“The most disrespected, unprotected, neglected person in America is the Black woman.”- Malcom X. Women in a California prison have requested clemency from President Biden after being sexually abused by prison guards. Last week, Biden pardoned 39 people, making that the largest act of presidential clemency in a day. For centuries the U.S. prison system has negatively impacted underrepresented communities, especially Black people.
These women endured physical abuse but were also retaliated against for exposing the misconduct of those in power. The prison, Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin was where one of the largest US prison abuse scandals happened. Workers and inmates refer to it as the “rape club.”
Several staff members, including the chaplain have been convicted of sexual crimes. The US justice department announced that the prison will close permanently. Black women have faced criminal injustice for decades, and this scandal reflects systemic oppression. Black women are one of the fastest growing groups in prisons, they are jailed at almost twice the rate of White women, and they also receive harsher sentences. Once inside, they are left to face difficult challenges including no access to good healthcare or programs and they have a higher chance of being sexually abused.
According to The Guardian, a federal judge said, “the constitutional violations that occurred at the institution were shocking.” Black women are often not believed or dismissed when reporting about abuse, a pattern where their voices are left unheard. The US Senate reported in 2022 that two-thirds of federal women’s prisons had staff that sexually abused inmates over the last decade. Granting clemency would acknowledge the failures of the prison system and prioritize the humanity of those who were harmed by it.
The US Bureau of Prisons (BOP) settled a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the hundreds of women who were jailed at FCI, they entered a legal agreement to protect former inmates from abuse and punishment for speaking out. The BOP agreed to pay $115m to over 100 survivors of sexual abuse, this was a historic settlement. Some of those women have been released, but many remain jailed. Lawyers of those women still in prison say that because they are still there, it makes their trauma recovery impossible.
Roberta Bell was an inmate in the FCI Dublin for 30 years, after it was closed down, she was transferred to a Minnesota prison. She said she was denied medical care and sent to solitary confinement after speaking out against the guards. She also stated that she has been denied mental health support. She has suffered a lifetime of sexual abuse, she was abused as a child, by the co-defendant in her case, and by prison guards. She hopes that President Biden will look at her clemency application and not equate her charges of violence to her being a violent person.
Each woman who was impacted by the misconduct of prison staff deserve not only for their voices and stories to be heard, but also for their pain to be acknowledged and justice to be served.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
