Prison is built on the premise that subjection creates order, that sacrificial death creates life, that chains and corpses save us. In the carceral imagination, one’s presence behind those walls—regardless of guilt or innocence—is evidence enough that one must die.
The fact that Marcellus Williams is innocent and that the state plans to murder him anyway clarifies the essence of a social order—and its carceral defense mechanisms—that cannot survive without the pseudo-godlike power to make people die at will.
I imagine my life would be different with a name like that.
The deliberateness of the cruelty of this country and this world, and the agents of death who feign innocence, is overwhelming.
If you'd like to schedule me to talk or hold space with your class, your people, your congregation, or your organization, please reach out!
In the month ahead, I'll also be talking with folks about the book and how it invites us to think, understand the world, and act together in different ways at various churches, universities, and at the Highlander Center. More info to come on all fronts!
I will be having an official Book Launch event on OCTOBER 25. More info to come! It is going to be a really great time, and should be live-streamed for those who can't make it in person in Nashville.
My book "White Property, Black Trespass" is a month old! If you haven't picked up a copy yet, it's still 30% off with code NYUAU30 at checkout. bit.ly/whitepropertyblacktrespass If you haven't read it yet and want to hear me talk about it in a more conversational format, see podcast links in bio.
And whatever the move, it should build power among folks. Which is why I'm increasing compelled by rad municipalist approaches, direct/participatory democracy. Trying to seed infrastructure and capacity for that wherever we can is energy well spent.
Appreciate this. I have for a long time believed that voting is one tool among many. Treating it as nothing, treating it as everything, and treating one route within it as the only viable path are all equally unhelpful. Keep it in the toolbox and use w/ dexterity.