“Circumstances are like fire; either it consumes and destroys you or
it refines and strengthens you.” -- Ronald Carter
FedUp! 5125 Penn Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15224
fedup@riseup.net 412-802-8575
(no collect calls please)
August 23, 2006
Halo Friends,
Been awhile, no? Hope the summer has been treating everyone well. Welcome to the 9th outpouring from the Western District of Virginia. Before we dive into the most recent ramblings from the inside, I gotta couple of updates for you. Firstly, thanks to all who have been faithfully sending in stamps. As always, a little goes a long way so thanks a lot. So, Amnesty International expressed interest in starting a campaign dealing with reports of abuse and conditions at Red Onion. Two interns there have taken it on and they have promised to put their campaign information on their website. I’ll keep you posted. As of today there is nothing yet. I personally am hopeful about this prospect and am keeping my fingers crossed that Amnesty comes through. One of their interests was in pressuring the Department of Justice to reopen their investigation. As far as I knew, the investigation was never closed, but I’m not sure.
There have been reports that mail is being censored and stolen on the grounds of race. For example, literature focusing on Black Liberation has been deemed Security Threat Group (STG) status and barred or confiscated. If you have had a similar experience please contact us with the details. Any prisoner who is interested in receiving a subscription to the Black Brigade Newsletter or Right On!, the newsletter of the New Afrikan Black Panther Party – Prison Chapter should contact us as well, we will compile these names. Also, people who have been targeted with STG labels, who are not in a gang or threat group please contact us. Apparently, folks are being labeled as STG on grounds of race, and black history books are being confiscated. Please write us with the details if that sounds like you.
FedUp! is starting a legal defense fund, which you can read more about in a minute. The fund will be used to address the above issues and instances of abuse that we have been documenting over the past year. The Defense Fund will be only for Class Action Suits that will affect the conditions of prisoners in VA. What Nation? DoNation!
Feel free to respond to any writings in this letter or contribute your own article. And Remember to tune into Democracy Now! If you are able listen in at WMMT 88.7 Airs Monday 6-7pm Saturday 7-8pm and Sunday 12-1pm. Also, Erika Zauzig is still FedUp! and helping out folks that have mental health concerns. You can write to her at 5506 Rock Creek Ln.Virginia Beach, VA 23462
And one more thing, please remember, FedUp! is We, not just some folks on the outside.
In Struggle. In Hope.
etta
The following information is available from FedUp! Please write if you are interested.
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.
The following pamphlets - ENDING THE CULTURE OF STREET CRIME by The lifers pulic safety steering sommitte of the state correctional institution at Graterford, PA This article explores the problem of crime and violence, offering a new way to look at what motivates certain individuals who habitually engage in criminal activity. Explaining the concept of the existence of a pervasive culture of crime is the primary focus of this article. It also seeks to provide a multidirectional strategy for ending that culture, which includes the utilization of former members of the culture as part of the solution.The Black People’s Prison Survival Guide – How to survive mentally, physically and spiritually while incarecerated by Abdulla Ibraheem General Legal Information, How to Legal Research, and How to Fight Prison Censorship as well. Incite! Women of Color Against Violence – Community Accountabilty Statement- How to deal with sexual assault and abusers without always relying on prisons and police. What is Restorative Justice? An introduction to Restorative Justice – a growing alternative to criminal justice.
Prisoners’ Legal Defense Fund
Initiated by Shabazz Abdullah inspired by William “Balagoon” Thorpe
This is an appeal to you and a request that you support yourselves by investing in the Virginia’s Prisoner Legal Defense Fund. Numerous law suits challenging the many undignified, inhumane, oppressive and repressive conditions in Virginia’s prison system are dismissed due to poor legal representation often appointed by the court’s and the petitioners inability to hire private investigators, and in may cases ballistic scientist and physicians that can testifies expert witnesses. This has been a problem for eons and the solution to this problem is the establishing of a system that will allow prisoners to pool their financial resources together in order to hire effective legal representation private investigators, ballistic scientists, physicians, etc. The VPLDF is that system!
In my twelve years of being held captive here in VA I’ve witness brothers spend hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars in the prison commissary on oodles of noodles, potato chips, cookies, candy, junk! junk junk! I am guilty of this. For I, too, have spent thousands of dollars with the oppressor in his commissary on junk… On a lot of nothing that only satisfy the appetite but does very little to nothing in nourishing the mind, body or soul. Never Again!
This is a call to all those known to work tirelessly and diligently towards Freedom, Justice and Equality to have them invest in the VPLDF. No one prisoner is expected to contribute 50, 80, 100 dollars a month. Everyone is expected to invest what he or she is able to: ten dollars a month, five dollars, one dollar, 50 cents…whatever. Every contribution is significant because it would help in obtaining effective legal representation needed to change some of the conditions under which we live.
The money will be used for class action suits that hope to change overall conditions for people imprisoned in Virginia.
All checks or money orders can be made out to FedUp! and sent to 5125 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15224. For all of you whom have a strong family support system, please share this information with your family. Also it is important to write a letter any time you make a contribution to specify that the money is to be put towards the VPLDF or it may otherwise be taken as a general FedUp! donation. Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Stay Healthy and regardless how difficult the struggle may seem sometimes- remember life is struggle!!
-----Shabazz Abudullah
News on the Hair Grooming Policy
Greetings!
Sis Lillie, myself and a few other supporters attended the evidentiary hearing held July 12. The only witness called for the defense was VDOC director Gene Johnson and he had to admit that they didn't consider a less restrictive policy. The witness for the plaintiffs (which includes 3 Rastas and 2 Muslims) was an expert in the ways of Rasta and also a 30 year correctional administrator.
He very intelligently explained why the policy was not really about grooming. He had been a warden in the Virgin Islands where about 25% of the inmates were Rasta. The judge was supposed to make his ruling within the next few weeks after the hearing, but I have not seen anything in the paper.
Rumor has it that the policy will be no more as of January 1, 2007, but I have been unable to confirm. That's all I know at the moment. There's a local reporter who covers the prisons and I will email him to see if he has anything further.
Peace and Blessings.
Queen N’Zinga with Prisoners Families for Equal Rights and Justice
Security Threat Group Classifications and Racial Profiling
Kamau writes: I am concerned about the Security Threat Group Classification Policy and how it may be mis-characterizing African American cultural expressions as gang related signs. Such practices are racist and discriminatory.
To illustrate, I will use an example of a case involving myself. Upon conducting a routine search of my cell during an institutional lock-down, a correctional offer ostensibly became incensed by my possession of African American Literature. Consequently, he began to unduly rummage through my personal belongings, i.e. letters, photo album, papers, etc...
When questioned he stated that my pictures, papers and letter may pose a threat to the security of Keen Mountain thus they had to be confiscated and referred to the institutional investigator. The Lieutenant who supervised and authorized the confiscation of my papers pictures and letter stated that my pictures were confiscated because some of the individuals in the pictures displayed “alleged” gang signs, clenched fist and peace signs.
Although my property was returned after I filed a grievance, others who have experienced similar confiscations and unduly searches may not be as fortunate.
Revolutionary Salute!
A great gathering of people can deflect an enemy; a rain- bearing cloud can be withstood by grass. A large number of people, even if individually powerless, are irresistible when united; a rope is made of mere straws twisted together, but with it even an elephant may be tied.
In a fight between a dog and a pig, the ultimate victory belongs to the butcher. Muhammad the Prophet said, “Help your brother, whether he be an oppressor or one of the oppressed.” People asked, “We help him if he is oppressed, but how can we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet said, “By stopping him.”
Virginia, we have a problem! A problem with these so- called “Gang Wars” spreading throughout the system. Many of you brothers didn’t have to endure the hardships of Red Onion when it first opened its doors in August 1998. Because of our struggles, resistance, and recognition that we’ve constantly fought for brought forth a change. It was the oppressed against the oppressor. Almost 8 years later it’s Blood against Crip, Crip against Blood. Gangster Disciple against Latin Kings, etc. Most of you were once scholars of various schools of thought ranging from 5% Nation of Gods and Earths, Sunni Muslim, N.O.I., Christians, and so on. A lot with great leadership potential dwelling within them naturally. As Nathan McCall said, “What’s going on?”
Majority of you dudes are lonely, weak- minded, mislead, miseducated and cowardly individuals seeking protection from co- defendants, yourself, and the beefs you initiated by snitching or trying to be something you’re not. Leave the “acting” for Hollywood. Truth hurts, but it is what it is.
Confucius said, “Regret over the past is useless unless it is transformed into knowledge for the future. If you find you have strayed from your real nature or lost your true aim, do not let anxiety impel you to seek at random for something to fill that void. Pursuing a false image will only lead you further astray.” Take heed wanna- bes’!
In any undertaking intention and effort need to be grounded on a solid foundation before they can be sustained with effect. The groundwork or preparation of intention is self- examination and self- understanding. What are the underlying motives, what are the immediate and final goals? Knowing what you are doing and why you are doing it also forms part of the groundwork of effort, preparing to carry out an undertaking by marshaling and coordinating the necessary psychological, physical, and environmental conditions for success.
This calls for concentration and direct focus on the purpose and process of your endeavor. During this time, concern with extraneous matters saps your energy and causes you to deviate from your purpose. This results in a state of internal discomfort caused by the disparity between your intention and your attention.
Be centered and harmonious. Being centered means not leaning toward extremes, not becoming unbalanced by an overwhelming predominance of one quality over others. In this way, it is possible to achieve inward harmony within the self as well as outward harmony with the world at large. Inward harmony means people are working together. Both of these are essential ingredients of success.
The home is the basis, both metaphorically and literally. External conditions may be unpredictable and unreliable, so guard the home, keeping your inner resources intact, and you have nothing to regret even when things do not go your way.
Even in the midst of a chaotic society, (prison) a stable home can safeguard the sanity and well- being of the people of the family. Similarly, self- mastery can safeguard the integrity and viability of the individual even in the midst of uncertain conditions.
Luck is not something that the successful wait for passively. The successful person is one who beckons luck by meaningful, well- directed effort. When undertakings accurately reflect the needs and demands of the time and circumstances, good luck is nothing mysterious but simply a manifestation of the natural order of things.
In conclusion of this message to my brothers of the same struggles I’d like to repeat, “in a fight between a dog and a pig, the ultimate victory belongs to the butcher (administration and VDOC).” As I entered, I shall exit Revolutionary Salute! Stop the nonsense and Fight the Power!
H. O. B. O.
Help Our Brothers Out
O/G Man- Man
Soldiers on the Front Line
Homaleni
In the taking of arms to defend one’ self; I am reminded (of the fact) that my gun has never thought, my bullets have never reasoned. And that without a firm understanding toward my given objective…my (motive as well as) aim will always disagree. So as the holder of my gun (knowledge), like the holder of any acquired weapon I am reminded that it is me who will cause and ultimately affect the outcome of my defense. Where every shot of opportunity must be made/ taken as if it were my last one. Every weapon should be decided upon the basis of my intent…leaving my option open to more then just my gun. For while propaganda can easily be termed a spear or double edge sword…It is also symbolic to my gun, as when combined with my thoughts its literary pages denote the caliber of its (intended) design. With each and every word (bullet) being conceived by the metaphoric shells of reason. In truth, I need only to direct (aim) this understanding toward a given direction (purpose) to be considered- armed in some cases dangerous. This is ‘Homaleni’, to take up knowledge i.e. arms to defend one’ self, cause and/ or people.
Aluta Continua
El- Husani H. Ama- Hemalen
Together
While we’re exposing this system, the unconscious slaves must know why our instinct to hate each other is so strong and our instinct to love each other is so weak. That is they must know that we no longer identify with each other as human beings, we know longer empathize and sympathetic with each other. We buy things and seek to attain more things because we see the people with things as the people with power, etc. Once we are in the present of people whom have things we submit to these people; we change our mannerisms and so on. We treat them with more respect than we do our neighbors or the ones that share in our predicament, because they possess the objects of our desire. So we respect the people who own things and disrespect the people whom don’t. That’s how the opposition rules he leaves you the dream, while he was the reality. If the strong rules the weak and the wise rules the strong, than the rich rules the wise. We are bombarded by Amerika’s greatness by the media and people in general. Amerika shines while she compares herself to nations that she precipitates ruin. I’m not proposing that anyone disaffiliate themselves with their organization whether, religious, criminal, political, etc. I’m saying we seek common ground and come together on the issues that prohibit us from making a social mobility to a greater world. If you’re affiliated with any organization that prohibits that perhaps you do need to seek another organization or whatever. We are all desperate but we must be conscious of the situation. For the ones that are conscious and continue in their selfish pursuit to turn the Amerikan dream into their own reality at the reality at the expense of their own people, they must be dealt with as running dogs. Our approach to the problem behind these walls and on the outside must be a conscious one; no matter how trite it sounds, we must organize and mobilize “together”. We have to stop beating ourselves and redirect our aggression towards the unjust. Power to the people!!!
--Big Al Ruffin
“You will go without if don’t go within’”
-Joe Blak from Pittsburgh
Letters from an Outlaw
….I believe that its much bigger than just challenging prison conditions, it’s linked to making persynal transformations. You know when a persyn pursues social justice one no longer has the time and energy for games, distractions, escapism. One is focused on concentrating his or her energies on bringing about the type of change that is desired, this is what ones life is centered around cause that is what the struggle (on whatever front) demands. We’re talking about a group for people who because of their lifestyles, habits, and attitudes have no sense of solidarity, responsibility or commitment to anything outside of their own narrow persynal interests And the society, the social –cultural norms of this society promotes, encourages and in fact rewards people for such behavior – one or two individuals in these peoples immediate presence lecturing them about what’s right or wrong or unjust or just doesn’t hold much weight compared to T.V., radio, music, religion and state coercion to remind them that everything is exactly the way it’s supposed to be. And by the simple fact that society is running, functioning with some appearance of stability and order, this way of life’s must by legitimate. And I’m realizing the very crucial need for our own institutions to promote the new society’s values, interests etc. it’s the mass participatory aspect of these institutions that is key. Like you and your acting troupe/group. You all play the same role as the “Red Army’s Drama group in promoting a new value system as new way of life performing groups of people affecting their consciousness, encouraging, critical thinking. The fascists use theatre to brainwash us and the larger the audience the more legitimacy such events gain and the broader the influence of the Fascists. On the left we have no media outlets comparable to CBS, NBC… No political platform on the national scene from which to promote our agenda and reach masses of people. No, this does not mean that I have given up at all, just that I will no longer expend my energies on trying to enlighten people who express no desire to be enlightened.
You remember when we were talking about where it would be easier to organize people, “out there” or “in here.”? Well, “in here” it is easy to grab peoples attention to capture their interests but problems emerge when we lack clearly defined activity to channel peoples energies into and by the simple fact that life in here is so dull and routine it is so easy for people to quickly lose interest, they become” burnt out” with a very short periods of time. “Out there” I believe may be harder to grab people’s attention because there is so much out there vying for people’s attention that people aren’t wanting for variety, excitement or at least the possibility of such. But, say you do grab people’s attention, capture their interests then it may be easier to hold on to cause there is so much to do, a lot of activity surrounding the struggle so people may be overwhelmed, tired but definitely not bored. What you think? ….And to refer back to the question, “What would a world without prisons look like? The long range vision is necessary to give people a good, broad sense of what they are fighting for but how do we get to that world without prisons? I don’t think we can avoid the issue of revolution. Even Angela Davis herself acknowledges this, the need for a total transformation of society.
I still pose the question “Why aren’t more New Afrikans involved in the prison movement?” We are the dominate group within these walls, these prisons are one aspect of the many oppressions we suffer under. And for someone like myself, thinking like I do, I really question why it is that we blacks suffer from such an injustice to the point where our population numbers are actually being affected, where being young and black is synonymous with being in prison or on your way here. I mean we’re dying off, wasting away in these walls and society believes we deserve what we’re getting and considering the passivity and complacency of us blacks in regards to this issue we must feel like we’re getting what we deserve or at the least we don’t expect much more. We’re not angry, outraged, and indignant at being reduced to the legal status of slaves.
Many of us in prison are mad while we’re here in prison because we face raw oppression and injustice but out there in the streets is where it really counts. That’s were you find out if a persyn who’s been in prison is really FedUp! when they get out! ‘Cause being out there around so many temptations and excuses to abandon one’s duties is much harder than being in here forces to deal with, forces to focus on ones condition. We can’t escape reality in here by going to theme parks and consuming alcohol and drugs or having sex or whatever other activities may be available out there. This is it. This is where we are at until your release (including the release of death) I’ve seen many cats agree with every word I say (short timers I’m especially talking about) and soon a these people hit the gate they don’t even remember talking to me. They can’t. I mean there have been several dudes going home – back to Richmond – who I have encouraged to contact Mrs. K upon their release to help her out help give back, don’t forget where they just came from. And I know they haven’t done nothin’! They think they have a shot at the Amerikan Dream. They still have that hope that they could be “the next lucky contestant.”
All the dudes I looked up to in “the game” are locked up and/or dead, and/or strung out, and/or still broke and in “the game” or just broke. Nobody I know has successfully retired so what makes me so mothaf#@!’n different? Cuz I pray harder and more thoughtfully then others??!! Whatever! I know what type of future that lifestyle has in store for me and if I’m gonna be dead or locked up or “doomed” anyway then I choose to go honorably for something meaningful, something aimed at changing the conditions that create this messed up lifestyle possible cause “the game” ain’t fun at all despite how enjoyable people make it look in the videos. I’ll die for my own dream, not a dream imposed on me by the opposition!! And we need criticism, even Malcom X himself said, “unless blacks learn to accept criticism we won’ get anywhere.”
Heaven on Earth
Question the idea of a predetermined Fate.
The humyn will in an iron-like embrace,
immovable property of omnipotent dictates.
Paradoxical terms for a humynity at stake,
from our own past errors, afraid to act
for our own future sake.
-Outlaw
Upcoming Meetings in Richmond
Resource Information and Help for the Disadvantaged: MONTHLY MEETING: Third Wednesday of every month, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20th from 5pm to 7pm at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike Richmond, Virginia 23223 I-64 Mechanicsville West Exit
LEGISLATION ISSUES: SB 105 VaLERA/GOOD CONDUCT MANDORTORY LITERACY
BILL/50%/65% BILL THE NEXT HEARING AT THE VIRIGNIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS SEPTEMBER 12, 2006-10 AM.
Please go to the General Assembly on September 12, 2006 at 10 am to show your support! Encourage your loved ones to attend if you are unable!
For More Information on the above meetings or to find out about the monthly bus trips to Wallens Ridge, Keen Mountain and Red Onion State Prisons contact
RIHD, INC. PO BOX 55 HIGHLAND SPRINGS, VA 23075
(804) 737-9624 WWW.RIHD.ORG InMateResource@aol.com