The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), specifically W.C. Holman Correctional Facility, has openly declared war against the SF Bay View National Black Newspaper. The administration of this prison has informed me that your newspaper is no longer allowed in this prison because your paper is “racially motivated.” See Exhibit A.
I’m going to fight with all my might in protest by going on a hunger strike until they lift this racist, ignorant and illegal ban prohibiting the SF Bay View National Black Newspaper from coming into this prison and/or prison system as a whole!
The medical staff here at Holman has informed me that I’ve been found to have congestive heart failure as well as high blood pressure. Well, if this is my last stance, then I’m going to go out fighting, and I believe with all my dying heart that the Bay View is worth fighting and dying for!
I’m going to fight with all my might in protest by going on a hunger strike until they lift this racist, ignorant and illegal ban prohibiting the SF Bay View National Black Newspaper from coming into this prison and/or prison system as a whole!
I pray that you print this letter so all the other prisoners across the state of Alabama and around the country know what is being done here at Holman Prison and/or with the ADOC – banning the Bay View – in hope that if they feel and believe as I do that they will also take a stance in this just and worthy cause.
Prison officials want prisoners to be weak, stupid, dumb and afraid. This is why they don’t want prisoners armed with such mighty artillery as the Bay View, which opens the eyes and minds of its readers and instills courage in our hearts.
The Bay View helps us as prisoners to stay focused and never to view nor accept being confined to a “cage” as “home.” No, this is not my home, nor do I live here.
No, I was brought here in handcuffs, leg shackles and belly chains against my will! I’m confined to a cage like a wild or domesticated beast.
No, I am not a beast. I am a man! I am a father, I am a brother, I am a son, I am a grandfather and a great grandfather.
I am a man who’s been created in the image of God! I am a king! I am African!
Bay View, I am fighting for me, but also I am fighting for you. I need your help in our fight and battle.
In my heart roams a Black Panther till the day I die!
Your brother and friend, Michael D. Williams
P.S. Bay View, you have been posting and spreading the word as to what’s been going on here at Holman Prison and within the ADOC in general. This is why the administration has declared war against you by way of banning your publication out this prison and prison system. Keep up the good work! Thank you, Bay View!
Send our brother some love and light: Michael D. Williams, 133193, W.C. Holman CF SHU L20, Holman 3700, Atmore AL 36503.