Under Lock and Key: News and commentary on prisons
15-minute weekly radio program
As soon as I heard the beginning I was hooked. I can relate to so much of the issues that were being talked about. I am relieved to know that there are more brothers out there besides myself that have and share the same views about the treatment of any and all prisoners around the United "Snakes." ... I would like to thank you sincerely for taking the courage and having the gall to stand up to our oppressors and defend the rights and well-being of all those in our present struggles.
– a New Jersey PrisonerThe United $tates incarcerates a greater percentage of its population than any other country and sends more Black men to prison than to college. The majority of prisoners here are convicted of non-violent crimes. The U.S. Government now holds about a half million more prisoners than China; even though China has four times the u.s. population.
Help air these facts and more. Play the only weekly program dedicated to educating about, and inspiring activism against, the Amerikan lockdown.
A sampling of Under Lock & Key programs produced in 2000:
• The security threat group label: Prisoners as "gangsters."Michigan religious group banned as a gang; Torture follows gang labeling. 16:36
• Censorship in Washington State. Washington prisoner wins censorship settlement. 14:01
• Attica settlement; MOVE bombing. Attica brothers settle suit and Amerika murders more prisoners; Mumia Abu Jamal discusses the police massacre of MOVE members. 15:07
• Hand in hand: LAPD & Prop 21. Los Angeles Police Department admits framing innocent people; Commentary by Mumia Abu Jamal; Reactionary California Proposition 21 targets oppressed nation youth. 15:11
• Land of the free. Amerika calls itself the ‘Land of the free’ yet it has 2 million people locked up; A commentary from Mumia Abu Jamal; And letters from Indiana prisoners. 16:00
• Political prisoners. Amerikan dungeons release two anti-imperialist wimmin; Mumia Abu Jamal condemns Black politicians for selling out Black revolutionary Assata Shakur; A New York prisoner explains life in a prison cell. 17:06
Contact the MIM & RAIL Radio Project for a sample CD.
We can advertise your show & station on our website and in print ads. Airing this valuable news and information is a valuable service to ending the prison industrial complex. A contribution of $5 or more will help cover production and mailing costs, but is not required. We release one CD with 4-5 weekly programs per month. Mp3 files are available on our website (see below).With over 2 million people behind bars and growing, America needs to hear real news and information about its prisons and prisoners. MIM’s "Under Lock and Key" radio programming is a small but important step in getting some truthful information out.
While I was in Leavenworth penitentiary last year, a 100,000 watt community radio station in Kansas City used to air "Under Lock and Key." These were always interesting programs and they engendered feedback and discussion from the listening community. Here in Massachusetts, with its burgeoning prison population facing increasingly repressive conditions, programs like "Under Lock and Key" are truly needed. I urge your station to at least try this programming.
Freedom is a constant struggle!
Jaan Laaman, Ohio-7/Anti-imperialist political prisoner
Walpole State Prison, MA
6 December, 2000