Juneteenth, second annual day of solidarity to end prison slavery

Juneteenth-art-by-Michael-Hogue-Dallas-Morning-News, Juneteenth, second annual day of solidarity to end prison slavery, News & Views
This graphic illustrates a story in the Dallas Morning News headlined, “How Juneteenth turned Texas’ shameful slave legacy into an international celebration of freedom.” Juneteenth goes mainstream! – Art: Michael Hogue, Dallas Morning News

by Comrade Malik, Chief Spokesperson, End Prison Slavery in Texas Movement

Revolutionary greetings, Sisters and Brothers!

It’s that time again and I am sending out this call to action in order to encourage everyone who is passionate about ABOLISHING all forms of SLAVERY and involuntary servitude to get organized and come together in one united action of revolutionary solidarity on June 19, 2019, to protest against enslavement, degradation and dehumanization of Amerikan prisoners and all human beings throughout the world who are subject to any form of SLAVERY or OPPRESSION!

As many of you know, June 19 is the day when Black people in Texas celebrate the freedom of their ancestors – our ancestors – who were held in slavery for approximately two years after the entire nation acknowledged the emancipation proclamation! But the slave owners in Texas ignored this federal law.

This year’s call to action has special significance as the world’s eyes are trained on South Texas, where tens of thousands of asylum seekers from Central America come to the United States seeking a safe haven. Instead of safety, they have found mistreatment, abuse, racism and slavery. The legislative and criminal justice system in Texas continues to create the foundations for institutionalized racism and bigotry.

Do you realize that the U.S. Army had to ride into Galveston, Texas, in 1867 and announce that slavery had been abolished! The 11th state of Texas was so hell bent on maintaining their slaves and profiting from slave labor that the U.S. Army had to show force to make Texas eliminate the practice of slavery! It’s still alive!

Prison slavery is something that is being practiced in every state in the union and was codified by the most powerful legal document in the United States – the U.S. Constitution. We must continue to call for the exception (slavery) clause in the 13th Amendment to be struck down! We must finish this abolitionist work.

Remember, sisters and brothers, that this is an international campaign which seeks to address the misogynistic practices of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the genocide waged against Palestinian people! The bigots who operate Texas prisons wish to silence my voice. However, I refuse to remain silent!

On June 19, 2019, stand with us! Dare to struggle, dare to win, all power to the people!

Send our brother some love and light: Keith “Malik” Washington, 1487958, McConnell Unit, 3100 S. Emily Dr., Beeville TX 78102.