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
7 Documents Found
Prison Songs of FD Kirkpatrick
Call Number: PM 030Format: 1/4 7 1/2 ipsProgram: insert/songs onlyCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick sings prison-related songs, with some Heber narration and Mark Schwartz report on Geronimo case
Interview at Alternative House
Interview with various individuals at “Alternative House” about cycles of violence and repression in prisons. Talk about the increase in abuse after murder of George Jackson, Attica, etc. The more the inside is controlled, the more people will take to the streets. The prison movement is similar to the movement around the world of oppressed people - understanding colonialism in various contexts. Only psychologically sick people can cage and abuse people, which makes revolution that much more possible. It is oppression that makes the revolutionary realize that he is not receiving what any human needs to survive and live with dignity. Distinction between oppression related to mentality vs. material things. Blatant atrocities that are evident within the prison system as well as in the Third World. Cause of prisoners is a just cause - even for those who lack humanity because of the overwhelming cost of housing a prisoner.
San Quentin guard discussing race relations and racism within prison
Track 1: Lots of sync/wild sound. Interview with San Quentin guard. Describes Mexicans have problems in the prisons because of the language barrier. Admits his prejudice - “I don’t like rice and beans”. Guard says that inmates are not treated by race but by record. Admits that there are more people of color in adjustment center because of barriers on the outside and people who don’t have access to English language can’t compete with people who have resources. Therefore “they have to steal to get something to eat”. Track 2: Tour of prison museum and can hear descriptions of various weapons and makeshift weapons used by past inmates.
Alternative House interview
Great analysis of guards playing off of racial divisions among inmates. Guards broke up San Quentin strike after George’s death by targeting white prisoners in adjustment center playing them against black revolutionary prisoners. Retaliation for Davis’ death - using racial conflicts to the advantage of the administration to destroy the unity of the prisoners. Strong leaders on the inside were targeted and shipped out of prisons. Racism exists in San Quentin, but prisoners understand how guards use racism to keep them divided and less strong. Function of penitentiary rests upon individual inmate acknowledging the authority of prison administration. California prisons run so well and can keep expanding because of racism. Systematic brainwashing of these inmates, enslaving their minds and bodies.
Racism and the War on Drugs
In a panel discussion, several speakers express their views about how racism and the war on drugs are connected. Racism is found in every step of the criminal justice law enforcement process. Blacks and Hispanics are unfairly targeted in the war on drugs. The speakers advocate that federal law enforcement change, and that mandatory minimums, crack laws, and guideline sentences be revised.
Birmingham Conference Coverage
Date: 4/8/1995Call Number: PM 328Format: Cass A & BProducers: Prison Activist Resource CenterProgram: On the OutsideCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Conference on rights for political prisoners and prisoners of war. Brother William Muhammad discusses racism and the war on crime. Louise James calls for revolutionary change to free political prisoners and talks about the racist political system targeting and imprisoning the Black community. Discussion on how to build a political movement.
Police Accountability
Date: 4/16/1993Call Number: PM 343Format: Cass A & BProducers: KPFAProgram: BrainstormCollection: Political Prisoner Periodicals
Features Babara Attard, then senior investigator with San Francisco's Office of Citizen Complaints (OCC), Suzanne Pegas, co-founder of Berkeley's Copwatch, and Carmen Johnson, political activist and board member of the MLK Housing Cooperative in San Francisco. They discuss the question of "How to police the police", the source of racist police policies, and where accountability resides in the police structure. Jerome Skolnick, affiliate of UC Berkeley School of Law and author of "Above the Law: Police and the Excessive Use of Force" also joins the discussion. He discusses "siege mentality" of the police, the code of silence in police departments, and the need for cops to relate to their communities.
7 Documents Found
