The life of a revolutionary soldier entails sacrifice and solidarity

by Atiba Ajamu Olugbala (Demetrius Brown), Deputy Minister of Defense, NABPP-PC Maryland Branch

The continual corruption and oppression here at Maryland’s Eastern Correctional Institution has reached monumental proportions. The unprecedented abuses and utter disregard for the health, safety and humanity of the prisoner population by this fascist administration further illustrates the dire conditions men and women nationwide face daily within this prison industrial complex.

Make no mistake about it, corruption breeds impunity and vice versa. If we fail to illuminate the aggrievements which are being perpetuated in these slave pens of oppression, we begin down the road of liberalism and reactionary opportunism.

Injustice should find no reprieve where the righteous dwell. The dragon is coming.

On Dec. 24, 2017, at approximately 7:31 a.m., I awoke to a loud thud. I instantly knew that a body had come crashing to the floor somewhere close.

Fighting is a common occurrence in prison, but I had never heard the accompanying barrage of diatribes and invectives. I gathered my faculties and jumped out of my bunk. I quickly located the source of the commotion when I observed another prisoner in the cell across from me frantically begin to yell and cry out for assistance.

When the prisoner noticed me, he began to inform me that his cellmate was currently undergoing a massive seizure and needed immediate medical attention. We were housed in disciplinary segregation at the time, so we began to kick on our cell doors to attract the attention of the uniforms working the unit.

At 8 a.m. shift change, we awaited the arrival of the counting officer. He came at 8:10 a.m., looked into the cell and walked off casually as if all was well.

At this time, the lamentations among the prisoners on the cellblock began to erupt. I knew that the time was ripe to encourage the men to take a united stand.

At about 8:39 a.m., the uniforms, in a blatant sign of disregard, began passing out toilet tissue! Meanwhile, a man is having a seizure! Please remember that, reader.

When they arrived at my cell with the tissue, I inquired as to why the prisoner across the hall was not being attended to by medical staff. One of the officers walked off, and the other threw the tissue through my tray slot at me and closed it swiftly.

At 8:31 a.m., help finally arrived and the prisoner was whisked off to medical. I began to prompt the cellblock to write reports, but the laments heard minutes before all faded away. They proved to be ephemeral as always. I began to closely document my findings and compile my report.

Make no mistake about it, corruption breeds impunity and vice versa. If we fail to illuminate the aggrievements which are being perpetuated in these slave pens of oppression, we begin down the road of liberalism and reactionary opportunism.

Occurrences such as this happen routinely in the prison system and out in society. The individualistic mentality obstructs a concerted effort in times of dire need.

I often wonder if the lumpen mentality can ever be redeemed. I quickly remember the fact that I too was once of the same fold. I realize now that I could die in here. This fact only strengthens my resolve.

The day I chose to become a member of the New Afrikan Black Panther Party Prison Chapter, I placed my personal wellbeing and comfort in a subordinate position in relation to that of my less than conscious peers and working class poverty stricken peoples. Let this be a lesson to all the future revolutionary soldiers: This life entails sacrifice, sometimes even the ultimate sacrifice!

Dare to struggle! Dare to win!

All Power to the People!

Send our brother some love and light: Demetrius Brown, 401226, Sid 2642892, ECI, 30420 Revells Neck Rd, Westover MD 21890.