Revolutionary greetings to all freedom fighters and supporters for prisoners human rights:
On a southern plantation (prison) JLS was founded in 2015 amongst a group of Jailhouse Lawyers who were already in unity as a cadre based upon the studies of George L. Jackson. This original group of comrades make up the current central committee.
Today, Jailhouse Lawyers Speak (JLS) is a national collective of imprisoned persons who fight for human rights, by providing other prisoners with access to legal education, resources, and assistance
Our focus is on challenging laws that are dehumanizing prisoners and educating prisoners about these laws. We aim to educate and engage the public at large about prisoners human rights violations. This would translate into “By any means necessary “.
We are freedom fighters that believe the current model of how this society addresses people that have fallen short (according to society terms), must be dismantled.
This can only be done by prisoners speaking out. Prisoners must use their own voice and organizing skills to connect with the world for change.
We are leading by example. JLS members participated in the national prison strike of 2016 by having a rep at the organizing table when Kenetic Justice of FAM called, promoting, and carrying out the plan.
August 19, 2017 JLS called and organized with an outside committee the biggest abolitionist gathering across this nation known as the Millions For Prisoners Human Rights March. The aim was and is to demand the slavery clause of the 13th amendment be “abolished” (amended or repealed).
August 21st 2018 we spearheaded the national prison strike with a list of 10 demands. These national demands were formulated and agreed upon by key prisoner organizers in several states.
Today these demands are our platform. They grew out of a long struggle that has been ongoing in the prisons since the 13th amendment officially made prisons the state and government owned slave quarters. We view these “demands” as a means to further our agenda to dismantle the Prison Industrial Slave Complex.
JLS has developed friendships and allies around the country and across the waters.
They respect prisoners position of wanting to be at their decision making tables when it pertains to us. They understand and agree with our wanting to have our voices heard and lead our own movement again. Due to this acceptance you will find our voices heard across the world, and people picking up to act on our call. No one can explain what’s going on in prison better then a person in prison. No one desires sentence changes more then a prisoner. No one wants to see the prison walls fall more then a prisoner.
How do prisoners join this resistance movement?
We know that many people in prison are interested in connecting to the prisoner organizers of the national prison strike and joining, but are not informed on how to do so. This should clear that up. We do want as many prisoners as possible to be a part of the JLS membership.
In order for an individual to register as a member of JLS and receive the JLS open membership card, you will need to write us at the following address with your request for membership:
Jailhouse Lawyers Speak Open Membership Office
PO Box 414304
Kansas City, MO 64141
In order to form a committee, the person would need to write us with three additional names of who would serve in one of each of the following roles: chair, co-chair, secretary and treasurer. Members must include their position on the committee when writing JLS.
In addition to joining JLS as an individual or a JLS committee, there are two types of ways that you can register:
1. Traditional closed membership – identity is withheld
2. General open membership – identity not withheld
The contact address herein listed is for general open membership only.
If you are a part of a formation, you can join us. We are all prisoners irregardless of affiliations. Unity is the key.
[“Settle your quarrels, come together, understand the reality of our situation, understand that fascism is already here, that people are already dying who could be saved, that generations more will live poor butchered half-lives if you fail to act. Do what must be done, discover your humanity and your love in revolution”.
George L. Jackson]
As a member you will have instant national solidarity for concerns in your state from our ranks and allies nationally. You will automatically be authorized to use the JLS logo and name in representing yourself or committee at anytime, (name cannot be attached to any criminal interests). All state and federal JLS committees are free to initiate actions without approval. We encourage all potential JLS members to organize with outside organizers in your state to agitate and disrupt the local status quo. We are not trying to save the prisons. Only ourselves and those around us in the same chains.
When you join the open membership, the national prison strike 10 demands are automatically a part of your platform. Promote them in the prisons, to local outside organizers, and to lawmakers.
You do not have to be a jailhouse lawyer as we are. But we do strongly encourage you to know the prison rules, regulations, and any related laws about any concern you may raise. For instance, if your organizing to change the sentencing laws, you must read that particular portion of the law being complained about.
It’s important that we relay this information to as many imprisoned people as possible. JLS was formed knowing that we needed a national organized network to bring about the desired result we are seeking. There is no such thing as the worst state or federal prison. Why? Because they are all prisons, only changing by degrees. Our fight is a national fight. Know your opposition!
Dare 2 struggle, dare to win!
Uhuru sasa (Freedom Now).
Carry it on!
JLS founder and central committee member,
S.J
