Political Prisoner Periodicals
The
modern movements for prison abolition and against inhumane practices
and conditions reached an initial high peak of struggle and mass
militancy during the 1970s, with rebellions and protests at many prisons
nationwide, the writings and example of George Jackson, and the
historic rebellion at Attica State Prison. This collection includes a
wide range of publications grown out of this ongoing movement, including
the Anvil, War Behind Walls, Big Mama Rag, The Outlaw, The Struggle Inside, Politics of Crime, and Arm the Spirit.
Documents
Activism inside and outside of prison
Date: 2/7/1992Call Number: PM 183Format: Cass A & BProducers: The Prison Radio ProjectProgram: You can’t jail the spiritCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Last part of a 13 series program on prisons in the United States. The series explores the lives and experiences of political prisoners, POWs, and incarcerated activists. Prisons today, it argues, are the government’s response to societal problems such as unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and immigration.
In this tape in particular Jude Tilman talks to different activists: Thelma Clark, Judy Greenspan, Muhjah Shakir, and Michael Snedecker.
Nothing is More Precious Than
Date: 10/25/1974Call Number: PM 262Format: Cass A & BProducers: KPFAProgram: Nothing is More Precious ThanCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
The radio show begins with a description of five bombings that recently exploded in Manhattan. To commemorate the October 30th 1950 Puerto Rican uprising, the organization of Armed Forces of Puerto Rican National Liberation (FALN) has bombed five imperialist banks. In order to get five Puerto Rican political prisoners released, the organization bombed Banko de Pons, Chemical Branch Office (Exxon building), Union Carbide Building, Leaver House, and Marine Midland Bank (Wall Street). Other related prison movement news is about Ray Ray Spark's "so called" suicide in jail. After being beaten and drugged by guards in both Folsom and Tracy prisons, Ray Ray was found hung in his Folsom jail. Because of his political affiliation (SL, BLA), Ray Ray was believed assassinated. The show ends with other prison related info and civil rights news.
Art Against the Death Penalty
Date: 1/1/1997Call Number: PM 274Format: Cass A & BProducers: Prison Activist Resource CenterProgram: On the OutsideCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Art Against the Death Penalty's show and the HIV/AIDS in Prison Project. Also partially taped is a panel discussion highlighting a talk by a former political prisoner (possibly Lorenzo Komboa Erwin).
Abuse at Corcoran State Prison
A protest held in front of the offices of Dan Lungren, then-Attorney General of California, addresses abuse at Corcoran State Prison. Speakers include Catherine Campbell, president of California Prison Focus, the father of a prisoner killed in Corcoran’s exercise yard, and members of Barrios Unidos, an organization committed to ending gang warfare.
Sparks Fly & Women Political Prisoners
Date: 1/1/1111Call Number: PM 281Format: Cass A & BProducers: Prison Activist Resource CenterProgram: On the OutsideCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Features a taped segment of Sparks Fly, an event to raise awareness about women political prisoners. Also includes interviews with an attorney for Norma Jean Croy, with Corcoran prisoner Ezra Davis on medical neglect, and with Jose Lopez of the National Committee to Free Puerto Rican POWs.
200 Years of the Penitentiary
Date: 1/1/1990Call Number: PM 282Format: Cass A & BProducers: Robert Foxworth; Jeff HansonProgram: American Dialogues; Second OpinionCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Starting on the B side with American Dialogues, Linda Thurston of the American Friends Service Committee discusses the 200 Years of the Penitentiary project and the war on drugs. Second Opinion with Erwin Knoll features an interview with Brian Glick, author of 'War at Home: Covert Action Against U.S. Activists and What We Can Do About It' (continues onto A side). A side also includes a news program discussing the Iran-Contra affair and the war on drugs.
Ghosts ...Of The Civil Dead
Soundtrack to Australian film consisting of prisoners and guards speaking over music.
War on Crime Panel
Panel of speakers providing critical perspectives on the government's "War on Crime" and related topics.
Prison Corruption
Date: 11/4/1996Call Number: PM 290Format: Cass A & BProducers: Prison Activist Resource CenterProgram: On The OutsideCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Coverage of prison corruption, treatment of prisoners and an anti-police brutality rally.
Disabled Prisoners and the Prison Industrial Complex
This is a panel discussion at a Critical Resistance conference dedicated to presenting cases and experiences of, as well as discrimination against, people with disabilities in the prison industrial complex. The panel is moderated by Janine Bertram. Jean Stewart of the Disabled Prisoners Justice Fund speaks about people with disabilities are denied necessary care and how the conditions of prisoners actually exacerbate and incur disabilities, especially mental ones. In addition, she emphasizes how disabled prisoners are not a fringe minority but make up a substantial portion (40-70% projected) of the prison population. Former prisoner and codirector of New Brighter Day Drug Ministry Beverly Johnson speaks about the experiences and marginalization of HIV-positive prisoners and their fight for class action law suits with other disbaled prisoners. Sara Norman, a staff lawyer at the Prison Law Office, presents an overview of laws that are tools for disabled prisoners such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504 and the American Disabilities Act.
