Black History Month at Augusta Correctional
Our theme for the Black History Program here at Augusta Correctional Center this year is "Black History Now," with the subtitle "What are we doing now to create History for the future?" The theme is based on the fact that we cannot proceed to celebrate the struggle of those that paved the way for us as just something that happened. We must adopt the spirit of these ancestors and begin to etch out our own place in history. Harriet Tubman led the Underground Railroad helping ma
The Haves vs. The Have Nots
Sociologist George Rusche of Frankfurt school viewed crime as a product of economic necessity, deterred only when the severity of punishment exceeded the ravages of poverty. Quoting George Bernard Shaw, Rusche observed that " if the prison does not underbid the slum in human misery, the slum will empty and the prison will fill." Historically it is the economic situation of the dispossessed that shaped punishment, i.e. fines, torture, and imprisonment. The unemployed fell vict
Thoughts on the 1/20/18 Prison Reform Rally from two prisoners
(River North Correctional) Greetings my name is Randy Cherry. I was born and raised in Norfolk Va. I don't understand why people feel as though, those who commit crimes in there early years of life don't deserve a second chance. Is it because we're not blood related? Those who show and prove that they are making civilized changes in there lives and are helping others to make the same changes does not deserve to be in prison for the rest of his life. At least give someone like
Art as Form of Prisoner Resistance
As an act of living resistance, prisoners create poems, rap, spoken word. Listen to Brandon Seward's spoken word poem. He is warehoused in River North Correctional Center. This piece is called "Beyond Chirac". You can listen to it here and read his powerful words as well. We will be recording/posting audio every week.
Growing Up in Prison. Prisoner statement for 1/20/18 Prison Justice Rally
Hello my name is Steven, I address this message to those giving recognition to those who stand united putting forth a devoted and earnest effort to bring upon changes in our justice systems. I currently stand a statistic and representation of the unfair punishment that is being inflicted upon the lawbreakers. Yes INDEED we as lawbreakers are deserving of punishment. However, not to the extent of never being able to experience another chance and shot at society. To be able to
