Jim Crow Lives: The Ugly Face of Racism Behind the Bars

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Bayside State Prison is the worst-of-the-worst, administered by the most racist guards and staff the State of New Jersey can muster. The author is one of those forced to live under Bayside’s reign of terror. “These were not just any beatings, but beatings inflicting such brutal force, that one was broken to the point of sobbing, begging for his life.”

By Latif Lamonte

This article is excerpted from the author's unpublished manuscript of his book, New Jersey’s Hidden Shame: The Tragedy of Bayside State Prison.

"How is it possible that no one knows about this place when this state's governor contemplates holding the office of president?”

Within each state prison, the State and Federal Courts, Department of Corrections and prison administrators have constructed an Administrative Grievance Procedure to address inmate complaints. This process is a critical component to giving inmates a mechanism to the administrative authorities that they may seek remedy for diverse grievances. As a matter of law, it is every inmate’s First Amendment right to seek redress through this grievance procedure. Hence, it is well understood, by both inmates, and to the detriment of every prisoner and staff alike, that this procedure must be completed before seeking relief in any judicial proceeding.

At Bayside, the Inmate Handbook provides relevant information as instruction for using the remedy process. However, this is nothing more than a smoke screen, a useless display, designed to dupe external officials and to meet state, federal and institutional mandates. For inasmuch as Bayside has its own practices, its own laws, and any inmate who dares to file or pursue remedy against staff or complain will sadly and painfully discover exactly what these practices are.

Everyone here is aware of this danger, and although staff are outrageously disrespectful and prevocational, no one endeavors to tempt fate. Be not fooled, neither this truth nor any of the aforementioned is designed to add drama or theatrics to my expression. They are merely intended to convey the depth of how depraved, ruthlessly sadistic and cold these criminals actually are. More importantly, these words will convey how fear is the constant companion of the prisoners confined within this facility.

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