BLOOD IN MY EYE

When I came to Texas Death Row in March of 2006, I was in a state of shock at the conditions and treatment dealt out to inmates. Me being young – only 22 at the time – I just thought this was life in prison.

I went on to learn the rules and regulations that TDCJ officers are supposed to follow while conducting their job. This enlightened me to all of the inhumane violations that are going on on death row.

Due to the “convict code” that was established in the 1940’s, inmates tend to “mind their own business,” but I feel mildewed showers, spoiled food, leaking ceilings, etc., is my business!

When I was introduced to D.R.I.V.E. by Comrade Kenneth “Haramia” Foster, I really embraced what these brothers were doing and the mission they’re trying to accomplish. But I was still in a state of complacency, so I did what most fellas seem to do, ignore the truth and live in the fantasy.

When I was sent to level 2 for manufacturing homemade alcohol, I was introduced to literature such as Huey P. Newton’s Revolutionary Suicide, Assata Shakur’s Assata, Frederick Douglass’ My Bondage, My Freedom, and the book that truly changed my way of thinking – Na’im Akibar’s Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery.

Being that I want the same things these brothers want, it was inevitable that I showed my solidarity and lend my mind, body, and soul to this movement. I’ve never had a problem standing up for what I know is right, and if it takes physical resistance to bring about change, then bring on the warfare!

In this section, you’ll read writings that came from deep down inside and writings that I hope will enlighten and educate the reader on the inhumane conditions, plus the death penalty as a whole. Although I don’t condone murder, retaliation by judicial repression is not the answer to crime or the progression of the community.

Until the life is sucked out of me, whether by state-sanctioned murder of natural causes, I will always take a stand for human rights and for the community. And as I wipe this blood from my eye, know that this man cannot be broken mentally, physically, spiritually.

D.R.I.V.E.

DEATH Row INNER-COMMUNALIST VANGUARD ENGAGEMENT