Progress Report

GOOD NEWS / BAD NEWS Part III

In June of 2022, I published two articles of "Much Love, Soul" that expressed my feelings towards two separate events that occurred. The first article was entitled "GOOD NEWS" and the second "BAD NEWS" (Please refer back to those articles.)

The two subjects had nothing to do with each other. In fact, they were a stark contrast. Nevertheless, there timing and my experience of both events made for two good articles. Ironically, four months later, I am faced with the exact same two events! So I've decided to follow the template from the previous articles to provide you with an update. Only this time combining them into one article and stating the "BAD NEWS" first, then proceeding into the "GOOD NEWS". BAD NEWS: Our legal system failed us! Recently, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued its opinion in "State v. Reddick" answering the question on retroactivity concerning "Ramos" where people can no longer be legally convicted by a non-unanimous jury vote.

Unfortunately, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that "Ramos" will not be applied retroactively in the State of Louisiana as a matter of current state law.

That opinion, combined with the "Edwards" decision which ended a chance at relief in Federal court on this issue, means that it is no longer possible for those already convicted by a non-unanimous jury to pursue the issue in Louisiana or Federal courts.

Approximately 1500 incarcerated people were immediately impacted by this decision and extremely disappointed with the Louisiana Supreme Court's refusal to deliver the Justice they so deserved.

What's hypocritical is Louisiana acknowledges that the state convicted those 1500 people with a law it now deems unconstitutional, and accepts it was legally and morally wrong, but still refuses to correct the injustice it already rendered. The fight will continue, and hopefully the push for some kind of legislative solution will help some. I'd like to take this time to thank all of the leaders and supporters who fought the fight this long, especially "The Promise Of Justice Initiative" whom -- to my knowledge -- spearheaded the fight against the unjust non-unanimous jury verdicts.

Though I am VERY disappointed...my head remains held high. GOOD NEWS: DCI is hosting another "Arts and Crafts Festival". On November 19, 2022 from 9:00AM -- 3:00PM Dixon Correctional Institution will be hosting its second "Arts and Crafts Festival". This event will be open to the public and will offer the public an opportunity to purchase wood, leather, metal, and art creations. The event will be held outside with considerations for the weather and also offer amenities such as food, beverages, clean rest rooms, picnic tables and chairs.

Why is this "GOOD NEWS" to me? It allows my fellow inmates a chance to show off their talents. It gives the inmate population a sense of normalcy, while allowing the public to see us in a normal setting. It offers us a chance to generate funds. And for my favorite reason: It allows me the chance to see my loved ones!

I look forward to seeing all who'll be able to come.

Much Love, Soul

Images above are from Dixon Correctional Institute's Straight Low Magazine (slm) the Volume 23 - Number 1 & 2 January - June 2022