homewood. It is an ametuer program that can lead to the pro’s with connections around the country to professional boxing promoters, including Don King.
One of the programs professional boxers, Chris “Nightmare” Stallworth, talks about his experience with the project. “I’ve been boxing since ’85. I started off as an amateur when I was a kid. I’ve been fighting for a long time, wore the golden gloves, Ohio state and Keystone State Title. My pro career is going good. I have a good mentor, good manager, good trainer, and I’m coming out of a good gym. It’s all positive. We like to take in the children the same way they took in me, so they can get to the point where I’m at - being able to provide for their family. There is a lot of lost energy out there in certain neighborhoods - lack of fathers, lack of job opportunities, lack of places to go after school and this causes a lot of anger. What we wanna do is channel that anger from the youth and bring it in the gym. Not only do people develop in boxing but you develop in character, in compassion. You learn how to conversate and deal with people and the media. You also understand love and self confidence; you don’t have to go outside like you got something to prove ‘cause you know what you can do. Once a person develops and goes where they need to go maybe they can make a career out of it, feed their family, and open up some doors for other children.”
Gerald Weaver, one of the head trainers at they gym, explained how the gym operates. It’s free for the kids. Adults pay a small monthly fee to help with the operating costs of keeping the gym going. Currently, there are about 8 or 9 girls involved in the project and about 40 boys. On any given day there are about 25 kids using the gym. Ultimately, the goal is for noone to have to pay and the program is trying to raise money to see this through.
Medhi Muhammad, uses his new name to let go of the past and give birth to a new life. “That’s what I’m doing now as the executive directory of the Gym of Future Champs. We’re reaching out, trying to get the guns out of these youngsters’ hands and in turn puttin’ the gloves on. Showing them what it means to be a true champion, showing them what it means to be good son, showing them what it means to be an asset to your community. Showing them what it means to be a good, honorable kid that represents what their parents gave them. That’s what we try to be, that second parent or that second father that they may have never had. Like him,” Medhi motions to a 10 year old boy shadow boxing with a trainer in the ring.
You can find Medhi at the Weight master Gym in Wilkinsburg, 5 days a week and sometimes 6. “It’s something that I love. It’s something that I believe in. You know, I was 3 months away from a light heavy weight title shot and I lost that because I was hanging out with the wrong people and them having the wrong thing in the car -which was drugs that I didn’t know about. . I was celebrating my upcoming title fight and before I knew it the police was on them and I’m in the car getting caught up in the mix. I lost my opportunity to become a champ. They sent me away for 10 -20 years. This project is something I’ve dreamed about since the 12 years I’ve been incarcerated. I didn’t just dream on it, I spent everyday working on a plan of action, so once I got released I could start. I called the gentlemen who owned this building, Donald Scotty, who is very much involved in our efforts. We decided to combine out efforts. We had the same goals, that is to get those guns out of our youths hands, so that we won’t be their next victim. And they don’t end up being in prison their whole life and we loose all the way around. I know where our young people are at. I was there. Young people are going to the prison, young people’s banging people, young people’s selling drugs. I know what addictions are. I know what it feels like to not have knowledge and not have education and not know the value of the country we live in. If you want to go into boxing, you can start out as amateur, then go to pro, and most kids don’t know you can make 64 million dollars in one title fight. Most kids don’t know how big this industry is. A 19 year old kid could by his mother a home.”
The gym of future champs recently started working with the Renewel Center, a Pittsburgh half way house, where residents who are interested in amateur boxing are allowed to come and train as a part of their parole release plan.
“I went to prison but you don’t have go. So I’ll take my experiences and use them and turn what would once be a liability into an asset and show the kids that you don’t have to go this way.” --Medhi
Rudy Bolds, Pittsburgh’s only national boxing champion, who won the title in 1969 founded the warehouse gym in the 70’s. For many years Bolds taught boxing at prisons and jails around the state until budget cuts forced the program to end. Medhi and Mr. Weaver speak highly of Rudy as a mentor, hero and the driving inspiration that motivated them both while they were coming up.
At 13, Ryco Saunders may be one of the youngest members at the Warehouse Gym but he is by no means new to the game. He’s been boxing since he could walk and been coming here since he was 8 with his dad, whose pictured on the wall. Ryco helps his one year old brother find his way through the gym as he takes a moment to share why he likes boxing. “I like boxing because it’s a sport where I get to fight. I like to fight a lot, but when I’m in school I don’t like to fight. So I come here train, box, and knock people out in the ring. Boxing is an inspiration to me, it’s a sport that keeps me busy and steady, it’s what I want to do for my career.”
The Gym of Future Champs also has a prison outreach program that comes from the religious group of Islam. Medhi continues, “Our job as Muslims is to reach out to humanity. Join up with other groups, whether they be Christians, whether they be Jews, no matter what religion they are, and to get together with them. We have to combine our efforts, put our arms together, if we got to walk the streets and tell our children there is another way.” George Shabazz, a certified carpenter and electrician, is going to run the vocational training progam. Shabazz, along with other qualified folks are going to set up a base on South street in Wilkinsburg, to teach youth that are in the boxing program a trade. Computer literacy and after school tutoring programs are in the works, as well as, resources for ex-offenders, including job training and housing referrals. In addition to the city projects, there is an effort to start The Gym of Future Champs Development Camp in Moon Township, which is a five acre site, where kids could get out of the city for a while.”
Medhi is also a member of the Fight For Lifers West. True to the word he gave to all of his friends in prison, Medhi continues to fight on all fronts, spreading information about the flaws of the prison system and keeping the issue of life without parole alive. Medhi is looking for statements and poems from Lifers to read at different boxing events.
Contact: The Gym Of Future Champs 350 N.Taylor Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 phone 412-758-1129 gymoffuturechamps@yahoo.com
Getting Involved After Getting Out
-Response to questions raised by Ahmir Shakur from ROSP by etta
I am excited to tell you what I think about your questions of balancing organizing for social change and uplifting the community with working and getting the bills paid. I have a lot of opinions on this and YES!! It’s totally possible to do both and people do it all the time. I think it’s honorable that you are thinking ahead and planning for your release. Please know that my opinions are coming from working with community organizations for the past good while and knowing and working with prisoners for the past 7 years. Also my point of view is coming from a totally grass roots not really into big non profit point of view and also, it’s just that…my point of view. There are so many points of view, I am in no way an expert and this requested advice may be irrelevant to you.
Let’s see. What do I know that is really relevant to getting out of prison and your ambition to start a group. I’m always encouraging my friends on release to take some time for yourself. I don’t know if you already have lots of family obligations. If you don’t already have children and really want to, I would recommend waiting at least a year. I know that statement might turn some people off but I have seen it. Folks come out wanna have a kids so bad, got 1 kid and another on the way before they even been out a year. Been locked up for most of their own youth and now have so many responsibilities they still don’t have time to work on themselves or just relax. So I like to encourage folks to take at least a year for themselves if they’re able.
My advice to you and especially you because you are going to be faced with many obstacles upon your release is not to start a new group first thing!! And here is why… Firstly, there are already a gazillion organizations out there that don’t have enough help and may have the same or similar mission or goal of the organization you are interested in starting. Often times I just think it’s a good strategy to pull resources instead of constantly starting new things. It is always important to seek out what is out there, what already exists, before diving into the wild world of non profits. And also one doesn’t want to be arrogant thinking that noone else in the community thinks this way or is already trying to work on the issue you are trying to tackle. Once you start looking for people who care and organizations they start showing themselves. Don’t get me wrong, we need all the organizations we can get. Like youth programs. We could stand to have a lot more then just one in one community. Lately, I have been thinking of non profits like business or work without any money. In other words, starting and running a non profit is as challenging as running your own business and there is NO PROFIT!! I know it sounds obvious. Many non profits nowadays spend a large portion of their time raising funds and some group find that they loose sight of what they started out to do, because they spend all this time raising money. At the center where FedUp! is, it’s a peace and justice center. Next door is a thrift store. The proceeds from the thrift store help fund the peace and justice center. This is an example of a profit and non profit working together, and at the same time all this is going on the thrift store is a valuable and needed asset in the community.
I recommend, starting small. Maybe volunteering at a place, a small commitment, like once a week or even once every other week. You’d be helping other folks out and learning how organizations are structured and work through experience. I have seen people come out and have all this excitement and energy and ideas, then the reality of our sick world bogs people down. Folks have trouble getting identity papers, noone will hire them, refuse to approve home plan, end up staying in a transitional housing months longer then expected…all these setbacks eat away at that enthusiasm, so by the time folks finally hooked up with basic needs they are discouraged. Starting with a smaller commitment is also appealing cuz it wont be a total let down if things come up and you cant always follow through right away. And if you don’t like it you can find another organization to volunteer for. Don’t get discouraged. Have patience! Things take time.
One more thing about non profit status. It is possible to get non profit status without actually being an official 501c3. And this is by having your organization sponsored by another group that already has 501c3 status. This is called Fiscal Sponsorship, and also sometimes referred to as an umbrella organization. Like the peace and justice center is the Umbrella organization and Fedup is under the umbrella, and because of this has non profit status, can give tax write off’s if people make donations. And also, apply for grants that require the non profit status. If your organization has a fiscal sponsor or wants one, its important that you have freedom over your project and the sponsoring organization doesn’t control how you operate.
I have been thinking about cities lately as free schools. There are so many projects out there that offer free trainings if you are interested in volunteering. This is school. This is learning. These are tools you can use later to get jobs and not have to be in 30,000 worth of debt because of student loans. Also volunteering often leads to employment. People are like woah, you like this place so much you’ll work for free? And lots of times, that is a way to get your foot in the door of place when you don’t have the degree or experience they are hiring for. Volunteering helps people get to know and like you and see that you are already doing a great job. It speaks way louder then a resume or application.
The government does fund some organizations that offer programs. But I don’t really know how to go about it. If you were on the outside I would tell you to go to the library and ask a librarian. If you were in Pittsburgh I would say go to the library downtown where they have a foundation center and librarians and databases that will help you find places to fund your project and teach you free classes on how to write grants. There are foundations all over the country too that fund programs and projects.
In response to your question of whether or not the government would try to control your project if they give you money. I’d say it all depends. Every grant, be it from the government or foundation etc, have guidelines and things you need to do to follow up and some may have conditions on the money. Most frequent you have to do a report after a year to the lender to prove you used the money the way you said you would etc. It’s just real important to read the grant guidelines very carefully, cuz it’s easy to spend months writing a grant and then find out you are not eligible, for example the foundations may only give money to programs that focus on 10 -15 year olds not 18 and under. Also in grant writing, you always want to find someone to proof read it.
If there is a college near where you may live, many times it can be a great resource. Often times students need to do things in order to pass certain classes or graduate. Many people go to school for grant writing, and one occasion a student proof read, edited and helped us submit a grant that awarded a program I work with a $3, 000. (yeah) There is an internet resource called www.Idealist.Org and it’s a database for non profit jobs, internships and volunteering. Lots of college kids use this site and usually if you are looking for volunteers or help people respond right away. You can also find places to volunteer there.
Many times, things you need for your organization can be donated. Like space to have meetings – libraries, churches, community centers usually offer space for free. Big grocery stores will sometimes donate food for fundraising events or meetings or any kind of event you wish to have food at. If you want people to come to meetings or events, offer free food. That always brings them in. Also churches, will sometimes be your fiscal sponsor.
