WorkingWorki ng t too E Extendxt end D Democracyemocracy t too All  VolumeVlVolume 1 1N1,, NNumberum ber 3  SSeptembereptember 20182018 INSIDE THE LABOR STRIKE NEW TACTICS PAY OFF IN MAINSTREAM COVERAGE By James Kilgore, thetic op-eds at the strike’s outset. MS- As the understanding of the oppressive Truthout - September 4, 2018 NBC’s Al Sharpton had a segment on the nature of the prison system has grown, re- Fundamentally, it’s a human rights strike in which he interviewed a formerly bellion has begun to appear increasingly issue. understand they are incarcerated man (Darren Mack). USA justifi ed. Prison is almost be- “being treated as animals. in Today ran an article on support demon- coming normalized, an expected part of America are a warzone. Every day prison- strations. Suddenly, prison militancy has the social landscape. Since the fi rst hunger ers are harmed due to conditions of con- become headline-worthy. As someone who strike at Pelican Bay Prison in California, fi nement. For some of us it’s as if we are spent six-and-a-half years behind bars, I this is at least the fi fth major mass action already dead, so what do we have to lose?” have to wonder: What the hell is going on? by prisoners since 2011. Heather Thomp- –Pre-strike statement from Jailhouse Law- son, author of the award-winning chronicle yers Speak Testament to Hard Work of the 1971 Attica prison uprising, Blood When the 2016 US prison strike kicked Several factors are at play here. First, as in the Water, explained to Truthout that in off , the media barely whispered. Despite prison historian Dan Berger observes, “it is 2016, “there was a faith among many in the eff orts by the Free Alabama Movement, an a testament to the hard work that has been media that criminal justice reform was be- organization centered around the men in- happening.” Due to the eff orts of millions ing handled, as it should be, by a bipartisan side Holman prison, to spread the message of activists, mass incarceration has grown political eff ort.” In her view, many report- through social media and compelling video into an issue of political importance. We ers at that time “perhaps felt that prisoners footage taken inside prisons, mainstream have national campaigns to end cash bail, were making things worse by erupting.” journalists weren’t biting. While indepen- local eff orts to close jails, networks formed Now, with hopes for bipartisan reform so- dent media outlets covered the strike, an to defend the rights of LGBTQ folks who lutions fading away, people “are more will- action that ultimately involved thousands are locked up, and massive resistance to ing to listen to the prisoners themselves,” of people in two dozen states drew virtual immigration and deportation. Or- the very people “whom everyone should silence from mainstream media. ganizations of formerly incarcerated people have been listening to all along.” With the current ongoing prison strike, like All of Us or None, JustLeadershipUSA The New York Times, the Guardian, Al we fi nd a totally diff erent scenario. The and the National Council of Formerly In- Jazeera and The Washington Post all ran New York Times, the Guardian, Al Jazeera carcerated Women and Girls continue to sympathetic op-eds. and The Washington Post all ran sympa- proliferate. The killing of seven men in South Caro- In parallel with the growth of this move- lina’s Lee prison in April of this year pro- CONTENTS ment has been a swelling in the ranks of the vided further evidence that conditions in Incarcerated Workers’ Organizing Com- many prisons are reaching the boiling point and formal political processes are doing lit- Inside The Strike ...... 1 mittee. Closely linked to the revolutionary unionists of the Industrial Workers of the tle to address the issue. Reports of the trag- Jailhouse Lawyers Speak ...... 4 World (IWW), the Incarcerated Workers’ edy said the deaths occurred due to confl ict Organizing Committee has been the most among various factions in the prison popu- Women Prisoners ...... 5 vibrant source of support on the streets for lation, but that guards waited seven hours both strikes. In its 2018 iteration, the Incar- before intervening. Prisoners and Disabliity ...... 7 cerated Workers’ Organizing Committee An additional windfall adding legitimacy to strike action came with the widespread Letters ...... 8 also draws activists from a resurgent left, typifi ed by the Democratic Socialists of publicity given to the hundreds of incarcer- Shared Struggle ...... 9 America, now the largest socialist forma- ated fi refi ghters risking their lives battling tion in the US in decades. the historic blazes in California for a few cents an hour, then facing a future where their criminal backgrounds would prevent style strike in 2016, this strike set a strict and is now a leading member of decarcera- them from being employed as fi refi ghters time frame, with a very symbolic begin- tion advocacy group JustLeadershipUSA, after their release. ning (August 21, the day Black prison echoed Ware’s observations. “Incarcerated revolutionary George Jackson was killed people have learned lessons from the pre- New Leadership by guards in San Quentin in 1971) and end vious strike so they actively engaged sup- The high profi le of this strike, however, is (September 9, the 47th anniversary of the porters on the outside by giving them clear about more than heightened public aware- Attica prison massacre). directions on ways to support bringing at- ness. There has also been a major shift in tention to their policy demands,” Mack told the aims and tactics of strike organizers. New Messaging Truthout. According to Brooke Terpstra of IWOC, The emphasis on universal demands Amani Sawari, the offi cial spokesper- not only has their organization grown in the went hand-in-hand with the adoption of son for Jailhouse Lawyers Speak on the past two years, but during that time, they new approaches to messaging and methods outside, told Truthout how this new ori- have engaged in an intense study program of mobilization. The media messaging of entation drew recognition from around in partnership with people inside prisons. 2016 centered on ending “prison .” the globe, with solidarity statements com- Their goal was to both deepen their under- Moreover, the rhetoric of organizers im- ing from people in , standing of the prison-industrial complex plied an insurrectionary stance, emphasiz- Greece, Canada and from a group of Pal- and refl ect on political strategy and ideol- ing in their initial announcement that the estinian political prisoners. She also noted ogy more broadly. strike would “coordinate and generalize the changed tactics led to a diff erent ap- This shift has coincided with a re-shuf- these protests, to build them into a single proach to mobilization. “Some prisoners fl ing of leadership. While the Free Ala- tidal shift that the American prison system don’t have the privilege to have a job,” she bama Movement and its charismatic leader, cannot ignore or withstand.” told Democracy Now!, adding that they Kinetic Justice, played the leading role in Underlying that approach was the notion could participate through sit-ins as well as 2016, this time around, the overall direc- that most people in prison were in the em- boycotting purchases of prison commis- tion on the inside has shifted to Jailhouse ploy of major corporations, laboring under sary items or using the phones. Even those Lawyers Speak. Unlike the Free Alabama semi-feudal conditions for a few pennies an without funds, she stressed, could take part Movement, Jailhouse Lawyers Speak is not hour. While a number of Southern prisons via hunger strikes. After the fi rst week she identifi ed with a single state or institution still resemble plantations (and some, like reported to Truthout there were strike ac- but is a network of legal activists in various the notorious Angola Prison in Louisiana tions confi rmed in 11 facilities, with soli- facilities. Their approach is more cautious, are actually sited on former plantations), in darity actions in 21 diff erent cities. Since more oriented toward legal change and many states, jobs and paid labor are scarce. prison offi cials try to suppress information more tightly structured. In some prisons, es-pecially those at the about strike actions by cutting off commu- People “are more willing to listen to the higher security levels, only a small percent- nication, she said she expects to get reports prisoners themselves,” the very people age of people actually work. Warehousing of many more facilities having taken action “whom everyone should have been listen- of bodies has replaced cheap labor regimes. once the strike is over. ing to all along.” Renowned Chicago radical lawyer Alan In diversifying courses of action for their Whereas in 2016 local strikers were cre- Mills’s observation about Illinois likely ap- mobilization, the strikers drew inspiration ating their own demands, this time, Jail- plies in many places: “Unlike many states from a set of essays called “Redistribute house Lawyers Speak, perhaps drawing where the problem is prisoners are forced the Pain,” written by Brother Bennu aka inspiration from the Ten-Point Program of to do jobs that are horrible with very little Hannibal Ra-Sun of the Free Alabama the Black Panther Party, produced carefully money, in Illinois prisoners are made to sit Movement. His work called for people on phrased demands for the entire strike. They in their cells with nothing whatsoever to the inside to use their economic power as called these 10 demands a “human-rights do.” Mills said that many feel that “even if consumers to hold back the money they oriented” platform. The demands focus on a job is poorly paid it’s an improvement to spent in the system, pointing out that these systemic issues like ending prison slav- confi nement.” funds were often used to purchase the ery, but also target specifi c legal reforms. There has been a major shift in the aims equipment used to punish people inside — These include the restoration of federal Pell and tactics of strike organizers. items like Tasers, pepper spray and stun Grants for people in prison wanting to un- Journalist and current strike media com- guns. dertake college study, an end to racialized mittee member Jared Ware told Truthout Creative uses of cellphones, Facebook over-sentencing, an increase in rehabilita- the recognition of the varying work re- and other social media have helped proj- tion programs and several demands stress- gimes across prisons prompted a re-think ect the analysis and culture of those inside ing access to legal due process, like re- about how to connect with people. Darren prisons. scinding the 1996 Prison Litigation Reform Mack, who spent two decades in prison Apart from acknowledging the variety of Act. This legislation heavily restricted the prison work regimes, the messaging of the capacity of people in prison to fi le lawsuits. 2018 strike by allies and accomplices also All told, these demands refl ect an aboli- shows a less defensive stance. In 2016, or- tionist approach that sees major change in ganizers on the outside placed considerable the prison system as a long-term, deliberate attention on data and headcounts, trying to process. prove the success of their actions statisti- Furthermore, unlike the open-ended cally. Such an approach had an inherent weakness in that prison authorities control

2 The Kite the repression of communication by prison Outcomes of the Action? authorities. Creative uses of cellphones, As with any mass action in a repressive Facebook and other social media have setting like a prison, there will be backlash helped project the analysis and culture of from prison authorities. From the 2016 those inside prisons. strike, leaders like Kinetic Justice of the Resistance is a permanent feature in Free Alabama Movement and Malik Wash- women’s prisons, but the weapons are not ington, founder of the End Prison Slavery typically strikes or insurrections, but rather Texas Movement. have suff ered long peri- daily acts of rebelling by asserting one’s ods in solitary confi nement. Already, those humanity. identifi ed as “instigators” in Texas, Ohio the data and are not susceptible to fact- The strike media committee has made and South Carolina reportedlyhave been checking. While Brooke Terpstra provided enormous eff orts to ensure the amplifi ca- sent to isolation. No doubt there will be no analytics, she said the strike was a suc- tion of the voices of those on the inside. more eff orts by authorities to punish, vilify cess for three reasons: 1) the media were The interviews conducted by Jared Ware and isolate those they identify as leaders. covering it; 2) people in prisons were com- with Jailhouse Lawyers Speak have been Optimistic outcomes of the 2018 actions ing together in coordinated action; 3) the exemplary in bringing the voice and views would be the restoration of Pell Grants, a people on the inside were controlling the of people who are locked up front and cen- measure already partially in motion, and information and narrative. ter. Given the diffi culties of communica- a repeal of the Prison Litigation Reform tion across the razor wire, these have been Act. As Darren Mack said, “It’s urgent that Solidarity: Making New Allies remarkable. Nonetheless, the presence of a elected offi cials respond to the 10 policy group largely made up of white activists di- The 2018 strike represents a qualitative demands in order to tackle the systemic recting the media traffi c, rather than family problems of mass incarceration and racist and quantitative leap forward in both orga- and community members of those inside, nizing and messaging. A critically impor- criminal justice policies that have led to represents a source of tension in the legiti- tragic events like the Attica massacre and tant aspect of the 2018 actions has been macy of representation, a topic to be exam- connecting with resistance in the immigra- devastated millions of lives.” ined when the dust from this period settles. But regardless of actions by elected of- tion detention centers. In fact, some of the Another source of concern has been the most militant and eff ective actions have fi cials, as Heather Thompson observed, virtual absence of action in women’s pris- “No matter how many folks were actually taken place in the Northwestern Immigra- ons during the strike. While some of this tion Detention Center, where hunger-strik- able to sit in or stop working or not eat, on may be due to more sophisticated responses the outside, vital attention was drawn to ers declared their actions were specifi cally by authorities, there are other issues. In an in solidarity with eff orts to “end prison the issue of how horrifi c prison conditions interview with the Chicago Reader, activist are and also the longer history of prisoners slavery.” Monica Cosby, who spent 20 years in Il- In turn, organizers in Jailhouse Lawyers standing up to be heard at places like San linois state prisons herself, stressed that re- Quentin and Attica.”  Speak have fully recognized the similarity sistance is a permanent feature in women’s in the plight of immigrants facing depor- prisons, but the weapons are not typically tation. As an anonymous incarcerated Jail- strikes or insurrections, but rather daily A National Treaty Ignored house Lawyers Speak spokesperson told acts of rebelling by asserting one’s human- Jared Ware in an interview: “As far as the ity. The organizers of the strike, as well as 2.2 Million US Slaves connection and why we’re in solidarity, the many activists on the issue of mass incar- biggest reason is because we understand ceration, have much to learn from Cosby’s '“Neither slavery nor invol- those cages .. it’s all the same system.” observations. untary servitude, except as a How to deepen these connections is an im- While the high points of strikes and overt for whereof portant issue not only for prison-focused rebellion help draw attention to the prob- the party shall have been duly organizers, but also for social justice move- lems of mass incarceration, there is a need convicted, shall exist within ments across the board. to think about ways in which people in the United States, or any place As Dan Berger suggested in a phone con- prison engage in what labor historians refer subject to their jurisdiction.” versation with Truthout, it is worth looking to as “informal resistance.” This resistance at the present prison uprisings through the may range from defying rules to asserting 'Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. lens of the 1970s when “a broad popular one’s right to be human by engaging in Constitution front against prisons,” was a reality. An- activities like sharing meals (what we call other key aspect of solidarity in the strike “spreads” in prison) or getting involved in has been the relationship among Jailhouse sports, music and graphic arts. While such “No one shall be held in slav- Lawyers Speak, the Free Alabama Move- acts don’t rock the prisons to their foun- ery or servitude; slavery … ment, the Incarcerated Workers’ Organiz- dations, they are the kernels of positive shall be prohibited in all their ing Committee and other organizations on spirit that keep those inside strong enough forms.” the street. This raises the question of how to be able to endure, carry out actions like Universal Declaration of people on the street support actions by the 2018 strike and withstand the horrifi c Human Rights, Article 4, those inside prison without upstaging them repression that unaccountable authorities a treaty the US is a signatory to. and silencing their voices, especially given visit on organizers and rebels.

Volume 1, Number 3 3 JAILHOUSE LAWYERS SPEAK LS is a national organization started by collapse, but to shift the economics from day of the prison strike. Jailhouse lawyers. Our primary focus the human exploitation of prisoners. We For every day of the prison strike at the Jis to challenge laws that are dehuman- do this by abolishing/amending the 13th Central California Women’s Facility, the izing to prisoners and educating prisoners amendment exception clause. A ’s prison system lost $24,132 in revenue or about these laws. We are also focused on “time” is solely based on economics, as $5,946 in profi t. educating and engaging the public at large corporate lobbyist persuaded lawmakers to about prisoners’ human rights violations. push bills to keep prison beds fi lled. Filled QUICK FACTS We are abolitionist and believe that the cur- prison beds equal easy pickings for corpora- California earned $207 million in rev- rent model of how we deal with those that tions of taxpayers’ dollars, and cheap labor enue or $58 million in profi t from the labor have fallen short must be dismantled. This where needed. With no incentive through a of incarcerated workers in 2014-15. can only be done by prisoners speaking 13th amendment clause, the course on how 5,588 incarcerated workers in state pris- out. Prisoners must use their own voice and the Nation regards those that have fallen ons are forced into labor in 2016. organizing skills to connect with the world short and the releasing of those in the pris- 34 state prisons operate California Prison for change. The current project of JLS is ons will change completely. Industry enterprises in manufacturing, ser- the Millions fo r Prisoners Human Rights Join us as we move forward into an- vices, and agriculture. March on Washington, to abolish (in part other chapter of prison resistance. Spread Last year, 4,848 incarcerated workers or whole) the #13th amendment. Here’s a the word in your cell block, through your were forced to work for state prison enter- little about the organizing body for this his- collect phone calls, on visit, letters, have prises. Each incarcerated worker generated toric event. people to be on the Washington Mall. In $12,037 in annual profi t for the prison sys- one voice we can change the Constitution, tem. Yet, each worker earned only $445. Millions for Prisoners' forcing cell doors open in every state. Let’s September 9, 2016 was the start of the Human Rights demand an end to these economic driven largest prison strike in U.S. history. Over prison sentences and pointless parole hear- 72,000 incarcerated workers in 22 states As the momentum of the National Prison ings. Time to dismantle the Prison Indus- strike continues to unfold, so are the next refused to provide their labor to profi t trial Complex. the prison industrial complex. California stages of prison resistance. Jailhouse Law- • The MPOC (Millions for Prisoners Hu- yers Speak, has announced plans to have forced 5,588 incarcerated workers to labor man Rights Organizing Committee) is in exchange for little or no compensation. a mass Demonstration on the Washington the voice of the prisoners outside the DC Mall, August 19, 2019. With the im- Another 4,000 earn $2 a day fi ghting Cali- walls. fornian wildfi res with inadequate training prisonment numbers being at 2.4 million, • The MPOC is not an organization, but a and climbing, we believe a million plus and equipment. The prison system in Cali- Coalition title to recognize a Collective fornia reaped $207 million in revenue and of this Nations citizens will participate. committee function. We are not even calculating in the citizens $58 million in profi t from forced labor in • This mission has been in the works for 2014-15. with loved ones in county jails, youth halls, over a year now. Actual work started a or on probation and parole. The numbers Each incarcerated worker in California few months ago when iamWE Prison generates $41,549 annually in revenue for are shocking. When viewed as a whole, Advocacy Network took on the leading we see that the Nation has indeed created the prison system, or $10,238 in profi t. The organizing eff orts outside the wall. fi nancial losses to the California prison sys- another class (the prison class). Made up • The Demonstration will be used to ex- of mostly the poor and people of color. It pose the 13th worldwide, expose ex- is this prison class and all those connected ploiting companies, re educate the to them that will shake this country to its people, promote abolition and organize foundation. stronger prison resistance outside the Since the inception of the lie that slav- prisons to dismantle the Prison Indus- ery was abolished, amerika year after year trial Complex.  has ignored prisoner complaints of the -JLS 13th amendment’s punishment exception clause. Instead states and the government monopolized the slave trade and contracted If you want to become a JLS member or out humans convicted of to pri- join the movement, write to: vate enterprises. Today, the Prison Indus- Jailhouse Lawyers Speak, P.O. Box trial Complex is estimated by some to be 58201, Raleigh, NC 27658 a trillion-dollar Industry. The Prison Indus- For people that would like to support or trial Complex is so interwoven in the basic join this Historic March contact: functioning of the amerikan economy, that [email protected] many believe to end free prison labor, or iamweubuntu.com profi ting off crime could cause an econom- The fi nancial losses to the California ic collapse. prison system are as much as $636,068 in It is not our goal to cause an economic revenue, or $156,736 in profi t, for every

4 The Kite tem were as much as $636,068 in revenue, ‘NO LONGER HUMAN’ or $156,736 in profi t, for every day of the prison strike. Women’s prisons are a breeding ground for September 9, 2015 was the start of the sexual harassment, abuse largest prison strike in U.S. history. Over 72,000 incarcerated workers in 22 states ncarcerated women and gender minori- thanks to the #MeToo movement. But be- refused to provide their labor to profi t ties are largely left out of the #MeToo hind bars, so far from the public eye with the prison industrial complex. California Idiscussion. Stacy Rojas wants to so few checks and balances to hold staff forces 5,588 incarcerated workers to labor change that. accountable, the problem becomes more in exchange for little or no compensation. Marisa Endicott Aug 29, 2018, 8:00 am blatant and extreme. Another 4,000 earn $2 a day fi ghting Cali- Stacy Rojas can still smell the chewing “You have people who are primar- fornian wildfi res with inadequate training tobacco from the prison guard who spit on ily men in positions of basically absolute and equipment. The prison system in Cali- them three years ago during an incident in power over a captive – literally captive – fornia reaped $207 million in revenue and which guards allegedly subjected Rojas population,” said Diana Block, founding $58 million in profi t from forced labor in and their two cellmates to hours of sexu- member of the California Coalition for 2014-15. al humiliation, harassment, and physical Women Prisoners, which is helping with Each incarcerated worker in California abuse. the lawsuit. “All the dynamics of sexism generates $41,549 annually in revenue for “For me, that was torture, and it still is and patriarchy and sexual violence that are the prison system, or $10,238 in profi t. The torture,” said Rojas, who is gender noncon- very prevalent in the society as a whole are fi nancial losses to the California prison forming. “I still have bad dreams about it.” translated directly into the conduct and be- system were as much as $636,068 in rev- Rojas was released from Central Cali- havior within prisons with very little pro- enue, or $156,736 in profi t for every day of fornia Women’s Facility, a state prison in tection or surveillance or recourse.” the prison strike. Chowchilla, one and a half years ago after Between 2009 and 2011, women repre- Prison industries are managed by the a 15-year term. Along with their female sented just 13 percent of the people in jails, California Prison Industry Authority cellmates who are still inside, Rojas fi led but they accounted for 67 percent of all (CALPIA)p which was created in 1983 a lawsuit over the episode in November staff -on-prisoner sexual victimization, ac- based on model legislation written by the 2017. The case was referred to Magistrate cording to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. right-wing American Legislative Exchange Judge Jennifer L. Thurston in July and a In the context of incarceration, sexual Council (ALEC). CALPIA operates manu- hearing is set to take place Wednesday. harassment takes on a much more vio- facturing, service, and agricultural enter- During the ordeal, which took place in lent, humiliating, and dehumanizing qual- prises within 34 state prisons. CALPIA is November 2015, guards allegedly stomped ity than what is typically discussed in the restricted to selling its goods and services on one woman’s breast, cut another’s #MeToo movement, almost as if it’s part to state agencies—Pelican Bay State Pris- clothes off , left them in isolation cells so of the punishment for committing a crime, on has a contract with Del Norte school long they had no choice but to soil them- Block explained. district to provide laundry services, for selves, and berated them with graphic sex- “All the dynamics of sexism and patri- example. However, since 1990’s Proposi- ual insults and suggestions. archy and sexual violence that are very tion 139 (Prison Inmate Labor Initiative) While this was an extreme example, sex- prevalent in the society … are translated passed, private businesses can also set up ual harassment and abuse of women, trans- directly into the conduct and behavior shop in prisons and subcontract incarcer- gender, and gender nonconforming people within prisons.” ated workers. in women’s prisons and jails are anything Rojas said part of what is most misun- Data for incarcerated workers in private but rare. Rojas had documented guards’ derstood about incarcerated women, and prisons and county jails are diffi cult to ob- denigrating and sexual comments for especially transgender and gender noncon- tain. Prison administrators have responded weeks, a fact they think inspired the hours- forming people behind bars, is the sense to nonviolent resistance by locking down long attack which occurred four days after that they chose to break the law or be dif- facilities, cutting off access and communi- they demanded to report the verbal abuse. ferent, and so they may not be worthy of cation to the outside world for incarcerated “This is not something that happens once the same attention or protection. workers. IWOC has ascertained that three a month or even once a week. This is an ev- It’s like “we made that choice to get locations went on striker based on news eryday thing,” Rojas told ThinkProgress. treated like this,” Rojas said. For “the reports and phone calls to prisons: Cen- “This is what goes on , and this is how women there, I feel like people also look tral California Women’s Facility (CCWE). they speak to you. They refer to women at them not as mothers, not as sisters… Merced County Jail, and Taft Correctional as bitches and hoes, and if you’re not, then and they should just think a little bit more Institution. Approximately 212 incarcer- they’re going to make you their bitch.” about why they’re there, what went wrong, ated workers are employed in CCWF, While incarcerated people across the instead of ‘they’re there, and now they’re through CALPIA. country are currently striking to demand no longer human.’” Each incarcerated worker at CCWF gen- improved conditions and better channels Incarcerated women have largely been left erates $113 daily in revenue for the prison for reporting mistreatment, few are aware out of the #MeToo discussion, just as they system, which amounts to $28 in profi t. of the extreme abuse rampant in women’s are left out of many conversations. For every day of the prison strike at CCWE prisons and jails. These institutions are Part of the reason may be that incarcer- the prison system lost $24,132 in revenue breeding grounds for the type of harass- or $5,946 in profi t.  ment that has become a national focal point Women ...... Continued on page 7

Volume 1, Number 3 5 The following information is excerpted PRISONERS AND DISABILITY from a longer article from the Prison Poli- by Janine Bertram disabled prisoners, It’s common for Deaf cy Institute titled “Police, courts, jails, and ears ago I lived in Washington DC prisoners to be denied interpreters for their prisons all fail disabled people. Disabled and DC jail staff killed a newly ar- legal cases, for prison rules and orders so people are overrepresented in all interac- Yrested, pre trial prisoner with a spi- they have no idea what is expected or re- tions with the criminal justice system, and nal cord injury. They threw him in a cell to quired. They and their families are charged at all points, the system is failing them.” by die without the medication, wheelchair and higher costs than non disabled to commu- Elliot Oberholtzer, August 23, 2017. It has supports he needed to survive – despite the nicate and we all know prisons and phone partial but important info about abuse of fact that his family members and some ad- companies already have ridiculously high disabled prisoners once we are locked up vocates were calling writing and virtually charges that impoverish non disabled pris- (post arrest and trial). begging staff to get him what he needed to oners and their families. It’s not uncommon keep alive. I’d been working in disability for guards to take away a prisoner’s wheel- Prisons abuse and isolate rights for years and still do but that’s when chair for fun, punishment or because they their disabled populations I really tuned into the tortuous and some- just got up on the wrong side of the bed that times deadly abuse faced by prisoners with morning. That prisoner can’t move -has no Less than half of jails are equipped to of- disabilities. toilet access, nothing. The list of atrocities fer mental health treatment. Just 21% have Here's an introduction to your author. on disabled prisoners could fi ll several is- programs to support mentally ill people I’m Janine Bertram and work with The sues of The KITE. upon release. Kite. In 1976 I was a member of The Disabled people are also disproportion- George Jackson Brigade. Arrested in 1978, In a 2012 Bureau of Jus- ately incarcerated in state and federal pris- I served 52 months as a in tice Statistics report, 40% ons. According to the Center for Ameri- . So while I don’t have near of state and federal pris- can Progress, people in state and federal the knowledge and experience of Co-edi- prisons are three times more likely than oners reported currently the general population to report having at tors, Comrades and friends Mark Cook and having a chronic illness... Ed Mead, I have experience and knowl- least one disability. In a 2012 Bureau of edge of prisons. They’ve gotten far more Prisons are breaking the law. The ADA Justice Statistics report, 40% of state and brutal, oppressive and exploitive since I did and several other federal laws require dis- federal prisoners reported currently hav- time. When I was locked down, I was non- abled prisoners to be treated with parity and ing a chronic illness, a signifi cantly higher disabled. Then a few years ago I sustained have access to whatever non disabled pris- rate than the general population. (While not a spinal cord injury in my neck and now oners have access to (It’s called programs everyone with a chronic illness considers experience disability too. I had surgery and and services). These laws are ignored by himself or herself disabled, many chronic can walk short distances using canes or a prisons and rarely enforced though backed illnesses cause serious inabilities to com- walker. I hope to be giving you more info up by a US Supreme Court decision. The plete necessary tasks; for example, about on disability in future issues. But before I few places left that help prisoners get their 44% of people with arthritis report that it get back to disability, I want to send soli- rights (like ACLU Prison Project, Protec- limits their ability to do things like climb darity and respect to everyone who partici- tion and Advocacy groups in every state) a fl ight of stairs, bend over, or grasp small pated in the recent national prison strike. I are overwhelmed with cases and under objects). know how hard that is and that retaliation is staff ed). Medical care for these conditions is in- often brutal. But life in prison will never re- In each state there are Protection and Ad- consistent: while two-thirds of participants ally change until prisoners come together, vocacy groups who have the federal legal in the BJS study were being treated, 11% lead the way and stop the prison slavery right to enter a prison or other institution, reported that their illness was not being that makes billions of dollars for the prison investigate conditions and bring legal chal- treated because the facility would not pro- industrial complex. lenges about disability oppression in prison vide medication. The Amplifying Voices of But back to disability, 1 in 4 people in the and prisons not following relevant laws Inmates with Disabilities (AVID) Prison US have a disability. The number locked up Here is contact information for disabled Project reports cases of prisons ruling ac- prison is 3 times higher. This includes con- prisoners in Washington and Oregon. (Of commodations such as exercise equipment, victs with physical, intellectual and mental course they are overburdened too). specialized diets, prosthetics, wheelchairs, illness disability. That’s a big percentage Disability Rights Washington: and other assistive technology no longer and it makes me think of how important for 206-324-1521 or 800-562-2702 use 711 “medically necessary” for disabled people all prisoners to stop abusing and exploit- for Washington Relay Services in an eff ort to cut costs. And with medi- ing vulnerable prisoners. Instead we need Collect calls from correctional facilities cal co-pays costing as much as a month’s everyone working for real change, Like are accepted. worth of labor in some states, including George Jackson said “Settle your quarrels, 315 5th Ave S, Suite 850 states where prosthetics and other accom- come together, understand the reality of Seattle, WA 98104 modations for disability incur an additional our situation, that fascism is already here, Disability Rights Oregon: fee on top of an existing co-pay, many dis- that people are already dying who could be Voice: 503-243-2081 or 800-452-1694 abled people in prisons simply cannot af- saved, that generations more will live poor TTY Users dial 711 ford to access the care they need. butchered half lives if you fails to act...” 511 SW 10th AV, Suite 200 Denying medical care is not the Here are a few oppressions happening to Portland, OR 97205 only abuse of disabled people in pris-

6 The Kite on. Human Rights Watch suggests A note about language: formed by male guards on female inmates. that use of force abuses against dis- 1. This article uses “disabled person/ This is particularly true for the shockingly abled people in prisons is “widespread people” as the term of choice, sometimes high proportion of women prisoners who and may be increasing”. The AVID Pris- called identity-fi rst language. I respect the are already survivors of sexual violence, as on Project reports that disabled people in right of any person to choose how they Rojas and their cellmates are, a reported 86 prison, particularly those with mental ill- want to be referred to, but when speaking percent of women in jails, the Vera Institute nesses, are disproportionately disciplined about disabled people as a broad category, I report showed. with segregation and solitary confi ne- have decided to adhere to the social model “All of that can be incredibly traumatic ment, which have been linked to suicide, of disability, acknowledging that disabled for any person but particularly for women self-harm, and other serious mental health people are disabled by societal ableism, knowing how high the rates of trauma are,” consequences. Incarcerated people are a and that their bodies and abilities are not Swavola told ThinkProgress. “Most of the particularly vulnerable population to mal- inherently less.  people in jail are men, and that’s how sys- practice and abuse of authority: they have tems and practices have been designed, and little or no ability to leave a bad situation or Women ...... Continued from page 5 so it’s absolutely easy to miss that women demand better treatment. Already in a posi- ated women disproportionately come from may be triggered by some of the standard tion of deeply unequal power simply by be- the most vulnerable and overlooked com- practices.” ing incarcerated, disabled people in prison munities. In jails, the majority of women In general, support services and training are then further disadvantaged by systemic lack full employment prior to arrest and a are lacking in jails and prisons for both the ableism. third suff er from serious mental illness, ac- prisoners and the guards. cording to a 2016 report by the Vera Insti- “It’s not rehabilitative,” Sam said. “It’s a Inadequate re-entry support tute of Justice. Two-thirds of jailed women dark place, for everybody. And they’re not undermines opportunities are people of color. getting the type of treatment that they need “As the most marginalized community, either…So it’s just this constant violence The AVID Prison Project also reports that this is just something else where it’s not being perpetuated over and over.” disabled people are often denied access to discussed and that we are the last to be The especially closed system and lack vocational and release planning programs talked about,” said Topeka Sam, a former of accountability for reporting abuse is a while incarcerated, or placed in programs prisoner and the founder of the Ladies of major factor in continuing the cycle. To re- without accommodations for their disabili- Hope Ministries, an organization that helps port staff misconduct of any kind, prisoners ties. “The way it is now, I’m just basically formerly incarcerated women transition can fi le an administrative appeal (a 602) to going back out there with no skills,” said back into society. request an investigation. But the problem one man from Washington with a visual Sam pointed out that while the #MeToo is “you are fi ling the 602 basically with, impairment; his facility had placed him in movement was founded by a black woman, if not the actual people, the friends of the a community college course without giv- Tarana Burke, over a decade ago, the main- people, the coworkers of the people, who ing him the visual aids he needed to keep stream media and public didn’t start pay- have abused you,” Block said. up with the class. Another person reported ing attention until more affl uent and white “It’s a dark place, for everybody. And that they had asked for information on how women started speaking out. they’re not getting the type of treatment to apply for Social Security benefi ts once Even within criminal justice circles and that they need …So it’s just this constant released, and been denied because their reform eff orts, women and gender noncon- violence being perpetuated over and over.” counselor thought they should seek em- forming individuals are often left out, ac- Rojas and the other plaintiff s fi led mul- ployment instead. cording to Elizabeth Swavola, a senior as- tiple 602 grievances that were for the most Incarcerated people already face signifi - sociate with the Center on Sentencing and part ignored or left unresolved. “You want cant barriers upon re-entering society, in- Corrections at the Vera Institute. Women to make someone laugh in there? You want cluding housing restrictions, employment make up a much smaller proportion of the to tell a joke,” Rojas said. “You tell them discrimination, and ongoing fi nes and fees overall incarcerated population, making you’re fi ling a 602.” that represent a signifi cant fi nancial burden. them less of a focus. And when Rojas and their cellmates di- When those diffi culties are compounded by But, over the last several decades, the aled a hotline meant for reporting sexual disability — especially if that disability has incarceration rate of growth for women harassment at the California Department of been worsened by neglect and abuse while has been double that of men’s, according Correction and Rehabilitation’s Offi ce of incarcerated — a disabled person attempt- to The Sentencing Project. Since 1980, the Internal Aff airs, the number was no good. ing to re-enter society after a prison stay population of women in jails and prisons “It is so discouraging…You’re hopeless.” faces almost insurmountable obstacles. rose from about 26,000 to almost 214,000 The sense that there will be no recourse At every interaction between disabled in 2016, a stunning growth rate of about or, even worse, that there will be retaliation, people and the criminal justice system, it 800 percent. can have a chilling eff ect on reporting. And is evident how ill suited the system is to The population explosion means that the utter isolation factor can leave incarcer- respect disabled people’s needs. Along women have been funneled into systems ated women feeling all the more helpless. with widespread reform of our courts and that were not built for them. Even suppos- Sexual assault of inmates by staff is institutions, we need to shift from viewing edly standard correctional practices like prevalent and often goes unpunished disabled people in crisis through a crimi- shackling, observing prisoners changing “That’s one of the things we are really analization and incarceration lens to a com- and using the bathroom, or performing munity health approach. body searches can take on an especially sexual and violating nature when per- Women ...... Continued on page 9

Volume 1, Number 3 7

LETTERS LETTERS A Rap? magnifi ed glad with pride allocate and appropriate it all to “What white Americans have never fully The YanKKKees and their LOYAL Jew- themselves while advocating accepted – but what the Negro can never ish bankers the advent of new atrocities forget – is that white society is deeply im- Finance the media’s propaganda, blood asserting their will against plicated in the ghetto. White institutions diamonds, & oil tankers agronomical agrarians ameriK- created it, white institutions maintain it, Their wars and distribution of drugs – for KKan arrogantly fi ght anti- and white society condones it.” National the money they hunger globalists who acquiesce in the Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders The Europeans is securely anchored face of active assinations that (from 1965) To the cults/secret societies affi rm arch-rivalries as ample I’ve lived in towns/neighborhoods all Backed by the Vatican and arKKKdio- people are associated with ages over Washington/Oregon where shootings ceses, who piously old asinine misnomers made by anti-god are frequent Pretend to unbiased/pristine, what a sight and anti-christ autonomies who anticipate In East Pasco the come back to back in to see anti-immigrant anarchist’s alliances won’t perfect sequence Lying that they can rule over ALL MAN- accept asylum seekers and immigrating In Tacoma, Spokane, Yakima, Sunny- KIND/judging righteously people across borders of america side, and Portland Juvenile Delinquents Axing God outta the equation, control- if we’re kept abreast of why arising arrest Believe the best way to be distinguished ling subjects fi scally are always attributed to african latino and Is by making their enemies become ex- And with militias enforcing their agen- Asiatic descendents with accents we see tinguished das/policies physically how antiquity refl ects the anewed antiquat- The gangs tend to pick up beefs that they Motivated by greed, intrinsically, The ed creeds aimed at antagonizing attendees refuse to relinquish Oligarchs change policies to suit their who attend funeral of associates and fam- For us violence has been normalized, agenda whimsically ily who are arbitrarily killed by accused we’ve become desensitized And usually the poor people get the brunt cops who are on administrative paid leave Therefore the streets ain’t no place for no of it only to have actual innocence announced sensitive guys The prosperity and growth stunted, by away of acquittals from all-white juries A Top Dawg’s descent & demise, comes above it amazingly it’s an anomaly that’s atop the for cents on those dimes The Government places themselves – itinerary of abusers whose astute accusa- So many senseless crimes take citizen’s taking Black/Brown community’s access to tions are accentuated to acclimate residents lives Witnesses cry when watching inno- resources, funding, jobs, healthcare, educa- to alienation and annihilation while ani- cents die tion – right in front of it mated activists ask for answer to absolve Some murderers & shooter get arrested/ With the utmost smugness, pride, and the affl ictions like how to stop sentenced to life gumption abusive and abrasive cops who leave Most other crimes go unreported and While urban decay, violence, poverty, abrasions abdication of the government’s therefore unresolved and drug consumption throne is called for by abductees Citizens chose to remain uninvolved Is the consequences, man it ain’t no So guilt/blame/complicity, & stigma of questions, or assumptions criminally convicted of crimes cause snitchin will be absolved About it, the future of youngsters in the convictions come from coerced confes- As the madness/chaos/craziness in the trap is clouded sions extracted by crooked cops while streets evolves Their schools is underfunded, under- credibility of crack and crystal addicts is LawmaKKKers who war on Afrikan/ staff ed, and classrooms is over crowded crude and usually criticized yet it’s con- Latino Americans stick to their “tough on Superintendents rule over militarized vincing enough to carry enough weight to crime” script with no iota of vacillating school districts crucify in a court Man it’s so fascinating how we all can sit Once the proverbial “CHOCKHOLD” is that creates crowded conditions in pris- so placid, waiting infl icted – ons where people who are confi ned to cells For some law to all of sudden come & Then substandard education, outdated consume copious amounts of unsafe un- magically rescue us text books, expulsions, and droppin out healthy comida and commissary under care We look for the incestuous RedneKKKs keeps our kids constricted of corrections offi cials who certify their you trust who live amorally & indecorous See-through bags/pat-downs/strip- While chilling in capitol buildings at searches/metal detectors their desk, the Jew fuss Demanding they spit out more edicts and anglo saxon armadas arrive in arid and decrees tropical areas of africa and asia with ap- That bring Afrikan/Latino Americans to pointed agents and agenda of accumulat- their knees ing agriculture and access to all natural So the rich and poor will keep stratifi ed resources and acquire accounts by way of Keep racial/religious/economic tensions aggressive aristocrats and accountants who

8 The Kite cannibalistic cops by way of core train- co-exist with organized, persistent resis- Women ...... Continued from page 7 ing so they can crease constituents who tance from outside activists and supporters. they don’t consider as human or civilized grappling with is what system can we ask The following is a statement released by so civilians with badges have cohabitate in for that would be better? What does it mean hunger strikers on July 16, 2018: communities where crazed c/o’s conspire to be a whistleblower and have any type of “We decided to begin a hunger strike to carryout sadistic plots courteous of being protection when you’re in prison,” Block on Saturday July 14th in the morning once protected by brass and racist creeds said. we heard our supporters would be outside corrupt cowards on crucial collision That’s why, beyond seeking damages, the facility on Saturday afternoon, to show courses converging to contact point be- Rojas’ lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief we also support them, and to expose the tween free citizens of a communist beaura- in a number of areas, including the devel- problems in here, problems with food cy and caged up captives whose catapulted opment of a whistleblowing process man- getting worse, and in support of the families into capitulation aged by an external agency. The goal is to separated at the border and the children in contracts become convoluted as condon- be able to hold correctional offi cers and detention. ing the criteria that cuts nexuses off in or- staff accountable for mistreatment, exces- We want people detained to know we are der to cripple the community’s communi- sive force, and the use of solitary confi ne- not alone, to know that by being united in cations they censor calls cancel visitation ment cages, claiming offi cers violated the here our voices can be heard outside. So and collapse collective endeavors to collect prisoners’ Eighth Amendment rights to be that everyone knows of the assaults and cold hard cash free from cruel and unusual punishment. harassment we suff er at the hands of Geo when thrown curveballs from competi- The lawsuit also aims to ensure prisoners guards. All of us men and women. tion, the courage to stay composed coupled can access proper medical care, food, and People have joined the hunger strike to with contingency plans to stay calm and clothing. demand better pay for the daily jobs we do, composed in the chaos is critical to being There is reason to be hopeful. Despite because we are tired of family separation, conducive in constructing connections with the many deterrents, reporting of sexual and because of the lack of nutritious food. worthy causes victimization has increased in recent years, We will remain in hunger strike as long as companions and contemporaries contem- according to new Bureau of Justice Statis- necessary until our voices are heard. plate carefully calculated exercises to hone tics fi ndings. Nationwide, grassroots eff orts Saturday in the late afternoon about 70 crafts with convert currency so creative have increased public and media aware- people from one of the pods in hunger strike consumers with clearance will cleanse the ness about women prisoners. At the federal were taken outdoors saying there was a fi re. slate and circumvent the casualties and cre- level, several members of congress have It was a lie there was no fi re. Geo lied so we mating and confl icts against their comrades introduced legislation around the dignity of would be taken to intake to be interrogated by positively contributing to a common incarcerated women, and there is hope that asking us about this. No one spoke. We struggle against the continually oppressive such eff orts might increase as more women know of past retaliation for joining hunger control mechanisms contrived to cool cur- take on legislative positions. strikes. There are not leaders here, we are rents of coalescing cliques and cool off the “I think just as the #MeToo movement all united. conjuring of coups de etat and coup de gras represents some level of evolution or cul- We are thankful to people outside committed conformists congregate in mination of struggles and consciousness helping us, volunteers, and lawyers for convocations to commemorate career can- that has been developing over decades, their support. It’s hard for us having to do didates in court costumes who try cases and so too within the prisons, there has been a this because we have families outside, but casually refuse to commute the committed changing at least awareness that that im- when we see what the government is doing persons sentences while the country’s pa- balance and power dynamic and that status to other families, it gives us energy to fi ght triotic classes clearly choose not to close quo is not acceptable,” Block said. for change inside and out. We don’t want the gaps between colors and castes so they Now on the outside, Rojas often feels a more family separations. We want respect, come up with codes that cede rights from sort of “survivor’s guilt” when they think we are not animals. For example, the coast to coast and cleave cultures and cus- of their former cellmates still inside. It hygiene here is the lowest possible. If we toms from people makes them depressed, but also even more request new underwear all we get is used colleges, corporations and companies determined. stained old underwear worn by someone concerned with monopolizing on capital “That’s why I really have that fi re inside else. Towels are not changed for over a confi rm to jim crow laws by calling for ces- me,” Rojas said. “I want to let the world month, even if towels are taken to the sation of the racially construed chiding and know and get whatever help I can.”  laundry, are still dirty. a ceasefi re so colleagues in cahoots with We are given for lunch a bag of chips, the klan and their consorts can cancel cau- cookies, a slice of ham and a slice of bread. casians’ obligations to constitute corpora- SHARED And then we have to wait until 6 pm to eat tion’s cubicles with chink coons and cross- again. We are still hungry. breeds who are considered by consensus to STRUGGLE We are also tired of medical abuses; be condemned because copulation between ince 2014 there have been a dozen here they only give you Tylenol or sleeping confl icting colors compromises correct hunger strikes at the Northwest De- pills for whatever illness we have. Only combinations of dna sequences and codes Stention Center in Tacoma, WA, an until you are dying you will be seeing by destructive devils defl ect equality in de- immigrant prison privately owned by the a doctor. We want good medical care. We mographics denoted  corporation Geo Group. There have been Jon Gordon two strikes already in 2018. These strikes Shared Struggle .....Continued on page 10

Volume 1, Number 3 9 Solid Black Fist Free Electronic Copy Shared Struggle ...Continued from page 9 A new Seattle-based newsletter are always told to wait until the next day for prisoners. A Solid Black Fist Outside people can read, down- at 5am to receive medical attention, or you can be reached at the following load, or print current and back is- will be seen until you faint. address. Write for a sample copy: sues of The Kite newsletter by going We know everyone here is fi ghting their Solid Black Fist to https://thekite.info and clicking on own cases, but we all must remember we 14419 Greenwood Ave. N. back issues of The Kite newsletter are not alone and we won’t be silenced. Suite A #132 they'd like to read. If a CO mistreats you, send a letter to Outside folks can also have a Seattle, WA 98133 the outside or to your family so they can free electronic copy of the newslet- help. When we complain inside nothing ter sent to them each month by way happens. They call us illegals, but we still I am no longer accepting of email. Send requests for a digital have rights. Don’t be afraid, we can win. the things I cannot change, copy to [email protected] Don’t let the guards intimidate us. We all should be given the opportunity to stay. Many of us can’t go back to our countries because we could die. We would Message Box rather be detained here than being sent to The only way to end slavery our deaths in our countries. is to stop being a slave. We will continue in the struggle here Chris Hedges detained. We send greetings to you all in the Hopeful for unity... outside; all of you that stop doing your Eager for change. daily activities to support us because you I am changing the things I agree no one should be separated from their cannot accept. David Carr, Oregon SHU families anymore.” 

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