Letter From Nanon Williams

[nighthawk_75253]

Protests inside Polunsky
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May 1, 2002

Dear Supporters, Humanitarians, Abolitionist and Fellow Prisoners:

It is yet another record setting year in executions. By now, the initial plans regarding the protest have been circulated and welcomed, but not without opposition. However, the fact of the matter is this: since the protest?s organization on D-pod (one of six pods to house death row), the message has spread throughout the prison population rather rapidly, which is what we had hoped for. This shows a sign of progressive movement.

Though many of us are not sure what the impact will be, we are doing our best to remain positive, pro-active and conducive toward our goal; yet maintain a relatively large support base among the prison population. There is an ?alternative? plan being introduced that will be active as well as non-violent.

Although many of us are frustrated, the good news is that the majority of us are prepared to do SOMETHING to change our miserable living conditions. Though we have an alternative method for achieving our goal, it is a complete antithesis (contrast) to the original plan. At present we have failed to rectify this problem, but are remaining hopeful. Whether or not a solution is found, it is vital the public is aware of our intent to protest in various ways to end the cruelty that we encounter daily.

I suppose it is hard for MOST people to understand why some are willing to give up everything I hopes of gaining ?something? of value for the sake of something that has a more pressing claim. Right now that pressing claim is to find unity, feed our spirits through a sense of togetherness, and to let those who support us, see that we are on one accord for one purpose ? change. A transformation must take place soon!

As prisoners we live in a ?world? that is uncommon to most. We see, consciously or subconsciously, being strong as a sign of detachment. Certain delicate interactions are not posed as a threat, but are to be embraced. That is why we are trying to create a plan of protest that will NOT make any person more or less of a sacrifice than the next. We realize that some will ONLY want to do ?their time?, meaning their focus will be on things that get them through the day (reading, working on appeals, visits, writing, etc.). We respect this, but let me reiterate that there is power in the masses.

We are citizens of a prison society and like citizens of the ?free? world, we strive to come together for the betterment of our conduct, interests, and activities; thus constituting a homogenous unit. I?m sure prosecutors and pro-death penalty opponents find humor in this, but believe it or not, many prisoners try to find ways to uplift, comfort and motivate those who are at the brink of mental breakdowns, suicides and insanity.

In closing, we ask for your continued support of our efforts to build a solid foundation of unity and the struggle to improve our living conditions. After all, we are FORCED to live in this chaos.

In hope

Nanon M. Williams

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Nanon M. Williams
Polunsky Unit
# 999163
3872 FM 350 South
Livingston, Texas 77351
USA