Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Immediate Action Required: Addressing Urgent Water Safety Concerns in TDCJ Facilities

                    

Dear State of Texas, Federal Government, TDCJ administrates and Stakeholders,



I am writing to draw your attention to an urgent matter that demands immediate action concerning the health and safety conditions within Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities, particularly related to the water quality affecting inmates. Despite previous correspondence and ongoing maintenance activities at the facility, the critical issue of contaminated water remains unaddressed, posing significant health risks to inmates.



It has come to my attention that the continued use of contaminated water is directly linked to severe health problems among inmates, including the development of serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis. This is a matter of grave concern, revealing not only a systemic neglect but also a breach of basic human rights.



While it is commendable that officers and administrators have access to clean drinking water, it is deeply troubling that inmates are forced to consume and bathe in water that is deemed unsuitable for everyone else. This disparity is unjust and speaks to a significant oversight that endangers the health and dignity of those incarcerated.



The failures to ensure safe water access not only violate human rights principles but also echo legal precedents such as those established in Ruiz vs. Estelle, which mandates humane conditions in correctional facilities. Ignoring these obligations exposes the state to potential legal challenges and moral accountability.



I urge the administration of TDCJ, stakeholders, and elected officials in the State of Texas to take immediate, transparent, and concerted actions to resolve this issue. It is imperative that a detailed investigation is conducted, and measures are put in place to provide all inmates with safe and clean water.



Public awareness will be raised through upcoming media coverage shedding light on these unacceptable conditions. I appeal to you to act swiftly to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of all inmates are restored.



Thank you for addressing this crucial matter with the seriousness it warrants.



Sincerely,



Angela Thomas Smith

803-757-6090

www.linktr.ee/queenofcollaborations




Thursday, February 6, 2025

INCARCERED AUTHORS ......... #INCARCERATEDVOICESPEAKS 2025 #VOICETOTHEVOICELESS

 



Certainly! Here's a draft for an engaging social media post:

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🚨 **Unveiling Hidden Stories: The Lives of Incarcerated Authors** 🚨

Did you know that the current prison system might be the new age of enslavement, providing free labor to big corporations? 🤔 As years pass, more of our Black men find themselves caught in this cycle. It’s time to shed light on the realities behind prison walls.

🔍 **Join Us on a Year-Long Journey** 🔍

We're diving deep into the lives of incarcerated authors—heroes who fight against the odds to share their stories and achieve success in a world that often overlooks them. 📖✨

🚀 **Why Follow This Journey?**

- **Witness Resilience:** Discover how these authors navigate immense challenges and find their voice.

- **Spark Change:** Engage in meaningful dialogues about prison reform and racial justice.

- **Be Inspired:** Learn from the personal stories of strength, creativity, and determination.

➡️ **Follow our magazine page to stay updated!**

💬 **Let's start a conversation: What are your thoughts on prison labor and the systemic barriers faced by incarcerated individuals? Share below!**

Your voice matters in this critical discussion. Together, let’s bring attention to these untold stories and advocate for a fairer justice system. 🔗 #IncarceratedVoices #PrisonReform #HiddenStorieshttps://www.facebook.com/Aspire2inspiremagazine
if you know an author that's incarcerated and would like to have them featured on the blog please connect with me..
If you are an incarcerated author connect with me 

please  call 803-757-6090 or email 3alac2016@gmail.com






 

CALL FOR ACTION REOPENING THE RUIZ VS. ESTELLE CASE:

 

                                                                      


January 4, 2025 - [6:43 p.m.]

[FREE TEXAS CAMPAIGN] CALLING ON THE STATE OF TEXAS: ADDRESS UNSANITARY PRISON CONDITIONS NOW!


ALERT: 

THE STATE OF TEXAS HAS FAILED YOU


*In a critical revelation, the Free Texas Campaign shines a spotlight on the grim realities faced by inmates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division. The current situation is a stark violation of the Texas Prison Litigation Reform Act, stemming from the landmark 1972 Ruiz v. Estelle case, in which the cruel and unusual conditions within Texas prisons were vehemently challenged.*


WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

The prevailing unsanitary conditions, overcrowded facilities, inadequate medical care, and insufficient staffing in Texas prisons cannot be overlooked any longer. As stakeholders in the community and protectors of human rights, the State of Texas, its officials, and lawmakers must act decisively to rectify these injustices.\


PRISON CHALLENGES INCLUDE:

1. Overcrowding and excessive inmate populations.

2. Shortage of prison staff leading to an unsafe staff-to-inmate ratio.

3. Deficiency in medical personnel, causing substandard medical and mental health care.

4. Deteriorating living conditions—unsanitary cells, dormitories, and common areas.

5. Inadequate training and deployment of TDC guards and staff.

6. Incidents of staff brutality against inmates.

7. Flawed disciplinary procedures and lack of due process.

8. Abuse of inmate labor systems.

9. Mismanagement of administrative segregation units.

10. Denial of inmates' access to the courts.


A HISTORICAL OBLIGATION

As per the Fifth Circuit Court's directive in the Ruiz v. Estelle case, Texas prison officials are required to reduce inmate populations, bolster security, improve medical care, and elevate living conditions to meet established health and safety standards. Improvements mandated nearly half a century ago have been neglected, thus perpetuating violations of inmates' constitutional rights.


THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW

We urge the Texas Legislature and the State's leaders to re-commit to the promises made under the Texas Prison Litigation Reform Act. It is time to be accountable, to allocate the necessary resources, and to honor the human dignity of those within the correctional system. We call upon concerned citizens, human rights advocates, and policymakers to join us in demanding change and accountability.


TEXAS FAMILIES DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: AN URGENT CALL TO ACTION FOR PRISON REFORM

The State of Texas has been found wanting in its duty to maintain humane and constitutional conditions within its prison system. As the Free Texas Campaign highlights glaring inadequacies, urgent intervention is imperative to address the deteriorating state of Texas prisons.


THE CRISIS UNVEILED: A FAILURE OF DUTY

Texas State Officials, entrusted with prison maintenance since federal oversight was relinquished decades ago, have allowed conditions to deteriorate to preposterous lows. Despite funds being allocated to mitigate these issues, the neglect and disconnect have resulted in untenable living conditions for inmates—a fact that should alarm every Texas taxpayer and legislator.


INTOLERABLE CONDITIONS REVEALED:

- Decades of eroding infrastructure, with obsolete equipment and non-functional toilets, showers, and sinks.

- Flooded medical and kitchen facilities leading to unsanitary food preparation methods.

- Exposure to contaminated drinking water, causing illness and risking inmate health.

- Negligent response to complaints and documented grievances, leaving issues unaddressed until state intervention was pleaded.


A CALL FOR TRANSPARENT ACTION AND LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION

In a recent galvanizing move, a mere grant—unutilized until legislators were alerted—has stirred minimal responses. However, this is not enough. We demand that Texas lawmakers assert responsibility and conduct an in-depth evaluation of the Texas prison facilities. It's time to confront the harsh realities and take transformative action.


REOPENING THE RUIZ VS. ESTELLE CASE:

In the spirit of justice and human rights, we call upon the judiciary to reopen the Ruiz vs. Estelle case. The need to revisit this civil rights class-action lawsuit is paramount to ensure inmates' constitutional rights are upheld, and measures taken to alleviate overcrowded conditions through judicious parole practices.


A COLLECTIVE OUTCRY FOR CHANGE

Together with families, advocates, and concerned citizens, we implore Texas legislators to step inside the prisons they govern, witness firsthand the depravity of current conditions, and take decisive, corrective actions.



CONTACT:

ANGELA THOMAS SMITH  Co-Founder of the Free Texas Campaign and Contributing Writer  Aspiring Authors Magazine

Email:freetexascampaign@gmail.com

Phone: 803-757-6090



END OF RELEASE


***This message has been brought to you by the Free Texas Campaign, standing unwavering in defense of justice and humanitarian reform in the Texas criminal justice system.***


Immediate Action Required: Addressing Urgent Water Safety Concerns in TDCJ Facilities

                     Dear State of Texas, Federal Government, TDCJ administrates and Stakeholders, I am writing to draw your attention to a...