08/23/2025
As we enter the last week of Black August, we have to uplift our comrade — Rickie Slaughter — who’s been grinding with us from behind the walls. From raising funds and shaping policy, to publishing children’s books and leading political education workshops over prison phone calls — he’s managed to hold steady in the midst of inhumane conditions and devastating set backs. He continues to fight not just for his own freedom, but for second chances for incarcerated people across the board.
As many of you have seen in the media, High Desert State Prison is in crisis — with six murders in the last 30 days. While media reports it is “drug deals gone bad,” the truth is the violence stems from the state’s own neglect: lack of dignity, lack of mental health care or medical care, lack of programming, diminished visits, excessive lockdowns, lack of nutrition, and an overall refusal to treat incarcerated people as human beings. The state creates the very conditions for the violence it claims to want to solve. Inside/outside organizing isn’t optional — it’s necessary.
Now, “Rise for a Black August”
“Let my people go
Let my people vote
Let my people grow
Fight for Black Causes
Train your mind
Study your past
Fast.
RISE for Black August” — Rickie Slaughter
📬 Write to Rickie:
RICKIE SLAUGHTER #85902
High Desert State Prison
PO Box 650
Indian Springs, NV 89070
🎙️ Listen to poem on his podcast: Here, Rickie Speak on Spotify
📚 Purchase his children’s books on Amazon:
• Kaylani and Nas Go to the Legislature
• Milli Lights Up the City
🌐 Learn more & sign the petition on change.org www.rickiesliberation.com and join us and the campaign to free our comrade and other incarcerated people by emailing Jagada ! [email protected] ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿