Monday, September 16, 2019

Solitary By: Albert Woodfox

This was an amazing book. Although I disagree with the political views of the Black Panthers, since they are a Marxist organization,  I must remove my hat and commend Albert Woldfox for the way he carried himself in prison. He was a convict but not a thug. What they did to Robert King, Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox is unrcontionable.  Woodfox, Wallace and King where held in solitary confinement in sub-human conditions for an extended period of time.  In Woodfox's case, over 40 Years.


This book shows the racism experienced during the 60's and how it continued well into the 2000's.  The Angola 3 as they were know as, had a huge following and a amazing legal team of mostly volunteers.  Two portions of the book hit me especially hard.  One of them was how Woodfox would take his hour to help bathe and clean the cells of the mentally ill in his cell block.  The second was the testimony given by Teenie Miller's, the widow of Bent Miller.  Brent Miller was a guard at Angola Prison and was murdered.  Albert, Wallace and even King (which was not even in Angola during the murder) were accused and held for over 40 years for a crime they did not commit.  This is a travesty of justice.  I recommend this book highly.  It will change your views on prison, prisoners and the legal system.  I cannot wait for the movie to be made.  I will be there.


Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Grove Press (March 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802129080
ISBN-13: 978-0802129086

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