The Pendleton 2
Poet and activist Too Black dives into the story of the Pendleton 2, John 'Balagoon' Cole and Christopher 'Naeem' Trotter, and the new documentary he helped produce on the topic. The two men staged a spontaneous rebellion in 1985 in response to racist prison abuse led by prison guards who were part of a KKK splinter group called the "Sons of Light." Too Black recounts the events of that fateful day, highlighting how the prisoners' unity and organizing prevented the situation from escalating further, and the repression these two men have faced for their noble acts to save a Black man's life.
Groundings · too black, Musa Springer
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Show Notes
In this episode, poet and activist Too Black joins to discuss the incredible story of the Pendleton 2. We dive into the details of the 1985 uprising at the Pendleton Correctional Facility and explore the factors that led to this critical event: racial tensions and a violent prison environment created by guards who were part of a KKK splinter group, the "Sons of Light," pushed John 'Balagoon' Cole and Christopher 'Naeem' Trotter to take a courageous stand against racist prison abuse.
Too Black gives us a play-by-play of the day's events, highlighting the importance of unity among prisoners in making the rebellion, and we learn how Cole and Trotter managed to bring everyone together and prevent the situation from escalating into something much worse. We also discuss their decision to call Black radio stations and newspapers for help, warning them that their lives were in danger if they didn't intervene; examine the 14 demands they issued which were eventually met; and why this event became known as "Indiana's Attica." Despite their heroic actions to save a Black man's life from racist prison guards, both Cole and Trotter remain incarcerated to this day. As we wrap up our conversation, we share resources for listeners who want to learn more about the Pendleton 2 and get involved in supporting their cause.
Please visit Pendleton2.com to learn more, watch the new documentary, and get involved.
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