John A
Because Akili wasn’t able to be here to read his poetry at his book launch, a number of people here in Ottawa each agreed to perform a poem or two on his behalf: John Akpata, Yavar Hameed, Free Will, Faye Estrella, Stephane L., Max Rowsell, Zoe Maggio, Peter Pants and others all participated. The event was hosted by Tara Lyons, and was taped for future radio broadcast in California where Akili might be able to listen to it.
Max Rowsell and Tara Lyons
It seems like a long time ago now that I was helping retired bank robber Paddy Mitchell with his blog. He would write the material, snail-mail it to me or Linda, and we’d type it up and put it on his blog. It was a fairly slow, laborious process as blogging goes, but it meant a lot to Paddy to be a writer and to be part of the world outside prison. He died about two years ago now, of cancer, at the Butner Medical Center for inmates. His final book – a novel – is being published posthumously in the next week or two. I’ll be putting something on his blog soon about the book and how to order it.
Do the victims of these criminals feel honoured to have had their lives touched by such illustrious “artists” I wonder?
Ten years in solitary confinement? That seems so inhumane and I didn’t think that happened in North America.
And so interesting that you were able to help Paddy Mitchell with his blog.
Why did you put “artists” in quotes?
Finola, I know. It’s unimaginable, even for an introvert like me. As for being able to work with Paddy, it was my privilege.
I was honoured to be asked to speak on the behalf of someone who can’t because they’re being held unconstitutionally. Having spent time in jail I am so humbled by Akili’s ability to be creative especially under such harsh conditions. Having spent most of my time inside in minimum security, in the 30-man dorms where you can at least interact with others, and only a few days in solitary, I can’t even imagine the psychological torture inflicted upon Akili. Even being in 23 1/2 hour solitary for two days crushed me and made me feel like my life was over, and made me feel worthless and drained any creativity I had left. Upon my release it took me days to get over it and to get rid of the feeling of dread.
-JM
Do you read this blog Zoom?
http://jonsjailjournal.blogspot.com/
I am now! Thanks Nurse Myra!