Note from the outside: Some comrades have included their inmate numbers so they can be contacted via snail mail or ConnectNetwork. To send letters, here is the general form of the address:
Smart Communications/PADOC
Inmate Name/Inmate Number
SCI Fayette
PO Box 33028
St Petersburg, FL 33733
From Pierre
on George Jackson:
George Jackson’s assassination reminds me of the need for transparency at all stages of the criminal injustice system. It is foolish for us to entrust justice, our lives and the well-being of Our people to a system designed to destroy. Make no mistake, prison is a social death but it is designed to destroy Us mentally and physically. We must always demand transparency because wherever there are closed doors, trust and believe that someone is being harmed. From arrest (Sandra Bland), to the interrogation room (The Exonerated 5), to hiding police body-cam of police shootings (Romir Talley). We cannot forget the disregard this system shows for Us in the light of day, in the presence of all—So imagine what they do behind closed doors.
I’m serving 50-150 years because of corruption done behind closed doors and if no one fights, these things don’t come to light.
from Ya’iyr
on “Imaginations of African American Teachers“
What does it say about the cultural norms of a society when the penalty for seeking freedom is: “They even took parts of his body as trophies, made clothing accessories of his skin.”
I envy the author of the piece, that he had Ms. Todman to love him so well with the blessing of historical perspective. He may not have wanted to believe the horrors she described, but I’ve seen plenty of photographic evidence proving that when white folks decide to kill Black folks they love taking mementos. Yeah, I’m pretty sure the first selfie had “strange fruit” hanging in the background. I never underestimate the depravity of a racist mob having a hate party, mutilating Black bodies. I just wonder how much proof of that shameful history has been destroyed.
America’s history writers (aka propagandists) are known for obscuring events to paint their heroes as benevolent defenders of life & liberty. They shape the american imaginary to suspend disbelief at all kinds of absurdities. Remember how happy those enslaved Africans were in Gone With The Wind? Like slavery wasn’t that bad, right? Because back then Blacks had the lowest unemployment rate. Not one of them had to look hard for a job! No bills to pay, or rent. Free food & clothes! Okay, the boss got a little rough with the whip sometimes, but as long as they worked hard they were fine, right?
This narrative might not be as mainstream as it once was but the fact that it was ever devised and promoted speaks to the insidiousness of miseducation & ignorance.
What does it say about the cultural norms of a society when a class of men could legally make people no longer human? These men could not be challenged, were not bound by rules of consent. In 2022, women are not safe from predatory men on military bases or college campuses. What terrors stalked Black women 200 years ago in america? That history is conspicuously omitted from the books I saw in school. I never learned about Nat Turner or that he “was, undoubtedly, a wonderful character;” that he & Will “proceeded from plantation to plantation murdering their masters.”
Black teachers who produced textbooks that told the truth about the atrocities of slavery and the women & men who fought against America’s war on Black skin, did us all a service. Over 100 years ago they shined light on figures this country still tries to hide or ignore. America likes its heroes to fit a mold: white, male, violent. Black males can only sometimes be acceptable if they act clownish & tapdance, i.e. make white folks feel safe. Black females are not heroized in america because america is always trying to make them invisible. Even when popular culture produces a Black hero, like Marvel’s The Black Panther, he is validated by a climax in which he kills his cousin, a fellow Black man, whose crime is: he wants to overthrow global white supremacy. In the upcoming Black Panther 2 movie a woman will take on the hero’s role and we’ll get to see how Ryan Coogler (writer/director) weaves a narrative that subordinates her power to accommodate america’s fear of Black femininity. But I digress…
What does it say about the cultural norms of a society when they ban books that provide accurate descriptions of america’s history for fear that white children might learn the truth? Is someone afraid that they might face the horrors of the past and be motivated to turn their backs on white-solidarity? Maybe if they become enlightened before they get too attached to the privilege of whiteness, they’ll grow up and reject the structures that prop up injustice. With the right kind of education, we could find ourselves in a society that values everyone – where dehumanizing each other is not a cultural norm. I believe there is this much power in history books.
From Craig E.
on Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Nat Turner became an impromptu topic of discussion in no classroom I was ever in. Is it any mystery that I emerged from 17 years worth of high end American education completely unequipped to intelligently discuss matters of race and society? Thank goodness for friends and dragon philosophers like Ya’iyr, Pierre, Kenny, Fly, Wayne, Lou, Dorian, Phil, BP, James, et al who’ve taught me with compassion even when I’ve been a rigid, insolent student expressing my opinions in that smug, self assured way that only privileged white guys can muster. Their patience deserves recognition because it is born out of authentic love. (“Revolution should be love inspired.”) They choose to see the best in me and encourage me to press on towards a revolutionary consciousness. It is because of them that the gap in my life between what I believe and how I live is closing.
From Lou Reese JF3366
on Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Free World,I learned of Nat Turner reading the history section where the Pittsburgh Courier acknowledges Historical Black Birthdays. When I read of this Black Man having the audacity to go on a killing spree during slavery, I wanted to learn more. Research led me to the knowledge that Nat Turner’s understanding of the Bible led him to believe he would be doing Gods work for his people by putting an end to White Supremacy.
Now in 2022 there are people screaming to defund/Kill the FBI for their treason against American’s modern day Messiah of White Supremacy.
The story of the Slave Revolt known as Nat Turner’s Rebellion never mentions the Brave Enslaved Women partaking in Nat Turners Godly mission. But “They say behind every strong Black Man is a Strong Black Woman”..Southampton had over 46% enslaved women during the killing of Virginia’s plantation owners. These women had critical roles by positioning themselves to weather impending backlash, along with displaying courage during close encounters with the enslavers. My lack of knowledge on this well written article has no excuse. I do appreciate everyone’s due diligence in bringing these brave women to light. During these troubled times to date, Black women have been seen and heard fighting for change in America’s Injustices. Our Sista’s also led America in creating/ starting businesses. I’ve took notice in the fact there is a lot we can learn from our Queen’s. Their loyalty of being beside us since the beginning of time/history says everything that embodies love. All while being degraded/disrespected by the oppressor and in many cases us… In the words of 2Pac…We need to love , Respect & Cherish Our Black Woman!!!
From Mike Star-Born Wright
Black Women and the Southampton Rebellion
Black women’s involvement in the Southampton Rebellion is a story that needs to be told. Vanessa Holden did the enslaved & free Black women a justice by bringing their stories and voices to light. Most times when thinking of rebellions, uprising, or revolts, women are never the focal points. They are background to very male-specific movements. When u really take the time to contemplate the dynamic of the households of these enslaved communities, it was the women who had not only more access but better access as well. Women were not look upon as threatening as the men. The women were permitted in places that the men weren’t. When it is the women who are privy to intel the men didn’t have, it only makes sense that the women had a hand in the schematics and more so in its execution. These women need to be celebrated for their contributions to these movements. This is just an example of the many ways women’s roles have been downplayed. A lot of times when these women remained silent it wasn’t always due to fear. At times it was very strategic and very necessary to maintain safety, security, & the further progression of the desired outcomes. It is very possible that many of these insurrections wouldn’t have happened without the very real aide of these enslaved & free Black women. I can see very plausible scenarios where the women also took up arms against these enslavers & defeated them. For the white male ego this would’ve been a crushing blow to his psyche so he would’ve intentionally omitted this valuable piece of history. I would like to see more stories like this one brought forth so that these Black women pioneers can be remembered and celebrated.
From Nasheem Greenslade
“Tall, evil, graceful, bright-eyed, black man-child -Jonathan Peter Jackson -who died on Audust 7, 1970, courage in one hand, assault rifle in the other…”
51 years have passes since George Jackson was murdered and 52 years and two weeks ago he was probably still. mourning for his brother, who was also murdered. When I hear about the “real dragon,” George Jackson, I always somehow feel violence coursing through my veins. Knowing what that great man stood for, I wonder how some black people are sitting. Slavery didn’t end with the Emancipation Proclamation, and knowing that I am still enslaved (to ideologies, thoughts, speech etc) revolution must be the answer.
In “Blood In My Eye,” George Jackson wrote “revolution should be love inspired” and I agree. About a week ago a C.O. to a 70-something year old Black man to “lock in your cell, you nut!” I couldn’t believe it. That a man could come out of his mouth to speak to another man like that was crazy! After putting his books away, the elder came back out of his cell to check the situation and the cop was trying to find an escape route. After speaking, the elder was walking back to his cell with the coo trailing him, trying to bait him into an argument so he could spray the elder with mace. As this unfolded, a couple people were standing around, and later I found out that my comrade who was in his cell had started to put on his sneakers, waiting to see what would happen…. Nothing came about, but thinking on it later I hope that my comrades would’ve viewed me with courage in my mind, assault with my hand. Rest In Power to the Brothers!
From Sporty
After reading: George Jackson: Dragon Philosopher and Revolutionary Abolitionist”
In 1960 at the age of 18 George Jackson was arrested for participation in a $70 gas station hold up, basically forced to plead guilty by his public defender, told he’d get off & as a result received a 1 year to life sentence.
In the 60’s and 70’s to see how the justice system treated Blacks, how racism, oppression forced George Jackson to become rebellious and fight against violent racist oppression behind prison walls. To be tortured and dehumanized, living in solitary confinement yet impacting millions with his philosophy and help push a liberation movement took courage, guts, a soldier. To put your life on the line for what’s right – a real Dragon Philosopher…
Teaming up with W.L. Nolan and cofounding the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) basically fighting for their lives in Soledad Prison & he writes a book giving the world insight on his mind, views on the struggle, how he was being treated, how his fight for change was fight he was willing to fight til his death.
The FBI/CIA COINTELPRO & police task forces went out their way to destroy freedom movements because these movements drew a light on the violence law enforcement brought upon us for years – the way correction officers treat us behind these walls. Without BGF & BPP bringing awareness to the brutality we face & how j. edgar hoover was exposed, how his conspiracy theories caused the death & fall of great political leaders–of these revolutionary organizations who impacted the world–there wouldn’t be orgs & protesting & awareness today.
For George Jackson to do 7yrs in solitary confinement in his 10yrs in prison & reach so many people thru his philosophy & fight until his assassination in 1971, his words & body of work will forever live on. Their fight is the same fight today.
A true revolutionary, a Soledad Brother. We still must fight cause incarceration is the modern day slavery.
From James “Dewey” Dorsey
Women are essential to life, especially Black women who were the burden bearers of our nation. They raised their families as well as the slave masters family while at the same time they had to fight for their freedoms their bodies and to keep their men alive. Best believe the women of Southampton rebelled, fought, killed, planned & escaped.
Nat Turner’s inspiration more than likely arose from a woman – mother, wife, sister and/or daughter (though he stated he was inspired by God). One must know that one of the above mentioned women, if not all of them, played a pivotal part in his decision to fight for their liberty.
As Black men & women we can look into each other’s eyes and know that something has to be done! They collectively knew that the situation they were in wasn’t right but as a Black man, to look at his woman and see the pain and suffering she is enduring is soul wrenching and at that point we know exactly what needs to be done and to what extent we have to go to make it right. What Understood Needs Not To Be Said!
If you were to pay attention today, Black women are still fighting for themselves as well as beside their men and for their men. The Black woman has to fight to rock their Crown how they want to rock it. They have to fight alongside other women for their rights to choose what they want to do with their bodies. Black women is fighting for fair housing, better schools for their children & fair pay. So know that Black women were always in the struggle/fight and always will be.
From J*Ha
The protracted nature of struggle: “Mask no difficulties, tell no lies, and claim no easy victories.” That statement – IDK who spit I first, but it reminds me of the Black enslaved Queens of the Southampton Rebellion. Them Queens have never masked the difficulty – I mean they wore the difficulties of their household, of their community, and I’m embarrassed to say, of their King’s failure. Since the beginning, in my opinion, enslaved Black women endured much more horrific difficulties than enslaved men. The Queens were raped, left to love and raise the rapist’s child under extreme violence, only to have her growing child snatched by the same rapist and forced to work hard labor to further build his wealth.
The Queens told no lies. I mean how could they? A lie takes a bit of fantasy, pretending; a lie means one has twisted the facts. Their reality was so horrific it couldn’t be misconstrued by me or you, although white history tries. And if we continue to let it, in my mind, we’re guilty of the enslavement.
The Black enslaved Queens never claimed an easy victory. Because her-story wasn’t easy & during the Bloodiest slave rebellion in his-story, she was in close hand to hand combat with her enslavers. So you see the Queen’s role wasn’t just inspiration for Nat, but just as relevant. Nat, the warrior he is, is remembered as the face, the muscle, the strategist. But still, All Hail the Queen! Cause even though his-story tried to make her invisible, she never tried to dim the light of the King. It’s passed time we learn to shine light on her-story – so we can finally know the whole story.
#still in chains
From Caleb F.
Radical Language by Caleb F.
Back in high school I had a class wehre all of the grading was based on essays, no tests. The teacher told us that we can take any position we want in our essays, as long as we define our terms. If we didn’t define how we were using a word, he would use a different definition and grade us accordingly. For example the word “radical”.
I’m sure this word was being used in some of the Week 1 and Week 2 readings, but I wasn’t struck by it until Week 3. As I kept reading about radical thought, radical groups, radical movement, etc. I became confused. Outside of math and skater slang, I was taught that radicals were bad. Radicals were violent extremists who were criminals and a threat to a peaceful society. A radical organization was basically synonymous with a terrorist organization today. So while reading these articles about what the Black Panther Party (BPP) was really trying to accomplish or what prisoners were trying to accomplish I became confused. The author is clearly in favor of this; yet, they call it “radical” — which is bad?!
What I’ve been reading over the past few weeks sounds very similar to America’s actions leading up to the American Revolution. Citizens were being oppressed by their government. They sent emissaries, signed treaties, and plead for their cause within the established structure of the government systems in place. When their grievances were not addressed, they were forced to resort to acts of rebellion commensurate to the level and kind of oppression. I can see the British newspaper headline: “Radical Elements Threaten Economy in America” or today “American Terrorists Attack British Shipping Interest.”
Our history books don’t call George Washington or Paul Revere radicals or extremists, and certainly not terrorists. So why are we using such language to describe these leaders of the Civil Rights Movement? Thankfully, I was able to sit down with Polo and ask him about this. He was gracious and explained to me that these black commentators were not using the word “radical” in the same way as traditional conservative commentators do — to imply a negative extreme.
In teaching me, Polo didn’t want to bungle the definition of “radical” and went and grabbed his dictionary. Even he was a bit surprised that the definition he was trying to explain was the first and primary meaning of the word: “1a) of or from the root or roots; going to the foundation or source of something; fundamental; basic.” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 3rd Ed.). Polo went on to explain that this use of radical is to say: “If we want change to happen it has to come from the people.” Today, we don’t call that radical, we call it grassroots.
I realize some people may want to excoriate me, or at best think I’m crazy to compare the BPP with America’s founding fathers, or Nat Turner with George Washington or Paul Revere — though I doubt such critics are even reading this, but in case they are: Consider that in pre-revolutionary America, England was politically and economically oppressing America. They weren’t raping the women, using lynch mobs, or dragging people from their cars and beating them to death for trying to exercise the freedoms the US Constitution legally guarantees.
I put before you the fact that Nat Turner could have “legally” been killed just for speaking out and organizing to try and free his people. Moreover, in that day the people who called themselves an owner of another human being would squash rebellious thought by making examples of the bystanders: beating, torturing, or killing people just for having been related to or having heard the words of the freedom fighter. I assert that what Nat Turner did could be called self-defense and not murder. If not self-defense, his actions were certainly no worse than our own military (police) actions to free people in other countries.
As I prepared to write this, I reviewed what Polo told me and checked my dictionary. I was surprised to discuver that the connotations I was taught for the word radical weren’t even really part of the actual definition. Even the secondary meanings: “1b) extreme; thorough; 2a) favoring fundamental or extreme change; specifically favoring basic change in the social or economic structure” (Webster) mitigate the word extreme with the explanation of thorough or fundamental.
For me, growing up, I was led to believe that the Black Panthers were basically the black equivalent of the KKK. They were both lumped in under the same label of radical, extremist, and fringe. Because of how my education vilified Black Panthers with the use of the same language to describe both, I would disregard anything the BPP had to say, or anything and anyone similarly described.
This intentional misrepresentation still exists today as grassroots organizations are lauded in the media but radicals are a negative, if not criminal, element. Such language biases the audience against a group and their message, and effectively silences them before they get started. Furthermore, it allows people who misuse language to take quotes out of context and twist them and make them sound as if they were saying the opposite of what was intended. This creates the same confusion in others as it did for me.
Black August Solidarity Cypher 