February 2023, Letter Writing Event

"Political prisoner letter writing | Sunday, Feb 5th, 2023 3-5pm @ Firstorm, 610 Haywood Rd, West Asheville | BRABC.BlackBlogs.Org" over a photo of sun setting over a southern Appalachian skyline

Join us for our monthly political prisoner letter writing event at Firestorm Books this coming Sunday, February 5th from 3-5pm. We meet the first Sunday of every month to share updates on political prisoners, struggles around incarceration, and anti-repression info, as well as to set pen to paper to reach between the bars to comrades and friends-to-be. Feel free to come and share space or bring some letters you’ve been meaning to write of your own.

Phone Zap for Jason Renard Walker

Jason on visitation, pic from Jason's prison journal siteJason Walker, an imprisoned writer and organizer in the Texas prison system, is facing immediate danger from a possible transfer back to Connally Unit where he had faced credible threats of assassination, had faced harassment, being fed food he had allergies to, forced into isolation with no clothing or blankets, and has made a call for support.

Jason writes:

This is Jason Renard Walker. I’m currently at the Wayne Scott Unit. As of now I’m not sure where my property or I.D. is.

The purpose of this letter is to request as much support as possible in regards to not being transferred back to the Connally Unit, which is due to occur at the end of this month. The purpose is to avoid a contracted order to kill me.

Call to the Connally Unit’s warden’s office, Connally Unit’s Regional Director’s office, the Executive Director’s office, Governor Gregg Abbott’s office, Ombudsman complaints, and calls to the state classification committee will give me the best shot.

The reason it is important to contact these particular individuals is in case some or one or another give you the run-around or ignore the problem altogether.

I was transferred here from Connally on Dec 8th after spending five days naked in a Connally Unit strip cell, and being offered nothing but fish sandwiches every meal during that span. I have a documented allergy to fish.

On Dec 4th, Saturday, inmates on 8 Building J-Pod that live on one section had arranged to stab me with knives smuggled in by guards. Inmates from two and three section were also due to illegally come to one section through the “supervisor’s only” crossover doors, that connect all three sections, via the guard working in the pod’s door control picket.

The reason I knew this would take place is because I heard inmates talking out the back window Friday night, accusing me of being the one who led guards to two inmates that lived in J-20 cell and J-3 cell, that had contraband cellphones. These two phones were confiscated on Nov 22 2022 by Sgt Motes and other staff. I believe inmate Bruce Rogers told them that.

I was also accused of getting Officer Lopez and “Lieutenant OG” in trouble for allowing inmates from other sections through the locked crossover door so they could pass these same phones back and forth. Lopez was working the J-Pod picket.

The stabbing was to occur Saturday morning during dayroom time. I only assume, to ensure the stabbing took place, the guard (Alvarez) and his co-worker passed out commissary slips the night before (Dec 2nd, early Dec 3rd, before 1st shift) and stated we was due to have a commissary spend Saturday morning, so as to flush me out the cell and unknowingly prone to a sneak attack by inmates involved from all three sections.

Once I heard the 1st shift officer tell several inmates who asked that we weren’t having a commissary spend, I knew the lie was in support of the hit, so I played sleep in my cell, covered my door, and observed the dayroom from a peephole.

Sure enough, six inmates were in the dayroom in battle gear pointing and gesturing at my cell, shoes wrapped down with socks, hands wrapped and in their jacket pocket to keep the knife in place. When they saw the picket guard wouldn’t open my cell at their request, they unwrapped and told the other sections to “wait it ain’t good yet”, meaning I wasn’t around yet.

When it was near time for the first “in and out” (doors open briefly so we can go in or grab something), inmate working lackey “Leroy AKA King G”, who’s a G4 inmate that’s allowed to work, came to the pod and told them “when the door open, don’t do no talking, just go straight in and pop him”, then he mentioned if I come out Gordo would wear me down in a one-round fight, then the others would stab me. Leroy plays the Christian role, but actually serves the interest of guards and any illegal money-making activity. He was also allowed to pass out mail when he worked night shift.
With the guard coming for the “in and out” in five minutes, and me not having enough time to put together a home-made knife, I cut my wrist with a razor, laid down by the door, and played dead. Not only would this draw medical staff, cameras, and ranking guards. It would force all inmates in their cell and get me taken to the infirmary, safely on a stretcher. And to my current location, where I can get this letter to you.
Up to that point, my out-going mail wasn’t being mailed out but re-routed to an inmate named Tracy and stopped. A reply from an emergency letter to Nube from me is still out-standing, and incoming mail was delivered to me empty. I actually heard Tracy recite to others stuff that only the receiver of my mail would know.
An inmate named Bruce Rogers who lived in J-17 cell had sent me threatening notes suggesting if I didn’t help him escape, he would tell inmates I sent guards to the cells the phones were found in, and that I would be killed. The letter I sent to Nube cited each note. I sent them to the Warden’s office, but I believe the envelope was given to Tracy. My name wasn’t in it.

Rogers had been moved from another unit after getting caught trying to pay a staffer to help him escape. Somehow he wasn’t placed in solitary but put on the pod with me. He had been in solitary before for trying to escape.

The only action I can request that will give me any meaningful safety is placement in safekeeping until I’m released because I have already been in many past incidents that show I need it.

But in TDCJ it’s not something I can request, because the unit will say I don’t qualify. Not because I don’t, but because a lot of paperwork is involved. Plus, if anything further happens, a lawsuit is winnable.

So it can only occur if numerous parties demand that my classification file be reexamined, and each complaint that got me a unit transfer be reviewed, to show that there is a pattern of attempts to kill me since 2019, and at: Ellis Unit, Allred Unit, McConnell Unit, Bill Clements Unit, Michael Unit, Boyd Unit, Hughes Unit, and now Connally Unit.

A big focus should be on the Michael Unit because I was nearly killed with a fan motor, and investigations proved cell phones were used to initiate the hit, and the attempted murder charges and disciplinary charges I faced were dismissed, because it was self-defence.
Focus should also be on the Clements unit, because it was proven white supremacists were using cellphones to organize my death, and one was caught with the murder weapon, and even admitted his affiliation, his involvement, and turned over notes sent to him with my full name in them.

So the complaint that is filed should raise these issues and a demand should be made that I should be placed in safekeeping and for no reason be sent back to the Connally Unit. No complaints should be made to this unit, it’s useless.
And lastly, Bruce Rogers should be questioned concerning Connally Unit, since he has an escape history, but was placed around me and not in solitary. I’m not sure if he’s still at Connally.

I really appreciate any and all help with this issue, because at this point I’m not sure how to defend myself from multiple and simultaneous assaults.

In solidarity,
Jason

A letter from Jason to a supporter

Relevant contacts are:

Connally Unit warden:
(830) 583-4003
Edmundo.Cueto@tdcj.texas.gov

Regional Office:
(361) 362-6328
David.Blackwell@tdcj.texas.gov,
Eric.Guerrero@tdcj.texas.gov,
Kathryn.Gaitan@tdcj.texas.gov,
Stephanie.Sanchez@tdcj.texas.gov

Executive Director’s office:
(512) 463-9988
Bryan.Collier@tdcj.texas.gov,
Oscar.Mendoza@tdcj.texas.gov

Greg Abbott:
(800) 843-5789, (512) 463-1782
https://gov.texas.gov/apps/contact-us/assistance

Ombudsman’s office:
(833) 598-2700, (936) 437-5620
ombudsman@tdcj.texas.gov, io@tdcj.texas.gov
https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/tbcj/oio/ombudsman_contact.php 

State Classification Committee:
(936) 437-6571
melissa.bennett@tdcj.texas.gov

A template message you can use (adapting and personalizing it is recommended) is:

Hello,
I am contacting you to request urgent intervention to protect the life of Jason Renard Walker #1532092. Mr. Walker is currently held at the Scott Unit, where he was transferred following an incident at the Connally Unit on December 4th 2022.
Mr. Walker was transferred from the Hughes Unit to Connally in the summer of 2022, despite staff being aware that threats made against Mr. Walker’s life at Hughes had originated with inmates at Connally. Mr Walker has been moved after receiving credible threats and attempts on his life at Ellis Unit, Allred Unit, McConnell Unit, Clements Unit, Michael Unit, Boyd Unit, Hughes Unit, and now Connally Unit.
I wish to demand that Mr. Walker’s classification file should be re-examined, with particular attention to each complaint that led to him being moved. In particular, close attention should be paid to the incident that led to his move from the Michael Unit, where he was forced to defend himself from a murder attempt, and the Clements Unit, where another inmate confessed to involvement in an organized murder plot. Inmate Bruce Rogers 01674443, currently held at the Connally Unit, should also be interviewed about his involvement in the attempt on Mr. Walker’s life.
Under no circumstances should Mr. Walker be returned to the Connally Unit, where his life is known to be in immediate danger. Full and appropriate arrangements must be made to ensure Mr. Walker’s safety throughout the rest of his stay in TDCJ custody, and he should be released if suitable safe accommodation cannot be found for him. Please be aware that TDCJ may be held legally responsible for any harm that may come to Mr. Walker as a failure to fulfil the duty of care towards him.
I look forward to hearing that speedy action has been taken to ensure a safe and satisfactory resolution to this situation.

January 2023, Letter Writing

Join Blue Ridge ABC for our monthly political prisoner letter writing event, 3-5pm at Firestorm Books in West Asheville. Normally the first Sunday of the month, we figured we’d take a break for New Years Day.

We’ll bring the names and information of political prisoners with upcoming birthdays or who’ve been moved or are facing repression, for whom a piece of mail can provide the safety of visibility as well as some kind words. See you there!

Prisoner Letter Writing, December 4th, 2022

"Political Prisoner Letter Writing | 3-5pm, Sunday Dec 4th | Firestorm Books, 610 Haywood Rd" over a snowy, Appalachian landscape and the BRABC circle logo

Sunday, December 4st from 3-5pm, we’ll be warm and cozy at Firestorm Books writing letters to prisoners. Come and join us if you care! We’ll bring information on prisoners that could use a kind word and have upcoming birthdays and provide the stationary. We’ll also have Certain Days: Freedom For Political Prisoners calendars ($15) available for purchase to ring in the new year for yourself or as a gift.

November 2022 letter writing event

Join BRABC for political prisoner letter writing at Firestorm Books (610 Haywood Rd, Asheville) today, November 6th 2022 from 3-5pm! We’ll be writing prisoners with birthdays this month or who could use a kind word from outside. We appreciate folks bringing their own mask as this event is indoors, but Firestorm also has masks available.

Letter Writing, October 2nd 2022

From 1-3pm, join us for our monthly letter writing event at West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Avenue. Get free information about political prisoners, we’ll bring letter writing supplies, talk about abolitionism. You know the deal! We’ll be writing to prisoners facing repression or with October birthdays, but feel free to bring those letters you’ve set…

Letter Writing, 9/4/22

appalachian landscape with information on letter writing in front

Join Blue Ridge ABC for political prisoner letter writing, Sunday Sept 4th from 3-5pm at West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave. We’ll be writing to political prisoners with upcoming birthdays as well as any friends or loved ones who may need a little boost behind bars. Pick up free literature and stickers, make some friends,…

June 2022 Prisoner Letter Writing

Join Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross on Sunday, June 5th for our monthly political prisoner letter writing event at West Asheville Park on Vermont Ave, from 3-5pm. We’ll bring the materials and names and addresses of political and politicized prisoners with upcoming birthdays or who’ve been facing repression. It’s a great way to start a new friendship, meet others interested in prisoner support, let the prison know that our comrades aren’t alone and make someones day behind bars.

May 2022 Prisoner Letter Writing

Rainy Appalachian landscape with "Politlcal Prisoner Letter Writing" flyer imprintedJoin BRABC for our monthly political prisoner letter writing event, first Sunday of the month at West Asheville Park at 198 Vermont Ave, Asheville, 5-7pm on May 1st, 2022.

We’ll be writing to political prisoners with upcoming birthdays or who are facing repression, though please feel free to bring your own letters you’ve been meaning to write.

If you’re new to writing letters, no worries! It’s a great way to connect to folks and means a huge deal to our siblings behind bars. We’ll bring experience, addresses and names, plus stationary.

New statement from Asheville Sanctuary Camp Defendants

A statement on continued and widening repression by the city of of community members for alleged participation in housing rights and anti-encampment sweeps as the city declared code purple for danger of freezing for homeless folks, around New Years 2021

If you want to donate to ongoing mutual aid efforts, venmo: @AVLSurvival. If you want to donate to the defendants legal fund: @AVLdefendantfund. If you want to contribute to support future movement repression, venmo: @BlueRidgeABC

Image Description:

  • Slide one: Black text on a white background with a blue border and red background “The following is an update from the now 15 defendants facing charges in Asheville, NC as a part of the city government’s attempt to repress food sharing and mutual aid organizing”.
  • Slide two: Black text on a light red background with a dark red border and a light blue background ” Since our last statement at the beginning of February, the state has targeted 8 more community members in connection with the December demonstration in Aston Park criticizing the City government’s inhumane treatment of homeless folks. We are now a group of 15 locals facing multiple felony charges for participating in mutual aid efforts in our community”.
  • Slide three: Picture of a tree in ***** park with a bathroom sink hanging from a branch and a banner hung around the base of the tree, a sunset in the background. Various objects scattered underneath the tree. A white truck in the background of the picture. Black text above the image on a light blue background with a red border and a dark blue background ” The city government claims we are each responsible for leaving behind more than 500 lbs of trash following a peaceful protest. APD claims this resulted in a 100 hours of “clean-up efforts”, the use of heavy machinery, and a cost of $2,680″.
  • Slide four: Black text on a light red background with a dark red border and light blue background “Over the past three months, the taxpayer dollars and time expended surveilling, harassing, arresting, and now prosecuting the defendants vastly exceeds the damages claimed by APD. How many of the same resources and heavy machinery have been employed by the city and county government to remove and destroy homeless camps in the last year alone?”.
  • Slide five: Image of a windbreak made of pallets with words reading “people over profit” and “community will keep us safe” on them in spray paint. There are four white (city) trucks in the background and the back of a person next to the palates. Leaves scattered on the grass in the foreground of the image.
  • Slide six: Black text on a light red background with a dark red border reading ” These actions are not an effort to make our city safer, they are an attack on mutual aid. We remain committed to ensuring all members of our community have a safe place to live, a community around them, and agency over their own lives.” and a blue background beyond that.
  • Slide Seven: Black text on white background reading: ” We still need your help as we face state repression and attempts to shut down our networks of care. ” with a blue border and dark red background.
  • Slide eight: Black text on light red background reading: “Keep sharing food and care and solidarity with one another. Keep delivering groceries, cooking meals, sharing funds, and showing up in the parks. Keep standing with your community. Keep building this beautiful, transformative mutual aid movement. Keep sharing our story. In solidarity and community, the Sanctuary Camp Defendants” with a dark red border and light blue background.

Prior statement:

Text of the first 10 slides:

  • “The following is a statement from 7 defendants facing charges in Asheville, NC as part of the city government’s attempt to repress food sharing and mutual aid organizing:”
  • “We, the defendants, understand these arrests to be part of a larger strategy of the Asheville Police Department and City government to end mutual aid in Asheville. Mutual aid is loving hard and caring for folks in community by working cooperatively, resourcing, and networking to meet everyone’s basic needs. City officials have time and again chosen to sacrifice the survival of homeless and poor folks of this city in the name of profit and tourism. Now they’ve chosen to target mutual aid work in Asheville because this work shines a light on the pervasive, immeasurable failures of the government to care for its community.”
  • “From December 19th to December 25th, 2021, a group of locals – both housed and unhoused, youth and adults – gathered at Aston Park in downtown Asheville for a community art build. This was to create art together, share hot food, and bring attention to the violent, inhumane treatment of homeless folks by the city government. In the weeks following, Asheville Police Department issued arrest warrants for seven locals, charging each of them with both felony littering and aiding & abetting felony littering. APD officers arrested two individuals from their places of work and attempted to do so to another. APD arrested a third individual at their home. To avoid continued harassment from APD, four individuals elected to turn themselves in. Following the arrests, APD proceeded to share personal information about six of the seven arrestees on social media. “
  • “These charges are just one of multiple attempts by City government to repress our movement. We see these accusations as an attempt to incapacitate and exhaust those who believe adamantly that ALL members of our community should be housed, nourished, cared for, and have agency over their own lives.”
  • “These arrests come amidst a county wide wave of camp sweeps that aim to uproot, traumatize, and wipe out homeless people in Asheville. Over recent months, there has also been an increase of targeted harassment against homeless community members who are known to be politicized and outspoken about the violence they face. Recently, Asheville City government has also attempted to criminalize food sharing in public parks as yet another way to push homeless people and housed allies out of public space and to ultimately outlaw mutual aid.”
  • “We Need Your Help”
  • “Thank you to those in this community who have reached out to offer support, express rage, and extend resources. We are in awe of our community’s commitment to hold each other through difficult times. Moving forward, we ask two things of those wishing to stand in solidarity with us: First, we will need our community behind us to make it through. Within your networks, help us make it known that this is much larger than legal proceedings against seven people. This is a politically-motivated attempt to end mutual aid in our town.”
  • “Second, as the state tries to actively disrupt our ability to support each other’s basic needs, we must hold each other even closer. We write this statement as a call to continue mutual aid. Share food, share support, and share love for one another. The more people continue showing up, the stronger and more resilient our networks become.”
  • “Mutual Aid is under attack”
  • “In a time when APD and City Government are trying to intimidate, we can let them know we will not be scared. We will never stop. We will always be here, because all we have is each other. –in solidarity and community the defendants”

Solidarity from Blue Ridge ABC!