Let’s keep these positive Black history stories coming! It looks as though Black Panther affiliate, Albert Woodfox who is also the last one in Angola Prison representing The Angola 3, was released on his 69th birthday on Feb.19!
Woodfox was one out of many who fought severely hard for political and social change in regards to segregation back in the late 1960’s while being involved in the Black Panther Party, but once he was charged with armed robbery and then murder that nearly lead half of his life behind bars in the Louisiana State Penitentiary.
Woodfox was one out three who was charged with murdering a prison guard back in 1972, according to Democracy Now. Woodfox for 43 years and 10 months tried to prove his innocence but it was overruled consecutively. Robert King and Herman Wallace (who passed in 2013) concluded The Angola 3 group.
“Although I was looking forward to proving my innocence at a new trial, concerns about my health and my age have caused me to resolve this case,” Woodfox told the media.
Woodfox describes the conditions and abuse he dealt with while being in 6×9 foot solitary confinement as sweaty, sleeping while standing up and and feelings of claustrophobia many times he explains to, The Guardian. He made a vow to The Angola 3 to never lose it no matter how bad the circumstance maybe. He ended up reading books, watching TV and just educating himself on what’s to come before finally being released.
Before being released, Woodfox was last placed at the West Feliciana Parish Detention Center.
Woodbox’s lawyer spoke on his behalf to the media: ”Although we are overjoyed that Albert Woodfox is finally free, it is indefensible he was forced to endure decade after decade in harsh solitary confinement conditions, longer than any prisoner in the history of the United States. Albert survived the extreme and cruel punishment of 40 plus years in solitary confinement only because of his extraordinary strength and character. These inhumane practices must stop. We hope the Louisiana Department of Corrections will reform and greatly limit its use of solitary confinement as have an increasing number of jurisdictions around the country.”
Woodbox said in a statement: “On behalf of the Angola 3–Albert Woodfox, Robert King, and in memory of Herman Wallace–we would like to sincerely thank all the organizations, activists, artists, legal experts, and other individuals who have so graciously given their time and talent to the Angola 3’s extraordinary struggle for justice. This victory belongs to all of us and should motivate us to stand up and demand even more fervently that long-term solitary confinement be abolished, and all the innocent and wrongfully incarcerated be freed.”
Woodfox is now a free man and although he will be soaking up as much of the outdoors as possible, he will still continually fight for change in Louisiana and other struggles that African-Americans in modern society still face.
TSR Intern: Charise W.
Instagram: @planet_reese
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/black-panther-albert-woodfox-released-jail-after-43-years-solitary-confinement-1545001
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/feb/20/albert-woodfox-angola-3-first-interview-trump-confinement
