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Ernie Dixon self-identifies as Black or African American and has been an Anti-Racism Commission member since May 2023. In 2021, Ernie joined the Adult Formation Book Group at Trinity Episcopal Church Ambler (Book Group), which meets every Wednesday night on Zoom. Book Group offers a safe space for all members to engage in challenging conversations about race and racism and to reflect on past experiences with an open heart and mind.
One of the most memorable discussions in a Book Group Zoom was about the book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith. Clint Smith went to 6 different areas around the United States and learned about the history of that area.
In Louisiana, Clint Smith wrote about a prison called Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary) that is still running. Angola was built on top of a previous slave plantation. More than 70% of the prisoners are Black. Every Sunday in October and one weekend in April, a “rodeo” or an active colosseum is held at Angola prison. Prisoners participate in violent, often life-threatening games for a mere $50 prize. For example, several prisoners would play a game of poker while dodging a rampaging bull until there’s only one person left standing. This event was not only racist (because most prisoners are Black) but also inhumane. The spectators are predominantly White.
Last year, I managed a project in Louisiana. I was surprised to learn that this archaic event is still happening and is well-attended by local folks. In fact, one of the contractors working on my project invited me to attend the rodeo. I declined. When I read about Angola, I felt a lot of sympathy for the prisoners. Ironically, many prisoners look forward to the rodeo as it is a break from routine prison life.
Some Book Group members had never heard about this prison and needed to process the fact that no one was being held accountable for the atrocities that occurred there, not even the audience that paid to watch and supported this bad behavior. More people should know about Angola. More people should know about its history and what really goes on in prisons in America.
Angola prison was another discovery on our journey, reading and learning about racism and injustices in Book Group. We talked about how we have a lot of work to do. Anti-racism work is like building a brick wall. Learning a bit more is like laying another brick. The more bricks you have, the more strength and courage you have to continue the fight. You just do a bit at a time.
Check out the list below of titles we hope to read in Book Group in the future.
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