Join John "Balagoon" Cole and Christopher "Naeem" Trotter, leaders of the Indiana prison uprising, alongside Lincoln "Lokmar" Love, as they discuss the harrowing story of the Pendleton 2. They delve into the brutal conditions of U.S. prisons and the systemic racism endured by inmates. Hear about their bold actions to rescue Love and expose prison abuses. The discussion also touches on the legacy of George Jackson, the importance of community advocacy, and how listeners can support the Pendleton 2 campaign directly.
The Pendleton 2 uprising highlighted the extreme dehumanizing conditions of the Indiana Reformatory, especially affecting Black inmates who faced systemic abuse.
Cole and Trotter's lengthy sentences following the uprising underscore the racial disparities and injustices prevalent in the American legal system.
The podcast calls for community organization and support for the Pendleton 2, emphasizing the role of activism in fighting systemic injustice.
Deep dives
The Pendleton 2: A Fight Against Oppression
The Pendleton 2 refers to John Balagun Cole and Christopher Naim Trotter, two inmates who became political prisoners after a significant rebellion against the mistreatment within the Indiana Reformatory. Their story begins with Lincoln Love, a fellow inmate who faced brutalized treatment by guards, leading to outrage among the inmate population. The guards, who were part of a racist gang called the 'Sons of Light,' violently attacked Love, leading Cole and Trotter to intervene out of self-defense and solidarity. This uprising, marked by an urgent call for better treatment and living conditions, exposed the systemic abuses rampant in the prison system, particularly against Black inmates.
Historical Context of Brutality in Prisons
The podcast delves into the systemic brutality prevalent in the Pendleton Correctional Facility, highlighting its overcrowded conditions and the harsh treatment prisoners endured, especially Black inmates. The facility, originally built for rehabilitation, evolved into a space of extreme violence and inhumane practices, as evidenced by previous protests and legal actions against its administration. The account of the 1969 silent protest by Black inmates illustrates a long history of resistance against mistreatment and underscores the ongoing fight for prisoners' rights. This historical backdrop sets the stage for understanding the dire circumstances that led to the Pendleton uprising.
The Uprising and Its Consequences
On February 1, 1985, the uprising erupted as Cole and Trotter sought to protect Lincoln Love from imminent death at the hands of the guards. Their actions, initially defensive, escalated into a full-scale rebellion as they fought back against the oppressive and violent prison system, aiming to secure the safety of their comrades. The uprising lasted over 15 hours, during which the prisoners took hostages to secure their demands for better conditions and protection against further brutality. Ultimately, Cole and Trotter's interventions led to severe legal consequences, including life-altering sentences that reflect the brutal realities faced by those opposing institutional racism.
Legal Retribution and Ongoing Struggles
Despite the life-threatening circumstances that prompted the uprising, Cole and Trotter received lengthy prison sentences, including 84 and 142 years respectively, which many argue is a gross miscarriage of justice. Their trials were marred by a lack of fair representation and an all-white jury, emphasizing the racial disparities inherent in the American legal system. The podcast discusses how the case has become emblematic of broader issues concerning political prisoners and the repression of voices that challenge systemic injustice. Additionally, both men have recently faced struggles with deteriorating health and inadequate medical care while incarcerated, highlighting the ongoing consequences of their unjust imprisonment.
Ways to Support the Pendleton 2 and Broader Movements
Listeners are encouraged to support the Pendleton 2 through various actions, including donations, hosting educational screenings, and sharing their story to raise awareness. Activists are working to raise funds for adequate legal representation, as many lawyers hesitate to take on such high-profile cases. The podcast emphasizes the importance of community organization, calling for revitalization of support networks reminiscent of the solidarity seen in past movements like the Black Guerrilla Family. By engaging with the Defense Committee to Free the Pendleton 2 and contributing to campaigns led by organizations like the Black Alliance for Peace, individuals can be instrumental in advocating for justice and systemic change.
Too Black returns to the show to discuss the case of the Pendleton 2, the story of John “Balagoon” Cole and Christopher “Naeem” Trotter, the leaders of the Indiana prison uprising that rescued Lincoln "Lokmar" Love from being brutalized and killed by prison guards, exposed Pendleton’s dehumanizing conditions, and unleashed the vindictive wrath of the Indiana Department of Correction.
Together, he and Breht discuss the backstory, the legal case and trial, the absurdly long prison sentences they recieved, the KKK-affiliated "Sons of Light" operating amongst the prison guards, The Black Dragons, prison organizing, solitary confinement, how you can help the Pendleton 2 directly, the powerful legacy of George Jackson, the unacceptable and inhuman conditions of American prisons, the Black Alliance for Peace's "Black August" events, and more!
You can donate directly to campaign to free the Pendleton 2 HERE
Watch the documentary "The Pendleton 2: They Stood Up" for free on YT HERE
Here are previous episodes discussed during this converation, including the latest episode of the Black Myths Podcast, which you can find on your preferred podcast app:
