Despite solitary and banning, resistance continues
By Joe Piette and Bryant Arroyo
Joe Piette and Bryant Arroyo
Incarcerated people depend on their voices being heard outside the walls for their grievances against prison officials to be effective inside. Without public pressure from family, friends and other supporters, the prison guards, supervisors and administrators can literally get away with murder.
Bryant Arroyo has been a voice from inside Pennsylvania prisons for years. Arroyo is serving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit. He is still contesting this in court. He has dedicated himself to organizing from the inside and mobilizing prisoners to fight back against the horrendous conditions authorities impose on incarcerated workers.
Jy’Aire Smith-Pennick suffered multiple traumas before age 18. He masked his pain with Percocet, weed and drug-selling. Now, at a Pennsylvania prison with the right programs, he’s finally starting to heal.
An inmate at the State Correctional Institution at Greene is facing arson and assault charges after he allegedly set items in his cell on fire and spat on guards.
An investigator with the state Department of Corrections alleged Darnell L. Hines, 40, set a mattress, bedding, and paperwork on fire in his cell in the Restricted Housing Unit on March 2. Authorities contended that Hines was trying to damage his cell, noting the mattress was pushed up against the cell wall.
A complaint also alleged that once he was removed from his cell, Hines spit on and struggled with guards, injuring two. One of those guards required treatment at an area hospital because Hines allegedly spit in his eyes.
Parents settle Department of Corrections suit over prison suicide of their son triblive.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from triblive.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The inspiring local painter shines prolifically after imprisonment by Nick Warren
LifeThruMusic
Antonio Howard is a busy guy. A rapidly rising painter of note, he s also a spoken word artist and has written and published three books. In 2020, the now 44-year-old Erieite completed two public art projects, one that beautified the exterior of the Whole Foods Co-op, and one mural that adorns the wall next to Luther Manus 12th Street Sunoco station. He was recently selected to provide the art for two City of Erie bandwagons, , which are regularly deployed at more than 40 events each year. After being awarded Erie Arts & Culture s Emerging Artist Fellowship in 2019, he is now an artist in residence with the organization, helping to re-envision bikeways and public spaces around the city. He s a member of this year s Jefferson Leadership Academy, and his artwork is currently being exhibited at Gannon s Waldron Campus Center, including a p