Photos: Rev. Joy Powell
Family, friends, and supporters of political prisoner Rev. Joy Powell, recently most of you were informed that Rev. Joy was experiencing a considerable amount of backlash, and threats from prison staff, which is not out of the norm, but these new attacks came with the threats of her being placed in the Bedford Hills Women’s Correctional Facility Solitary Confinement Unit as a result of her having an N95 mask, which she’s had for almost over a year that was given to her by a medical staff person.
Rev. Joy recently had hearings she attended and a decision was rendered in the matter and she was able to negotiate an outcome that currently does not involve any SHU time, although she had to acknowledge that she, in fact, was in possession of a N95 mask which the prison and DOCCS consider being contraband if in the hands of an inmate. This is an unwritten rule. It was never posted in the facility and a number of prison staff were not even aware of it. Staff had, previously, let her use the mask after searching her upon her returns from medical procedures back onto prison grounds.
Moreover, other searches were conducted daily, as well as the fact that she was not invisible when walking through the facility and on the grounds for more than 365 days. The use of the mask only become a major issue in July, of 2021, resulting in a cell shakedown, and a facility investigation supposedly about a breach of security. All over a mask.
One would think inmates having proper protective masks would be welcomed. Particularly, given all the concern over who is vaccinated, and who is not, and all the concern regarding the well-being of everyone during this Covid-19 crisis. This, obviously, is even more critical for those inside jails and prisons, where social distancing is impossible. In Rev. Joy’s case, having this mask can protect her from not contracting Covid-19 (for the second time) instead of what has transpired over the past several weeks.
But dehumanization seems to be the whole point of these juvenile halls, jails, and prisons. And, whether one is male, female, or a child, these systems of incarceration are in place to violate the human rights of people on every level. They destroy the incarcerated mentally, physically, and in every other regard. It is unfathomable how many prisoners somehow manage to still be breathing life after the constant onslaught and degradation of mistreatment being dished out every second of every day, in every way possible.
To paraphrase Dr. Khalid Muhammad, if it seems to the oppressors that the most oppressed have received something of benefit that might simply prolong their life then the powers that be through their minions, and the checks and balances of this system, immediately change the rules again.
When the photos of the abuses that were occurring at Guantanamo Bay were released people were appalled at the actions of the U.S. government and its military against individuals who were not even convicted of any crimes yet. But I say there are worst places, and things being done, by these “corrections” gatekeepers in charge of the care and well-being of the institutionalized inmates occurring all across America that make Guantanamo Bay look like child’s play.
Those with loved ones inside the foster homes, juvenile centers, jails, and prisons are constantly aware of what’s really going on inside. For everyone else, even if you don’t have any direct connections, I implore you once again please don’t forget the plight of people in prisons and in other centers of incarceration. This system is corrupt to its core and it banks on the forgetfulness of people on the outside not locked away in their cages.
Our lack of awareness and empathy is a trap that allows these government crooks to get away with all types of egregious acts of criminality upon other human beings who are the most vulnerable of society, for which none of these folks, who control this system, believe they should be held accountable.
In New Orleans, during Hurricane Katrina, so many of our people were left behind in locked cells during that major disaster to just drown to death. Actual numbers will never be revealed even if known but what we do know there were those involved in the decision making process who determined Black lives had no value, and no worth whatsoever, and rather than release them, or transport them somewhere safe, horrible deaths were their fate.
None of us are immune in a country that incarcerates more of its citizens than any other country in the world from being thrown into one of those same cells and environments without any prior warning regardless of whether you believe you’re innocent. In Amurdakkka, you’re guilty until proven innocent.
There are fearless Warriors like Rev. Joy Powell, and others, on the grounds still fighting to expose the wrongs and get some justice and fair treatment for all who are suffering in silence inside these gulags surrounded by barbed wire, concrete, and steel. The more we on the outside write and stay in contact with those on the inside we’re actually aiding them with a layer of protection, because prison officials and staff know someone is watching and holding them accountable from the outside.
In closing, Rev. Joy sends everyone her Revolutionary Love and Solidarity, and her deepest appreciation for the spontaneity to action, your aid, phone calls, emails, etc. on her behalf and well-being, she will always be indebted to all who have rendered to her your unwavering support.
All Power to the People!!!
Send Rev. Joy some love, light, and encouragement as she continues her fight for exoneration, reach out to the numerous other Political Prisoners, and Prisoners of War, and captives of the Prison Industrial Complex protected by the Imperialist Government of the United States.
Address Info: Joy Powell, 07G0632
247 Harris Road Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Donations/Email: www.jpay.com
Website: www.freejoypowell.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freejoypowell
Legal Defense Fundraiser: https://fundrazr.com/freejoypowell
Political Prisoner Information/Birthdates: https://www.thejerichomovement.com/
International Tribunal Campaign for Political Prisoners held in the United States: www.spiritofmandela.org
