DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Virginia Harper NAACP Correspondence, 1971-1996 | 1995-09-12 Billy Joe Armento to Ms. Virginia Harper Page 2

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Virginia Harper NAACP Correspondence, 1971-1996

1995-09-12 Billy Joe Armento to Ms. Virginia Harper Page 2

9/12/95 page #2 - Legal Redress Redress Report.

was a hit with the prison inmate population. However, the format of the group was not designed, but the prison inmates formed an executive body and designed a constitution and by-laws. The group organized and functioned as the only group within ISP that admitted all racial groups.
However, in 1994, the group became largely over populated with African-American inmates, but the main executive body was equally balanced in a racial sense. Two African-Americans, Two Native Indians, and Two White inmates. However, because the membership was largely African-American inmates, the prison administration curtailed the participation and ruled that the group had become another "Black-organization".
Our involvement came from the request of the members of Project Harmony Executive Board. Upon our investigation all evidence pointed to "Racism" by the prison administration. Thus, in accordance to our local and National Constitution and By-Laws, in accordance with the Purpose and Aims, consistent with the national body, we have the responsibility to assist in the removal of this great wrong to the prisoners of ISP.
At present, their is "negotiations between myself and Mr. Bobby Washington, who is the Hazen Agreement Monitor for the Fort Madison Prison. However, Mr. Washington's reluctance to negotiate may cause for us to request the full participation of the Federal Court on this matter.
We've deemed that the more allowance of Project Harmony to fully operate as it's initiate functions were, would eliminate our participation in this matter. Moreover, at present, Mr. Jeffery Lipman is the Attorney for the prisoners Hazen Agreement, but it is believed by the branch membership that the branch Legal Redress should request the Courts for our full and complete legal representation. I further agree since Mr. Lipman is very hesitant to push for full negotiations on these matters.
Recently, the Courts have requested "Affidavits" concerning this matter. The legal redress is now in the possession of those affidavits and/or forwarding them to the Courts. If your branch is further concerned or interested in the results or continuous efforts on this matter, please do not hesitate to request further information
Respectfully,

[actual signature]
Billy Joe Armento - Legal Redress Chmn.
cc.
NAACP files
bja.

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9/12/95 page #2 - Legal Redress Redress Report. was a hit with the prison inmate population. However, the format of the group was not designed, but the prison inmates formed an executive body and designed a constitution and by-laws. The group organized and functioned as the only group within ISP that admitted all racial groups. However, in 1994, the group became largely over populated with African-American inmates, but the main executive body was equally balanced in a racial sense. Two African-Americans, Two Native Indians, and Two White inmates. However, because the membership was largely African-American inmates, the prison administration curtailed the participation and ruled that the group had become another "Black-organization". Our involvement came from the request of the members of Project Harmony Executive Board. Upon our investigation all evidence pointed to "Racism" by the prison administration. Thus, in accordance to our local and National Constitution and By-Laws, in accordance with the Purpose and Aims, consistent with the national body, we have the responsibility to assist in the removal of this great wrong to the prisoners of ISP. At present, their is "negotiations between myself and Mr. Bobby Washington, who is the Hazen Agreement Monitor for the Fort Madison Prison. However, Mr. Washington's reluctance to negotiate may cause for us to request the full participation of the Federal Court on this matter. We've deemed that the more allowance of Project Harmony to fully operate as it's initiate functions were, would eliminate our participation in this matter. Moreover, at present, Mr. Jeffery Lipman is the Attorney for the prisoners Hazen Agreement, but it is believed by the branch membership that the branch Legal Redress should request the Courts for our full and complete legal representation. I further agree since Mr. Lipman is very hesitant to push for full negotiations on these matters. Recently, the Courts have requested "Affidavits" concerning this matter. The legal redress is now in the possession of those affidavits and/or forwarding them to the Courts. If your branch is further concerned or interested in the results or continuous efforts on this matter, please do not hesitate to request further information Respectfully, [actual signature] Billy Joe Armento - Legal Redress Chmn. cc. NAACP files bja.