All posts on Malik Speaks!

Black August: "What Will You Do?"

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:29:39 -0700

A zine version of this essay formatted for printing can be accessed here: /files/2026/08/malik-black-august-2026-PRINT.pdf

As Black August approaches, I am reminded of the sacrifices of our revolutionaries, and our duty. To fight AND to win, as Assata said. The fascist police states repression is intensifying steadily. The violence of the military industrial complex spreads round the world threatening WW3 daily. The climate disaster we stare down daily is fueled by capitalists’ insatiable greed and need for "more.” What that “more” is I couldn't say. The prison industrial complex warehouses black and brown poor people in a slow genocidal death march as the arm expands to immigration warehousing. These telecom and prison services companies exploit our people, squeezing every last dime from us, as they take our lives in here too.

Solidarity Quilt Fundraiser

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 02:57:59 -0700

From the Triangle ABC’s instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/Daqft6xFLtg/?igsh=ZTRleGZuOG1tdDBz

Calling for blocks for a prison solidarity quilt! Quilt squares can be in any medium, just as long as they are abolition-themed, 12.5″ x12.5″, colorfast, and able to be ironed. Once we collect 25 squares, they will be pieced, quilted, and raffled off. All $ collected will go to Triangle ABC’s local war chest, to be distributed between incarcerated comrades Michael Kimble, Malik Muhammed, and Monsour Owolabi.

Malik Transferred, Please Support!

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:43:50 -0700

Malik has been transferred to Broad River Correctional (BRCI) - a maximum security facility in Columbia, South Carolina.

After so much uncertainty and no answers from Oregon DOC, we have learned that Malik has ended up at an institution nearby the Kirkland transfer facility.

This type of interstate transfer is rare and has been used as retaliation against political prisoners working to organize with fellow prisoners and challenge the awful conditions across the US prison system. See recent reporting for how this process has been weaponized.

The Intercept: "An Incarcerated BLM Protester Lost in the Prison System"

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:11:05 -0700

https://theintercept.com/2026/06/08/malik-muhammad-prison-oregon-south-carolina/

Malik Muhammad’s attorney believes they were transferred for helping other incarcerated people advocate for their legal rights.

This Is How the Prison is Escalating

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:00:35 -0700

From We Will Free Us, by The Thing That's Boiling

Read the full article here: https://www.wewillfreeus.org/theprisonisescalating/

For over a week, Malik Muhammed effectively vanished inside the prison system. No answers. No confirmation. Just a string of contradictions from the Oregon Department of Corrections and affiliated facilities, claims that they were “at court,” moved to a “confidential location,” or simply no longer there. (…)

Update from South Carolina

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:39:31 -0700

The Biden admin's fascist state propagated prosecution of me to "appear as hard on left wing extremists as the right." This kicked off the politicized nature of my case. A "Black, Muslim, militant, extremist domestic terror threat," as my FBI profile says. But I've been designated a "doomed man" in the words of George Jackson, long before the FBI did so. Born poor, Black, and Muslim, twenty five was the average age we'd make it to before being dead or in jail. The fascist state's systems of oppression orchestrate the demise of doomed men, women, and children like this, daily, for fun. They love their controlled and manipulated statistics.

"In order to break free, one must be acutely aware of being a slave"

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:28:54 -0700

This essay from Malik was written at the end of March 2026 while in custody at Eastern Oregon Correctional, shortly before they were transferred to South Carolina.

There’s a pattern here: for the last 3 years Ramadan, I’m targeted. I’m snatched from mainline and taken to the hole under “Investigation”. I’m hit with some bogus “Unauthorized Organization” and I’m locked away in the hole for the rest of the year. It’s often that those targeted in prison, those considered activists or revolutionaries are sent to the hole, not for something they’ve done, but for what the administration thinks we MIGHT do. For them, it’s better to be preemptive. Not unlike the U.S. and Israel’s “preemptive” strikes on Iran. It’s just a cover for doing what they want anyways.

Malik Moved to South Carolina in Rare Interstate Transfer

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:11:44 -0700

After over a week without any answers, we were finally able to locate our dear friend Malik. We got no information from ODOC, BOP, or any other DOC—the only reason we were able to find them is because they were able to send a letter. They still haven’t gotten an attorney call.

Malik is currently being held in South Carolina. ODOC chose to send them as far as they could away from their lawyer and support base, to another state carceral system on the complete other side of the country. This is a blatant attempt to isolate Malik and break down their support system. Moving an inmate from one state system to another like this is highly unusual and represents an alarming escalation.

In the short time they’ve been in South Carolina, Malik has been horrifically mistreated, with SCDC cutting off their hair and forcing them into an overcrowded cell where they have to sleep on the ground. They are currently being held at the Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center (a holdover facility) and they have no idea how long they will be there before they are transferred elsewhere. Some inmates have been kept there for months and months with extremely limited access to basic things like showers and comms. Holdover life is in many ways as bad or worse than solitary, since inmates have no property, no programming, and few chances to leave their cells. We know from Casey Goonan’s account of their recent prolonged holdover time at Mendoza what a toll this time can take. We don’t know how long Malik will be at their current location, but we hope it won’t be long.

The recent escalation in Malik’s treatment comes as the state has dramatically increased repression of antifascists. It’s only been a couple of weeks since the verdict in the first Prairieland court case showed that the state will use torture, intimidation, and blatant lies to get its way when it comes to repressing antifascism and advancing its “Antifa Scare” agenda. Malik’s removal to SC is yet another example of the state targeting them for their identity and their antifascist politics.

Malik only gets two envelopes a month and has no other access to comms at the moment, but you can still write to them to express your support. Please do so:

Malik F Muhammed #400523
Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center
Unit F3A203A
4344 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210

Oregon DOC Appears to Have Disappeared Portland Protester Malik Muhammad

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 03:16:02 -0700

From We Will Free Us, by Alissa Azar

Read the full article here: https://www.wewillfreeus.org/oregon-doc-appears-to-have-disappeared-portland-protester-malik-muhammad/

The Oregon Department of Corrections appears to have effectively disappeared Malik Muhammad, a Black Palestinian anarchist and antifascist prisoner serving one of the longest sentences handed to a protester after the 2020 George Floyd uprising.

Oregon DOC is actively disappearing Malik Muhammad

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:53:39 -0700

In the wake of a call-in campaign to get Malik out of solitary confinement (once again), something even more alarming happened. On Monday March 30th, 2026, a member of Malik's support team realized they disappeared from the prison messaging app GettingOut. Similarly the inmate search database for the state of Oregon showed no record of them.

PHONE ZAP - WEEK 2

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:50:26 -0700

Thank you everyone who's called so far! The phone zap continues — we'll be calling again tomorrow (Friday) from 12 to 4pm.

While all of us calling at once floods the lines, applying maximum pressure, calling on your own throughout the week is also encouraged! This helps further show EOCI that the community is watching. To make your call outside of these zaps most effective, we recommend calling daily, if possible, during business hours.

PHONE ZAP TO GET MALIK OUT OF SOLITARY

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:21:47 -0700

Call to action:

We are concerned community members from the Oregon area, asking for calls to Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI). The prison has:

Thrown Malik Muhammad, a political prisoner from the 2020 uprising in solitary confinement.
- It's been days since they should have been released back to general population (Gen Pop)
Restricted Malik's communication access
- Including access to their lawyer
- Mail has slowed drastically

This comes after Malik was in solitary confinement at Snake River Correctional Facility for over year, before suddenly transferring them to EOCI.

PHONE ZAP FOR RAMADAN

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:27:50 -0800

Malik is asking for calls to be made into Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution due to the lack of quality food they are providing Muslim adults in custody for Ramadan!

THE ISSUE:

"Islam has never been respected or allowed to be practiced freely inside. They started Ramadan a day late providing us our meals late, luckily most of us have our own food so fasted and broke fast still. Still, it's not something that we should have to miss out on if we don't have food. Yet to add insult to injury, the very simple basic meal they provide us to eat ([which is] supposed to be 4 pieces of bread, 2 for peanut butter and jelly and 2 for a meat and cheese sandwich, a ramen, carrots, and celery, bag of chips, and some baked "dessert"--that's how it's been across institutions) is not standardized, and varies based on the proclivities of the kitchen coordinator. At OSP, we got rotten meat and complained. The coordinators response was to only give us one day with meat, one day with tuna for our sandwich. When the tuna came rotten and we complained, they took away dessert. At Snake, they also rotate meat one day, tuna the next, sometimes neither.

Love is Resistance

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:25:00 -0800

Under oppressive conditions, love is resistance as joyousness is not permitted. Like Palestinian hostages being released, but their families told not to celebrate or be joyful; like blacks showing unity, working out in solidarity, or sharing things in prison--food, or hygiene, or shoes. Even emphasized in the visiting room, as one of my partners came to see me, their grin bright and gleamy. Dreamy blue grey eyes, as we wrapped in each other's arms for the first time without glass between. "Brief embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of visiting!" The pigs scream. A not so gentle reminder that minus the glass, the state remains between. Never mind it, as we sit gazing into our eyes, hands locked in a tight grip. Lovely to be sitting here with you, we sing, "ceilings," our Lizzy McAlpine track we duet. We sing the whole visit through, the pigs looked confused. "Is this love?" They wouldn't assume. The state takes love, locks those ones love up, and throws away the key. With it, their humanity. So what's with this purity of enjoyment? And what's with the singing? They're having too much fun. "Can you guys just talk to each other? Your singing is a distraction," she says. Distracting who? And how? I'm confused. But I'm sorry, can you not interrupt my visit? You're a distraction. Can you not pace across this visiting room? It's distracting. Can you quit your job? 'Cause it's distracting. Can you tear down this prison? 'Cause it's distracting. Never mind that too, our love continues. So does our singing. "Can you guys quiet down?" "No," I flatly refuse. The laughter, the joy, the love we exude. This time together we use. Singing, talking. Talking politics, Chicago shit, and rocket ships. And love. Tearing to shreds the pigs and the state within earshot of--which we know you hate. And we'll sing our rebel songs and laugh loud the whole day long. It's our love, it's our joy. It's a statement of resistance as much as fact, and pure too. So we'll sing our rebel songs, for us to sing them loud and we'll sing them proud, sing them long and we'll sing them strong, 'til all the women and children are free, 'til every cage is empty, my love. 'Cause sometimes the most radical act is to love. Recklessly and hopelessly, helplessly, irresponsibly. Throwing caution to the wind, 'cause love is scornful of cowardice. To love cautiously is a coward's act.

Prisoner Support

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 03:55:07 -0800

Thank you for the birthday wishes. Any donations for me are greatly appreciated, as I'm hoping to expand prisoner support and radicalization and consciousness to prisoners not listed on sites. The distinction between political, social, and politicized prisoners doesn't serve us, but instead further reinforces class distinctions and the idea that there are those who "deserve support." In theory, this distinction would garner international attention and solidarity, and even recognition from the UN, but in practice, it's arbitrary at best, counterrevolutionary at worst.

On Iran

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:09:06 -0800

"No gods, no the masters, no borders." That's how I was introduced to anarchism on Tumblr as a kid. Up until that point, I knew but couldn't have put it more concisely. I grew up in poverty and loved music, and music articulated my conditions more than anything. From Kanye West's College Dropout album, to Rage Against the Machine, and System of a Down's Toxicity, I had known to question everything, including authority, from a young age, as my mom told me to resist any teacher that attempted to force me to say the pledge or fuck up my name. It's "Ma-lik," not "Malik," it's "Muhammed," not "Mohammed." Hierarchical structures's authority was thus immediately disregarded to me. Religion was questioned as my devout father walked out the door the last time. So went with him, my adherence. I went through institutions my whole life — school, foster care, jail, military, prison, college, job core, and the workforce — the only difference I gleaned was the level of access, surveillance, and state sanctioned violence.

Crip vs. Crip

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 21:53:22 -0800

From Malik: "Couldn't have said it better myself. If this doesn't help mostly white disabled people realize that you're NOT "reclaiming" anything by calling yourself a "crip" but ambivalently appropriating and disregarding real life experiences for people, I don't know what will. If "cripple" is the slur you want to reclaim, use the whole word. Community Revolution In Progress. That's what the word stands for, its roots from the foundations of the Black Panther Party. It's culture, NOT yours to steal and appropriate. An abbreviation never once lobed as a slur to an actual disabled person."

Portraits #1

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:40:04 -0800

Cell ins

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:23:52 -0800

[From 1/13 to 1/16, Malik was restricted to their cell and unable to use the phone or tablet. This is a statement they wrote on the 14th, during the cell in.]

What used to be the state hospital, and infamous for the movie "The One that Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," now a prison, was designed by a man who also designed college campuses. The point is that an institution is an institution. Some just have other levels of restriction, access, surveillance, and state sanctioned violence. Not by much, though, with universities having their own small, militarized police force and their own surveillance and restrictions. I'd say they make right prisons themselves, especially with their crack on organizing, just like prisons, but I digress.

Sketchbook pages #4

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:51:17 -0800

Venezuela

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:10:04 -0800

It's tiring to wake up day after day, wondering whose blood we as americans will have on our hands next. The u.s is, in fact, not the only imperialist settler colonial state, and yet it is unique in its sheer scope of violence and destruction worldwide. Today, I woke up to the news of the kidnapping another country's president. I cried. Not for Maduro. All presidents and leaders are illegitimate in my eyes, as are their states. [I cried] for the people murdered in the u.s.'s imperialist conquest, for the u.s.'s imperialist oil and power interests, for the u.s. to not look like a paper tiger and [to] gain credibility. The credibility in that this country's fascist regime is ready and willing to use vast force to exert control over countries and regions. Almost like the expand or die ethos of Nazi Germany, as its economy collapsed under itself.

On Fedjacketing

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:50:20 -0800

Context: From September to November of 2025, Eric King, a white anarchist and former political prisoner, went on a campaign to fedjacket and dox one of Malik's siblings and outside supporters. Eric began spreading public rumors that his target, a woman of color in the prisoner solidarity movement, was an undercover cop who had stolen thousands of dollars from political prisoners. The public statement he shared which claimed that this person had infiltrated the movement was left up for over a month, long after the claims had been proven false. Though Eric has since deleted the statement, he has failed to meet any of his victim's demands for accountability — namely, an apology and a public retraction of the lies he spread. He continues to be widely celebrated in anarchist and prisoner support spaces across the united states and platformed by major publishers, podcasts, and documentaries. Malik condemns Eric's actions, and speaks on the serious harms and even violence that has historically resulted from making false accusations against others without evidence. A full breakdown of the events is available here: <https://pdxantirepression.noblogs.org/2025/12/15/no-kkkings/>

Sketchbook pages #3

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:45:02 -0800

Pal Action's Hunger Strike

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:39:48 -0800

To everyone who took the time to call and demand my release from the hole these past two years, thank you. I want you to know that it worked. I know that it can be daunting, we can feel so powerless in the face of this repressive beast that is the state — but it’s only an illusion. What they want you to think. I’m out now and transferred and received mail, and that’s all thanks to you.

Art Commissions by Malik!

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:06:04 -0800

Malik has spent the past year teaching themself how to draw from their cell, and with the opportunity for more art supplies at EOIC, they want to open up their skills for commissions!

Commissions will be donation-based, so if you have a photo you would like to see Malik draw, please don't hesitate to reach out. Send us your photo(s) at freemaliknow@proton.me, and we will help coordinate getting the photo to Malik and getting the drawing to you!

Malik has been transferred!

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:21:17 -0800

In surprising but welcome news, Malik was transferred to Eastern Oregon Correctional this morning. This brings them closer to their legal and support teams, but also means that they are out of segregation and are back in general population! This is a tremendous relief, as they now have fuller access to communications, mail, and possessions, as well as more opportunities for participating in activities and social engagements. If you would like to write to Malik, their updated address is:

The News

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 17:50:44 -0800

What makes something "newsworthy?"

Is it shock value, like Trump going on a racist, xenophobic rant targeting Somalians? Despite the fact that this man has shown he's blatantly racist. This is supposed to be shocking. To anyone paying attention, he's a fucking racist. It is known. It's been known. The fact that reporters can say that him saying racy things is "expected," but outright racist and xenophobic is a surprise — on his initial run, he said Mexicans are rapists and drug dealers, like what? He wanted to instill — and still does — a Muslim ban. He called COVID the "China virus." Trump is blatantly a racist, xenophobic fascist.

Support Malik with Funds!

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 05:43:35 -0800

https://chuffed.org/project/157063-free-malik-now

Malik Muhammad is a Black/Palestinian direct actionist, radical anarchist, anti-fascist and father, as well as a writer, poet, and musician who is dedicated to liberation.

During the George Floyd uprising, they traveled the country organizing and fighting, and were ultimately kidnapped, ransomed, and held hostage by the state of Oregon, where they have been unjustly held captive on a ten-year sentence, the longest of any political prisoner from the 2020 uprisings.

Getting back to "normal"

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0700

Normal was traffic stops turned fatal

Arrest warrants

served with halos

poverty

job seeking

surviving

at minimum rates

certainly not

living.

No time.

Normalcy was

four year degrees

with nothing to show

but hopes and dreams.

Perhaps

a pretty plaque.

Normalcy was

immigrant fear mongering

ICE in Portland

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0700

There actually are lawless criminals fucking up the streets of Portland and destabilizing communities across the nation. They go by the name of DHS, ICE, Border Patrol, and the fascist jack boots employed as the National Guard. And this is abhorrent. The pigs in 2020 protected Proud Boys and other fascists assaulting Portlanders in these city streets. The pigs worked with DHS in assaulting and kidnapping Portlanders in these city streets. Tear gas cakes the residential neighborhoods and family homes, courtesy of the Portland Police Bureau. All this under the guise of protecting the public. Protecting the public from "violent rioters," they say. Anarchists and criminals terrorizing the community, they say.

Update from the hole

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0700

I've broken down Oregon's hole abuses before and documented their violations many times, as yet another year passes, another winter spent in segregation. Actually, spring, summer, fall, and now, winter again. Spent in the most freezing cells, no phone access, and mail obstructions with no mail violation notices.

MAIL REPORT BACK AND CALL-IN

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 20:28:50 -0700

Malik has been in solitary confinement since the end of February, with their release date continuing to be pushed back for arbitrary reasons. On top of this, Malik is experiencing restrictions to their communications, and interference from the prison with their mail.

Malik requests your info!

Are you experiencing issues with letters being returned? Have you been expecting letters from Malik, but haven't gotten any? When you do get them, are they significantly delayed? Any info you have about your experience sending letters to Malik is helpful and appreciated! Your input allows us to know how much interference the prison is having with Malik's mail.

After Assata

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 20:51:45 -0700

[Click to listen to a poem Malik has been working on]

Assata said, "I'm tired of bulletins. I want bullets." Assata said, "Tears fallen and bodies dropped, blood shed. Fuck the high road. When they go low, instead, knee 'em in the face, sprawl lower. Take their back, wrap the neck, fuck a tap out, listen for the snap. Put your ballot in the barrel of the gun, overnight express, direct action shipping. Paint the city streets with the bodies of little piggies, spelling, 'I can't breathe' and say, 'Look, see, told you stop resisting. Didn't listen, your body's glistening, lilac over your velvet blues, families, confused, thinking, 'why him?' like they're better than you. Well, better them than you.' Let a piggy disrespect, and I'll gladly shoot. Fascist ain't bulletproof. To protect and serve 'em up, like fried bacon, crispy." None for me, though, that swine's haram. Burnt piggies only entice me when I light a message in a bottle and make 'em catch it like a hollow, burning through like zombie tips. Painting, blue pigs, orange and red, like the sweetest sunset, the best the man can get, close to what the Creator projects at dawn. Back to where I begun. Where it all came from. I'm tired of running from bullets and later posting bulletins, like Assata said, "I want — "

On Tyler Robinson

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:03:11 -0700

Never in history has violence been initiated by the oppressed. How could they be the initiators, if they themselves are the result of violence? There would be no oppressed had there been no prior situation of violence to establish their subjugation.

Tyler is staying solid, not cooperating. He did what he's supposed to, not talking to the pigs. When a radical falls taking direct action, they need and want our support. So long as they keep it solid, we should give it. That's what keeps us sustained, is us. I don't know all of his motives, but what I do, is that he took bold direct action on part of leftist ideology. I have two trans partners, I have trans people I love in my life, women, minorities, immigrants I love, and I will always defend them and eliminate threats to them.

"We are interconnected and inseparable"

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:44:07 -0700

Our sib in the UK, T. Hohxa, has direct action in her blood. For 28 long days she resisted colonizer fascists. Every ounce of resistance is a win. She won, we all did. Solidarity is the most important part of our movement. I wouldn’t have cared if she were asking for a PS5 and a 25in TV or a chartered flight to Indiana. If you ride, we all ride!

Black August Update

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:39:23 -0700

Thank you to all my siblings that rocked out with me for Black August! 5 more Augusts and I'll join you out there for the 6th and RDTW. I'm really appreciative. I hope the solidarity and love for each other and liberation remain steadfast and transcend the month!

8/14/25 poetry roundup #2

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:51:12 -0700

Where I Reside

The annals of society; where I reside

As far removed as the dark side of —

The moon

Cold concrete graves encased in

Steel bars

Piercing supernatural lights

Policed and patrolled by

Horned custodians

Sanctioned — to exact violence

Draped in red white and blue capes

Queer/Trans Liberation

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:50:41 -0700

To be is to become. Change is the only constant in life, in love, in the evolution of humanity and all species. It is inevitable. Fighting against change is counterproductive; molding or shaping change is only logical. To explore, to endeavor to find humanity’s pontentialities is the objective of humans — finding limits and constructed barriers of the species and pushing past them, both as individuals and a collective. To break free. Of course, not without consideration for lesser conscious and capable species, but as a role explicitly with that in mind. As Uncle Ben told Peter, “With great power comes great responsibility.” And we bear a responsibility to our planet and the ecosystems here to maintain their considerations.

8/14/25 poetry roundup

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 05:59:18 -0700

CTSD

What's PTSD that you are currently living?

CTSD

The trauma you're currently facing

Your will the state keeps breaking

Like snapping beans

Or chicken necks

Human beings focused on daily survival

Not living

Making it through day by day

While others plan a vacation

Tyrants and Collaborators

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 03:17:03 -0700

I don’t understand the lack of urgency in this genocide. Countries are careful not to be “too quick” to call it a genocide. War crimes, “sure,” they say, breaches of international laws, “yeah, maybe,” but genocide, they won’t say. Perhaps because that would mean they HAVE to act. And act in a substantive manner. Currently, the best they can do is recognize Palestinian statehood. Years late, as 150 countries already do, but France is the first “influential” one? It’s insane that unless countries say, “I see you,” to recognize your suffering, then you pretty much don’t exist. No country has recognized the human rights abuses of Blacks. Yet it persists. France’s latest “I see you,” even they admit, is largely symbolic. They said they’re not naive enough to think anything can be done without the U.S., which tells me this can be equated to when France told Poland to hold on for two weeks, when Germany invaded, promising aid that never came. Poland held on for over a month. How quickly did France fall next?

Black August

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 04:39:21 -0700

Black August starts soon. Usually I have others to participate with me, but since I don't, I'm calling on those of you out there to get together in your cohorts, do 100 of something everyday with me for the month of August, and tell me how its going for you. Burpees, push-ups, sit-ups, a mile run/walk, 100 of some exercise for 31 days with me, that'd be rad! The key is unity, solidarity, so try to do them at least with one other person. You can split things up and make 100 squats into 50, plus its more fun together, and that's what its about, what we can do together!

Sketchbook pages #2

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:16:47 -0700

7/2/25 poetry roundup

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 23:10:28 -0700

I know pride month is over, but EVERY month is pride month, and every day is an awesome day to take pride in our personhood and our right to BE.

A bit of backstory, I took inspiration from sibling (what I'm starting to call my supporters) Andy from Ohio, who once wrote to me about flies in a vent, making music and ramming bodies, and I thought it was poetic as fuck. The poems below borrow his words.

The slack door

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:59:32 -0700

The first one of these disastrous monstrosities [ICE’s new “detention centers”] is FCI Dublin. FCI Dublin is a notorious women’s federal prison recently shut down (last year) after an FBI raid. In which many staff were arrested for raping and abusing the female inmates. This raid came after 60+ lawsuits pending against the FBOP on behalf of tortured and abused women, over years. NOW the Feds are REOPENING it as an "ICE detention center"... it's a prison. A PRIVATE federal sponsored/requested prison. Presumably to house co-ed soon-to-be deportees. This NEEDS to be condemned, and we need spotlights on this soon-to-be disaster.

Art book flip through

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:51:02 -0700

Antifa Baby (to the tune of "Santa Baby")

RESISTANCE IS ESSENCE / GHASSAN KANAFANI / "EVERY POLITICAL ACTOR IS ALSO A FIGHTER AND EVERY FIGHTER IS ALSO A POLITICAL ACTOR"

RESISTANCE IS THE ESSENCE

On the here and now, and trying

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 06:49:21 -0700

It IS happening HERE and NOW. Clear and present danger.

I remember years ago, during China’s student protests, I reference this picture a lot: “Hear us now or be us later.” We were deaf then. We adapted some tactics, but the masses were deaf then. It goes back farther, much farther than that; though we’re HERE now. This “democracy” is gone. To believe we’re not there yet, or we've got a ways to go before we're cooked... God, it's harrowing. It's gut wrenching and heartbreaking that people can be so obtuse.

6/2/25 poetry round up

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:28:41 -0700

IMU

IMU just another side of the SHU as far as the dark side of the moon

silent too

segregation —

torture abuse

mental degradation

hatred infused

it’s what they do resistance seems moot

what’s the use?

— RESISTANCE

see

it’s ESSENCE

it’s core to our belief in the struggle to be free

June 11

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:42:46 -0700

A June 11th gift from Malik. In his words: "Remember this, resistance is essence, always resist, always try. Love and solidarity."

Poems for Gaza

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:37:44 -0700

Genocide is no accident

International aid shouldn’t be this hazardous

Medics, doctors, ambulance crews, firemen, hospitals, even bombing schools

Disastrous

Your excuse

“A professional misstep”

Not even an apology that’s long overdue

Nothing much a sorry could do

But the gall to wave it off with an excuse

The crushing truth of our state of decay

Mon, 05 May 2025 19:02:56 -0700

When I was young, I had a neighbor with a Midwest, above ground pool. It was amazing, not one like it to be found, and huge, “very bigley,” as our oppressor says. Perhaps I was small, and the world and everything in it felt large. I don’t know. What I do know, though, is that there was a big deck built around it to encompass it. I thought that that was cool, it gave me my idea for my own pool when I went to Indiana. The summer heat was frequent there then.

Although the owners daughter Ally was our little sister’s friend, she would invite us even if they didn’t wanna go. Until we decided no. Her mother seemed perturbed by these two black boys swimming in the pool with her white daughter. She made it clear in her looks. Her glare was so intense, you could sense it. She never said it aloud, but I thought I heard it once or thrice: “fucking nigger boys.” Maybe I felt it. Perhaps that’s why my sisters stopped going over there.

They did always say Ally was mean to them. It was probably her imitating her racist adult.

But the summers were hot then. Apparently so. (I couldn’t swim.) Not like today, the summers felt right, and they gave way to autumn breeze, seamlessly transitioning to fall. I remember sensing the seasons change. I could tell by the smell of rain, how sweaty I would get on a summer day. I could anticipate if it was light jacket or heavy coat day. I remember seeing the leaves grow flush with embarrassment as they prepared to fall. No need to feel embarrassed, I thought, you’re beautiful the way you are. Every way you are from spring time, to fall, and bare in the cold winter air, you glitter there too.

It was always so picturesque to me, walking down the street. On the right street on a dark day, a fall breeze would send leaves down in the street, whipping past your knees, you felt a sense of peace or calm, like you were in a meadow and not a hungry cold street with an appetite. It sure could eat. Beautiful, it seemed to me. Maybe just to me, as I sure did walk these streets a lot.

Winter always snowed. Plenty too, not little flurries, giving way to huge downpours unexpectedly. I always knew that there would be snow on Christmas. I knew I’d play in it as I shoveled the driveway for everyone I could for a few dollars. Some adults were NEVER satisfied with my work. It was strange; they’d withhold five bucks for me to go back and scrape every last crack or move a pile of snow further out. Adults were cruel. When neighborhood kids came to shovel my driveway or cut the grass or take my trash, I’d give them twenty bucks no matter what. Upfront. Usually I’d never even look to see if it was done.

There was this homeless guy, crackhead once, who would come cut my lawn weekly like clockwork. He knew when I’d be home from work. Sometimes he’d just cut it, then come back when I was back, and I’d hand the money over. Once, he stole a chainsaw and offered to clear some trees from in the way of my fence. Sounded great to me.

At some point, though, the winters got colder and longer, and it snowed less frequently, more unexpectedly. The summers were brutally hot, as bodies dropped and the murder rates grew higher and higher like frequent flyer miles up to the good sky. I was hurt and surprised. Seasons changed on a dime, the weather was unpredictable, erratic.

I thought, well, I gotta get outta Chicago. I need a place with more reliable weather. Mostly snow. So I thought, New York! Then on my travel, I grew up. Part of growing up is learning that life isn’t what it seems. Not an ocean of dreams teeming with possibilities, it’s just as soul crushing as when you were a child, it’s a lecherous, life sucking vulture. Picking at the husk of you that barely made it out. Traveling the boulevard of broken dreams, lost and alone.

Growing up means you know: everywhere sucks. People, neighbors, “leaders.” The weather. Mother Earth is dying. She’s fucking sick, lying on her deathbed, hacking spit. Fevers at 200 degrees and colds minus 109. She’s trying to express it, fight off her sickness. Us, we’re the cancerous, lecherous, life sucking vultures. Ruining and exploiting lives and culture, for what? Profit.

I bet that money keeps you warm as fuck. I bet the titans of industry, the masters of the universe are already jutting the course for the next planet Earth. Some people are so hypnotized with working and consuming that they do not realize WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE. Our only home that we, and everyone across time, have EVER known is dying. Those dead, buried and gone, lie here. Those tossed away in concrete graves lie here.

Those of us who know, that are painfully aware that the end is looming near, cry, beg, and plead like Greta on her knees, saying PLEASE. The elite just tease the masses, laugh and convince them to buy more to ease their mind and feed their appetite. But those who KNOW can see this isn’t some funny joke, and if it is, it’s dry humor, and we’re the punchline. The butt that will be kicked and beaten into nonexistence like Taylor Swift’s ass, yes, that joke falls that flat. Not funny.

What happens to us? The youth? Our youth, theirs? Will there even be a THEIRS by the time capitalists are through? We’re crying and calling out, we don’t know what to do. Our “leaders” are the ones causing this shit to happen to us. Its criminal. Mass genocide. They should all be brought to the Hague and tried, for crimes against EVERYTHING, 'cause it’s not just humanity that resides here. Plants and animals are beings too. Nature is breathing. The worst crime against humanity is destroying our home. They’re murdering a planet! And every species on it.

Yet they're more concerned with the lives of unborn, unconscious fetuses. Things that won’t even live or get a chance to because they’re KILLING our home. If abortion is murder, then what is killing an entire species? Ecosystem? Planet? Is it just the cost of doing “business”? If saving an unconscious, unborn, unthinking, NOT alive being is so fucking detrimental, if giving IT a “chance” at life is so important, why not give the parents a shot, too? Or what about AFTER they come out of the womb? Housing, healthcare, childcare, food, clothing. Give them a chance to LIVE if that’s so important. Not just exist till they've reaped the planet of all its resources.

Life and the future are bleak and dismal for anyone with eyes to see. Anyone besides wealthy elite, white hetero males, it seems. Or white hetero males. The only beings who can just wake up and go, “Life is swell!”

“Oh sorry officer, was I speeding? No! I WON’T roll my window down for you, I’M an American. Give me my ticket so I can learn, I have WHITE places to be good sir!”

"Uh, excuse me? I’ve been waiting exactly 147 seconds since I placed my McDonalds order, let me speak to a manager. What are you doing back there, huh? Can’t flip a burger? Get a real job. Fucking peasants. No don’t serve someone else first. Don't you see my white privilege ID?”

Malik's update from the hole

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:13:09 -0700

Today is 3/29/25. Saturday. I was first brought to the hole, getting ready for Juma, on Friday the 28th of February. I was given no cause nor warning. When they took me, they stole my envelopes and address book, my copy of the zine that was made of some blog posts, and my request to be on Snake River’s [SRCI] list for our Eid meal after Ramadan.

PHONE ZAP: Get Malik Out Of Solitary!

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 03:21:49 -0700

Amir got his bike!

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:22:55 -0800

Malik wanted to let everyone know that his boy Amir got finally got his dirt bike Christmas present! Both of them are so thrilled about it, and it’s especially meaningful to Malik to be able to connect with his son and share moments of joy while he’s in prison. Thank you so much to everyone who gave support to make this happen, it means the world to Malik and his family.

Letter writing event for Malik on February 22, 2025

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:31:06 -0800

Letters For Malik! February 22 from 6:00-9:00PM at Alder Commons, 4212 NE Prescott. ADA accessible space, masks required indoors.

Malik has a new address

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:57:57 -0800

Malik was recently transferred to Snake River Correctional in Eastern Oregon. While it is a relief that he is out of the torturous conditions in solitary confinement at OSP, it is also bitter that he is being moved much farther from his home base in Portland. Nonetheless, his staunch resistance and our solidarity will continue wherever he is.

Update from Malik

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:09:44 -0800

Download audio

[Transcript:]

I just want to thank everyone who called in to the prison. I do now have all of my property, I’m back out of that cell, which is amazing. Me and my lawyer have litigation planned for their tazing and beating me, as well as for the first time they maced and beat me and left me in a bare cell with nothing. So, things are looking up.

Choosing to eat

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 03:46:39 -0800

Malik shares a poem he wrote shortly after ending his 9-day hunger strike.

Download audio

[Poetic transcription:]

Think tactfully, impactfully, only one path I see
It’s bittering, though, ‘cause I hate to show any signs I slow,
Or relent, repent or give in, ‘cause I do not quit, I can’t ever not resist
I stand ‘til the last man falls, risk it all or nothing
What’s the point in givin’ if you ain’t givin’ your all?
Thinking of quitting now? I’m appalled!
My struggle, my strength, resolve – where was it all, so easy to fall?

23 and Me by Malik Muhammed

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:11:23 -0800

After OSP corrections officers tased and beat Malik for no reason, the only punishment administered has been against him. After conflicting reports from COs and video that clearly contradicts the charges they brought against him, Malik is still stuck in the torture tier, without his possessions or any path towards getting out of solitary.

Malik Ends Hunger Strike

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 07:25:02 -0800

Note: On Malik’s 9th day of his hunger strike, he has secured key victories around getting out of his current cell, having property returned, and steadily working up his level to get out of BHU and back to general population. This milestone was made possible through his persistence, yall’s support, and the excellent legal representation working on Malik’s behalf. This is not remotely the end; until solitary confinement is dead and prisons are paved to make way for true safety and community, the struggle continues. Here is Malik’s statement: (some sections were difficult to transcribe and replaced with ellipses)

Civil Liberties Defense Center is Fighting for Malik!

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 04:51:54 -0800

We are so grateful to the CLDC for representing Malik. They do so much vital work for so many activists and organizers and we cannot encourage folks enough to support their work

They just posted this critical update that we want to share:

Demand Justice for Malik Muhammed!

⚡☎️⚡ P H O N E Z A P ⚡☎️⚡ MALIK IS ON HUNGER STRIKE!

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:10:36 -0800

Political prisoner Malik Muhammad was recently assaulted by prison guards. They dogpiled, beat and tased him before throwing him into a bare cell. He has no access to his belongings and fears that prison staff will cut off his communications. He has frequently been persecuted and singled out by OSP staff and has been held in segregation for over half a year.

Support Malik's Son Amir!

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 02:57:05 -0700

Amir is raising funds to get him outside and active in his local Scouts crew!

Building peer relationships, outdoor skills, etc… this type of engagement is so important and we’d so appreciate if you’d step up and support him by buying a bag of popcorn. Thanks so much for kicking in; means a lot to Amir, Malik and their whole family.

Happy Birthday to Amir

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 20:52:16 -0700

September 17th 2016, the birth of my son was the greatest gift I’ve been given. Yet one I don’t deserve. I never wanted to be a dad or have kids; I was fucked up as a kid so I don’t wanna do it to another human tryna figure out this crazy life. To be charged with the care of this human and pretend to be some “authorityy” about anything to ANYONE but specifically him is wild to me. But mahshallah I’ll find a way cuz Allah saw fit to gift him to me. Ahumduallah but fuck why? Who tf am I?

"Every month is Black August"

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 01:24:00 -0700

Download audio

Audio file link: /files/2024/08/malik-speaking-2024-08-21.mp3

Transcript:

What does Black August commemorate? Well, it is a month where prisoners, specifically Black, honor George Jackson and the sacrifices he made in the California prison system. For those who don’t know, Jackson was given a 1-year-to-life term for a petty crime, as is what happened during that time with indeterminate sentences. He could have kept his head low and gotten out, but what Jackson saw as a young man in the system, was a system of oppression so bad his morals and character would not allow him to go along to get along.

"You are not the wolf"

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 06:32:28 -0700

Malik recently shared an audio essay over a call. A rough transcript follows – any errors are the editor’s own.

Download audio

audio file link: /files/2024/08/malik-speaking-2024-08-15.mp3

Transcript:

Democracy, as defined by Oscar Wilde: “The bludgeoning of the people, by the people, for the people” – in other words, a system that offer everyone the opportunity to rule everyone else but renders none free. The critical founding fathers overthrew kings and tyrants but didn’t do away with the mechanisms of control that allowed kings and tyrants to rule, they just democratized them. So whoever operates the levers of control – be they kings, presidents, electorate or politicians – the experience from the receiving end is the same. Pigs, law and bureaucracy all existed long before democracy. They only serve to interrupt self-determination, but because we get to cast ballots about how they reply, we regard them as powers, even when they are used against us.

"Prison is a microcosm of society"

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 03:53:42 -0700

I just had a long conversation about how to we can make prisons suck less, cuz California has phones in their cells, they have free or 4¢/min phone calls, tablets, conjugal visits. This prison in CA had outside food every week, BBQs on the yard, ice cream, long yard times, Xboxes, new movies as fast as they could come out, cologne, restrooms when you wanted, pick your own cells, food vouchers, etc. you get the idea. Lots of incentives.

Thoughts on Pride Month

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:53:24 -0700

[ed.: This is a belated post from a letter from June 2024]

As Pride Month winds to a close, I wanna give a shout out to my beautiful queers out there, Happy Pride Month! Like I say, for all the government breadcrumbs they give us (us being any marginalized group), it’s a great cause for celebration being open and free, but we’ll never be truly open and free until we all are. “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” – MLK Jr. All things are interconnected and interwoven. “There are no separate worlds”.

Hole Thoughts #2

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 01:40:30 -0700

So the past two days, I’ve had a very lively debate about lots of things, but it started over someone calling me a hypocrite for saying that everyone has the right to be themselves without persecution from others. They said this because I say that right don’t apply to anyone whose beliefs and ideologies are inherently inflammatory, racist, sexist, bigoted, fascist or violent in any way. If you hold those ideas, there’s NO place in our society for you. Let me repeat: there is no place for you, that ideology needs to be eradicated, those people either renounce that ideology or you die out with it, period. If you hold those beliefs in the seclusion of you and your racist, bigoted, sexist friends, cool – if you believe that’s your right, sure. But the second you spew your hate around me and anyone in my generation, expect us to exercise our right to break your teeth in. We will do it happily. You don’t get to hold those ideals around us. We are not our parents, we will no bite our tongues, or cater to your boomer sensitivitiess, you fucking’ snowflakes, it’s not our goal or job to “win” your heart or mind, it’s not our job to tell you why your beliefs are wrong, it’s 2024, at this point it’s willful ignorance, so fuck you!

Guest post: "Introduction of a revolutionary"

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:21:16 -0700

“This is from my comrade Rio, I’d like to post this with his info. He’s the guy who came up under the BGF in Oakland, CA, he fought with me with the pigs, they shipped him to Snake River, he’s facing repression there too, I’m sure.” - Malik

Take me back to the night we met...

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:11:35 -0700

All truth be told… in the end, under the false facades, the bravados, under the masks, the hurt, pain and injury – the heart of it all is love. People, that’s all we are: human, fallible, and prone to fuck up. You live, you learn, and as Alanis said once: you laugh, you learn; you lose, you learn. It’s all learning, it’s all life, and if you’re not learning still and things aren’t happening to you and you think you got it all figured out, put together and good, I bet there’s something plaguing you too. So while, yes, I have to harden my exterior and protect my friends, family and self, I won’t stop trying to do for others, but I learned to not overextend my hand. Just because I can, don’t mean I should. ‘Why won’t they help themselves?’ is a good question to ask myself. I can still be genuine, I just gotta be a better judge of character.

PHONE ZAP! MALIK NEEDS OUR HELP!

Thu, 16 May 2024 08:36:02 -0700

<img loading=“lazy” class=“alignnone wp-image-182 size-medium” src="/files/2024/05/signal-2024-05-15-223538_003-300x300.jpeg" alt=“Script & Numbers:

MALIK IS ON HUNGER STRIKE AND NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Thu, 16 May 2024 08:32:35 -0700

<img loading=“lazy” class=“alignnone wp-image-177 size-medium” src="/files/2024/05/3-300x300.png" alt="** CALL OREGON STATE PENITENTIARY! **

"Hole Thoughts": Reflections and rants from segregation

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 05:21:54 -0700

Malik was recently sent to the segregated unit for refusing water during his fast for Ramadan. Call Oregon State Penitentiary to demand his immediate release to the general population and to respect his right to free religious practice: (503) 378-2453.

“The day you arrive and the day you leave”. That’s what they say prison is, it’s just the day you get here and the day you leave, everything else is filler.

"I miss my son more than anything"

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:10:48 -0800

I also wanna make a remark on my mental health, it’s not great right now. As I have said, I’ve been very hateful lately. I miss my son more than anything, I just want him to know his dad would do anything for him and for freedom. If anyone wants to do something nice for me, do something for my son. Send art to him or words of encouragement to him, send him love, tell him his dad is a revolutionary and activist, not the negative image his mother imposes of me, I think him hearing from others about his dad would elate him. I know it would, it’s something he could hold onto forever, and we’re both sentimental so I know he’d love it. I know that’d help me a lot.

"On the current oppression, subjugation, and genocide of the people of Palestine"

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:02:48 -0800

I first saw the attack on Israel on Oct 7th. I went to the hole the next day. So from there I listened to the radio about it for a month. I cried and my heart was heavy. I've kicked myself for not being free, not going to Palestine and doing any aid work I can. Since I was a kid I dreamed of going there, since I was a kid I've had a passion for freedom from oppression over there (everywhere really). Now I'm stuck, helpless, its infuriating.

Now it's over 3 months into this conflict and the audacious actions of the Israeli state are deplorable. It's in no way comparable to the October 7th attack. I think of this dialectically, both are true at the same time. Oct 7th was an atrocity, AND Israel is currently committing war crimes and a genocide. The unrelenting support of the state by the world is also despicable. The very notion that because genocide was coined during the Holocaust does NOT limit it to one people or ONE nation's actions. We commented on genocide and ethnic cleansings in Africa. We condemned North Korea for the atrocities committed against its own people. But because it's a U.S. ally, their actions are justified? They're somehow immune to critique or subject to adhere to the rules of war? That's asinine, and JUST like the world sat idly by during Germany's crimes, they are doing the same now. Don't WAIT until things become a broader conflict for there to be action taken! By then it'll be too late! By then history will look back at the slaughtered Palestinians and acts of Israel and judge those sympathizers and their inaction as among those on the wrong side of history. They will be judged harshly.

Make no mistake, Israel IS carrying out a genocide. Make no mistake, it's happening in real time. Don't believe me? Listen to the rhetoric. I learned a LONG time ago, when someone TELLS you who they are, BELIEVE them. Bibi has stated his intention to NOT end this conflict until the complete destruction of Hamas. He's indiscriminantely bombing, he's cutting off aid and access to the outside, he's stacked his government with individuals who have repeatedly called for the end to Palestine. Their defense minister advocated violence against Palestinians, his people have suggested the nuclear option against Palestinians. Those are the people you're dealing with. THOSE people are fanatics, THOSE people are war mongering genocidal racists. It's not PALESTINIANS that should suffer the aggression of Israel. Nobody says you should not defend yourself against an attack, but those affected, by the state of Israels aggression are not Hamas right now. It's innocent civilians.

I'm so SICK of people being apologists for Israel and walking on egg shells talking about them. Israel IS COMMITTING WAR CRIMES, THEY are the aggressor at this point. If someone comes in your house and shoots at you and robs you and leaves but you shoot them in the back, YOU'RE the aggressor. So the same way individuals are held to a standard of engagement, so should an ENTIRE NATION. That's what ROE [Rules Of Engagement] are for. I have to say, my hat's off to South Africa for bringing this in front of the ICJ and championing the people of Palestine. EVERY nation would do well to follow suit and take ACTION before history judges you harshly. Stand firm and DON'T water down your stance. STAND WITH PALESTINE. From the river to the see, Palestine shall be free, do NOT let that be co-opted and watered down by liberals or criminalized by conservatives. We stand AGAINST the Zionist agenda, that does NOT make you anti-Jewish. Pro Palestine and two state solution does not make you anti Israel. Condemning that country for genocide does not make you anti-Jewish, not anti-Israeli, it make you PRO LIFE, PRO FREEDOM, PRO HUMANITY and anti authoritarian, anti genocidal. Normalize dialects, as humans we must, and no it's not as complicated as the news and liberals want to make you believe. NOTHING justifies genocide.

I can’t say it enough, I’ll scream in to the heavens: from the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free! End the genocide, protect the sanctity of human life, protect the people of Palestine. In the face of injustice, do not stay silent, no matter how singular your voice may sound.

"I'd rather aim high for the stars"

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:57:03 -0800

As I turn 27 in sixteen days, I feel this lingering sadness and depression about giving the state another birthday of mine. I was told recently I was selfish for my aspirations and my resolve to continue to fight for freedom and the people upon release. I have high hopes and dreams, that some people have called grandiose and unrealistic. But I'd rather aim high for the stars, so if I fall I land on a cloud. I'd rather try and fail than not try at all. The sacrifices made in the pursuit of the greater good to me are worth it. Even in my depression about this set, I'm grateful due to the fact that I've had the great honor to meet so many inspiring individuals. I've had the honor to be a part of a movement that shed light on the injustice system! A movement that produced bills in this state like 819 [OR SB 819, 2021] and Ramos [Ramos v. Louisiana, The Ramos Project], a movement that influenced governors to sign clemencies. So for me, it doesn't seem a waste, for me, I fought and won -- a small win, but one that impacted individuals like my friend DeAngelo Turner, who's case was overturned due to lack of evidence, when he was only convicted on hearsay and wouldn't rat on who actually did it. After 31 years, he's finally gaining freedom, individuals like Rob and Dez, JoJo and GI, guys who've given decades to the system now going free.

For me, this set means having the privilege to see the system from the inside to know how best to change it. Until all cages are empty is the goal, though to know what prisoner's actually want and need is something to strive for. Living here should not be normal, cuz it isn't, but to make it better is all we can do till that time comes. I remembered stressing how it was unjust to have prisoners fight fires for a dollar a day, but now that I'm in, I've learned just how sought after that is. To go to fire camp and do that is a dream: no gate or fences, a real skill for the world and laid back environment. We don't think about how necessary intimacy is and how not having that physical contact with lovers [...] ~ [a portion of this communication was withheld by the prison] ~ [...] To have that, just some semblance of normalcy is important. Things to take action to strive for can only really be known from the inside. When we thinking about the campaign to cut DOC's budget. Great, however, it's not the DOC that suffers, it's us: less portions of food, lesser quality, less yard time or phone access, less programs for us. They won't take from the ridiculous amount of money these glorified turnkeys make, these oppressors whose only contribution to the world is being on the wrong side of history as oppressors... But I digress.

As I approach 27, I am sad but resolved. Its closer to my release an closer to me being able to do more. The goal is to never stop learning or gaining wisdom from others. Hone myself, so that upon release I'm as sharp as can be. It is hard to stay on that course though, I feel myself getting hateful more than anything. Hatred toward the state, the system, sometimes even towards those I care about. Like, if I don't hear from someone I feel I'm on the backburner and left behind. I know its my abandonment issues, but it's taxing on my mental. I start to get resentful of how the movement stopped and peoples' interest dissipated. I become angry. But I must find peace in the fact that everyone ain't built the same. So as another goes, another year wiser, I am another year resolved. Another year of planning.

So I'll leave with this quote from Roosevelt:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes short again and again, but who does actually strive to do deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid who neither know victory nor defeat."

That's been giving me energy lately and keeping me going.

"Music has the power to change the world"

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 04:43:23 -0700

Someone wrote and asked me what sights or sounds give me hope or inspiration in here, and I’ve gotta say it’s the same thing that’s given me inspiration all my life: music. I’m super grateful for the fact that MTV plays music all day again lol, I don’t know when that started, but I haven’t watched cable TV since I was like 12, so it was surprising to see there’s a music channel 24/7. And music, for me it’s EVERYTHING, it’s what’s always got me through the good, bad and ugly. My mother always said as a kid “music is a universal language, one we all speak”. And it’s just so true, it’s an art that transcends time, language, demographic, sex, gender, etc. It’s why Spanish music and reggaeton and K-pop has gotten so popular and taken the globe, it’s like you don’t need to know Spanish to feel what Romeo Santos is singing or Anita or Kali Uchis or Prince Royce, you know? You don’t need to speak Korean to be enthralled or infatuated with K-pop groups. Its why accents seemingly disappear in songs and why the influence of British artists in the sixties was so heavily inspired by black culture and R&B. Its how a song can start a movement and artists can inspire youth and music can change the world.

"Your light matters"

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 06:41:02 -0700

CONTENT WARNING: accounts of bullying, suicide and attempts.

I want to talk about suicide awareness.

I just got done doing a 5k run and event the veterans club up here put together to raise funds and spread awareness. It may not seem like much especially because were behind these walls, but it means a lot to us all and I know for most people it means a lot to you too, because almost everyone has been touched in some way by suicide. I lost friends in the military, I lost two friends in school, I’ve tried taking my life by pills, gun, and opening my wrists, and I was actually part of a cause of someone’s suicide.

"Do NOT stand idly by while one of us is taken out"

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 22:12:21 -0700

I just got done watching Fruitvale Station again and god it gets me every time. Oscar Grant is long gone, the incident long since past, but the hurt and pain I feel inside is as if it happened right now. I’ll never know Oscar Grant, but I’ll love him as a brother, a brother slain and taken from this earth before his time from his daughter, his mother, friends and family. The tears I shed now as I type this as the credits roll, are a constant reminder he will never be forgotten, he will always be in my heart and my thoughts as with every young man and woman taken away from us at the hands of these KKKops. If nobody else remembers, I remember, and WE – those who fight and strive for change – will always remember.

"All skin folk ain't kin folk"

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 04:42:22 -0700

Let me be clear: first off, I’m no antisemitic, but I am an anti Zionist, I’m anti Zionist because I support Palestinians’ autonomy and freedom from the state oppression and violence coming from the Israeli state. I do not support the continued occupation of the homeland. From sea to sea, Palestine must be free. I feel comfortable saying Israel is a racist state the same way I say this country is. It’s at its core from its inception been racist, just as with Israel.

"Just the start of this country's regression"

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 03:49:11 -0700

Malik shared his thoughts on the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

Today we watched what is just the start of this country’s regression. The second the supreme court made that Dobbs decision, I was petrified, and we all should be. Martin said an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and that couldn’t be truer today, with our super conservative supreme court stacked as is, we see how slowly but surely the supreme court is regressing america.

Juneteenth: "the government always seeks to pacify the masses"

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:08:37 -0700

Juneteenth: a new federal holiday created to mark the day the last enslaved black people in Texas got word they were free.

Today I watched the news and saw many public figures come on networks and give their thoughts and praise for today, and I saw a concert being touted as landmark and important. While I agree that we don’t always have to have a sad overview of our history as a people and we can and should celebrate and be celebrated for our tenacity, will, and perseverance – in the words of Kendrick Lamar, “we gone be alright” – that being said, I take a bit of a more somber outlook on this day, for the fact that we were not really freed. The emancipation proclamation freeing slaves (mind you, some 50+ years after Britain abolished it and slaves had actively fought in the revolutionary war) was a move based in capitalism, not altruism. Abraham Lincoln was not a fan of slaves nor Blacks in general; southern capitalism was simply a threat to northern capitalism. The cotton industry was booming due to slaves and the business of slavery was well in the billions, so the abolition was more logistical. Furthermore, abolition was followed by the black codes which in essence criminalized being black in america. Reframing freedom by making it impossible to keep for black people, that lead to increased incarceration and prisoner leasing which put those same blacks working as slaves on the very plantations they’ve just been “freed” from. That, along with further reframing and nuances in criminal laws and policing really just found us as a people in different forms of slavery, marginalization, and persecution.

"A Ramadan of many blessings"

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:48:25 -0700

Today has been a blessed day.

We hosted an all day debate for our toastmasters club and had 12 colleges from across the country come in to debate with us on the topic of continued war in Ukraine, whether or not the constitution has outlived its usefulness, the end to qualified immunity, and whether confrontation or diplomacy is needed against China. It was a really lively debate, ultimately the international team from Ireland that flew out here went home with the trophy. They were really good, and I think their Irish accents helped (lol jk). But it was great, its really nice to have outside guests come in and talk and interact with us like were human and not caged animals, you know? I met a really cool woman from Claremont College in California and I’m excited to debate her next year, she’s got great speechcraft and she’s very clear and concise. Her partner did very well as well, he came out swinging, I loved it. I didn’t get to debate this year because I got in the club late and everyone had been working on these topics for months now.

"Our power is showing ever more and I love it"

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 09:16:22 -0700

I just watched “The Woman King” and truly I cried… It makes me so fucking happy to see our people portrayed as the strong beautiful kings and warriors we were and are. To see us united and strong even if just in a movie makes me feel so good. Viola Davis is an irrefutable queen as with all the black women who gave such beautiful performances. This movie inspires me. That black people will one day end our own oppression and self oppression and suffering. That day will come soon I know it. Blackness should be celebrated and adorned, it should be revered and feared, loved and embraced, and our power is showing ever more and I love it. I pray that we push for growth and us and our people.

"How is this not news worthy"

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:07:32 -0800

“Enclosed is an excerpt I helped my friend type up about his son. Please help where you can to blast it, post it on the blog, distribute it any way you can! This story breaks my heart."

Not News Worthy

PPB Case 22-164825

I'm standing here waiting, screaming, pounding my chest, and stomping my feet ensuring that I'm seen and heard. I can't even pretend like, I understand. I would have never contemplated, or believed that public officials could play a part in hindering my ability to grieve the death of my son.

I’m absolutely under no false perception, if I was to hear this story, my initial thoughts would be that this is so farfetched. Somebody should be ashamed for even being able to devise such a horrific narrative, alas; I wish it was that simple. I wish all the pain and heartache that has been a constant nightmare on my life these past few months, was actually some twisted author’s fictional creation.

"I DO NOT want peace"

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 06:58:37 -0800

Malik recently shared some thoughts he had about the murder of Tyre Nichols and the public response.

I feel the response has been lackluster, like the response when the Kentucky pigs got off and Louisville didn’t do anything. It’s really saddening to me. I’ve been enraged being in here unable to do anything. I feel more helpless than ever. I don’t think the family calling for peace helped any. Know this: if anything like that happens to my family or myself, I DO NOT want peace. And if it was you or yours, I’m going to war for you as well. Nobody should need the videos to get active, that’s a shame, but I’m for whatever gets peoples fires alight.

"A little about me"

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 06:50:10 -0800

In a letter from November 2021, Malik shares a short history and biography of himself. He had yet to be sentenced and was in pretrial detention.

A little about me, I'm originally from Chicago. I moved around a lot out there, from Bolingbrook in the west suburbs to Cal City in the south side, and I lived on the east side and spent some time by myself in the not so great parts of the south side just being young and dumb.

I had an absentee dad, abusive alcoholic mom, who we are on better terms now but that took some years.

I first experienced protesting really in elementary school. Being raised a Muslim, I was told not to say the pledge, and every year, every new teacher would try to break me, all the way through high school, but I never folded. So in that way I always stood up for myself against the set norm. The year Trayvon Martin was murdered, though, is the first large scale protest I was at and it was beautiful. We all decided, through a Facebook post, to walk out of class to go to the cafeteria to hold our own assembly and talk about the murders of our people. The high school principal and faculty got word of our plan and said they'd suspend anyone who walks out. As you might have guessed, we walked out in mass, a good portion of the school, we didn't fit in the cafe and nobody got suspended!

In my time in the army, I was always vocal about my anticolonial ideals and now I fault our military industrial complex as a detriment to our society and the world. I made it clear I wouldn't shoot someone just because of being told and my chain of command tried to get me booked as a "conscientious objector". But I did my contract got out with and honorable discharge as well, and had a great job in mid-level management in corporate america before realizing I felt like I should be doing more. I volunteered, gave money to homeless, I'm the kinda person who takes forever getting somewhere because I stop for every driver on the side of the road, my mom always said one day that'd get me killed, lol.

I, like most BIPOC people, feel it personally and deeply when one of us is murdered and I cried for days over Eric Garner -- I still do. So when I heard the same words from George Floyd, "I can't breathe," I lost it. I knew there was something that needed to be done. I knew that for my son's sake, my brothers' and my sisters' sakes, I needed to be the change I wanted to see. So it started with a Facebook post and me creating a group and talking with people online to organize a protest. And it was a success, we had the largest protest in Indy (Indiana). I met the governor and mayor and police chief, who really treated it as a publicity stunt, and I continued to organize and protest in Indy and Louisville and the city that was my heart -- Portland. Nowhere I've been has as solid of a community, not even Chicago's protest scene.

Anyways um I got carried away, this was supposed to be short so... I'm black, bi, I've got one beautiful mixed son. I'm a veteran and right now I'm fighting for my life here while Kyle Rittenhouse walks frees. I've been down 8 months and my highest charge has a 30 year mandatory minimum and I'm just hoping and praying we can get those dropped off, that's all my life.

Love, Rage, Solidarity.

All posts on Malik Speaks!

Black August: "What Will You Do?"

Solidarity Quilt Fundraiser

Malik Transferred, Please Support!

The Intercept: "An Incarcerated BLM Protester Lost in the Prison System"

This Is How the Prison is Escalating

Update from South Carolina

"In order to break free, one must be acutely aware of being a slave"

Malik Moved to South Carolina in Rare Interstate Transfer

Oregon DOC Appears to Have Disappeared Portland Protester Malik Muhammad

Oregon DOC is actively disappearing Malik Muhammad

PHONE ZAP - WEEK 2

PHONE ZAP TO GET MALIK OUT OF SOLITARY

Call to action:

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Love is Resistance

Prisoner Support

On Iran

Crip vs. Crip

Portraits #1

Cell ins

Sketchbook pages #4

Venezuela

On Fedjacketing

Sketchbook pages #3

Pal Action's Hunger Strike

Art Commissions by Malik!

Malik has been transferred!

The News

Support Malik with Funds!

Getting back to "normal"

ICE in Portland

Update from the hole

MAIL REPORT BACK AND CALL-IN

Malik requests your info!

After Assata

On Tyler Robinson

"We are interconnected and inseparable"

Black August Update

8/14/25 poetry roundup #2

Queer/Trans Liberation

8/14/25 poetry roundup

Tyrants and Collaborators

Top 3 summer reading recommendations

Black August

Sketchbook pages #2

7/2/25 poetry roundup

The slack door

Art book flip through

On the here and now, and trying

6/2/25 poetry round up

June 11

Poems for Gaza

The crushing truth of our state of decay

Malik's update from the hole

PHONE ZAP: Get Malik Out Of Solitary!

Amir got his bike!

Letter writing event for Malik on February 22, 2025

Malik has a new address

Update from Malik

Choosing to eat

23 and Me by Malik Muhammed

Malik Ends Hunger Strike

Civil Liberties Defense Center is Fighting for Malik!

⚡☎️⚡ P H O N E Z A P ⚡☎️⚡ MALIK IS ON HUNGER STRIKE!

Support Malik's Son Amir!

Happy Birthday to Amir

"Every month is Black August"

"You are not the wolf"

"Prison is a microcosm of society"

Thoughts on Pride Month

Hole Thoughts #2

Guest post: "Introduction of a revolutionary"

Take me back to the night we met...

PHONE ZAP! MALIK NEEDS OUR HELP!

MALIK IS ON HUNGER STRIKE AND NEEDS YOUR HELP!

"Hole Thoughts": Reflections and rants from segregation

"I miss my son more than anything"

"On the current oppression, subjugation, and genocide of the people of Palestine"

"I'd rather aim high for the stars"