Angola's Prisoners: A Life Sentence?

Angola Prison, officially known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is a maximum-security prison in Louisiana, USA. It is the largest maximum-security prison in the country, with 6,300 prisoners and 1,800 staff. The prison is located on an 18,000-acre site, surrounded on three sides by swampland and the Mississippi River.

Angola has a violent and brutal history, earning nicknames such as The Bloodiest Prison in America and Alcatraz of the South. In the 1950s, 31 inmates cut their Achilles tendons in protest of the harsh working conditions and brutality at the prison. Today, while conditions have improved, Angola still houses thousands of inmates serving life sentences for violent crimes, and most will die within the prison walls.

In this paragraph, we will explore the topic of how many prisoners at Angola will die there, delving into the prison's history, current conditions, and the factors that contribute to its high mortality rate.

Angola is the largest maximum-security prison in the US

Angola, also known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the largest maximum-security prison in the US. It was opened in 1901 on former plantation land and is named after the cotton plantation that once occupied the territory, which was in turn named after the African country that was the origin of many enslaved Africans brought to Louisiana during slavery.

Angola is a sprawling facility located on an 18,000-acre site, bordered on three sides by swampland and the Mississippi River. It is often referred to as the "Alcatraz of the South" and is known for its harsh conditions and history of violence. Over 90% of inmates who are convicted and sent to Angola will die within the prison walls, with many buried in the prison's graveyard.

The prison has a long history of instability and violence, with guards brutalising inmates and inmates beating, raping, and murdering one another. It has been the subject of continuous criticism and litigation regarding its medical care, with inmates reporting widespread illness, dysfunctional care, and deadly neglect during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Angola is currently managed and operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections and has a staff of around 1,800. It houses approximately 5,500-6,300 prisoners, the majority of whom are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole and are African American.

Angola's medical treatment has been challenged in federal courts since 1971, with deficient healthcare, violence, overcrowding, and racial segregation leading to a federal consent decree in 1983. Despite some improvements over the years, healthcare issues have proven more intractable. Angola's medical staff has been criticised for inadequate care, delayed diagnoses, and inability to deal with day-to-day medical problems of inmates, especially those with chronic illnesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the issues within Angola's healthcare system, with inmates reporting limited testing, inadequate medical examinations, and neglect. While officials insisted they were successfully managing the pandemic, inmates and their families shared stories of neglect, with some inmates dying due to lack of timely medical attention.

Angola's dark history and current challenges serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for reform and improvement in the US correctional system.

Over 90% of prisoners sent to Angola die there

Angola Prison, officially known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is a maximum-security prison in Louisiana, United States. It is the largest maximum-security prison in the country, with over 6,000 inmates and 1,800 staff. The prison is located on an 18,000-acre site, surrounded on three sides by swampland and the Mississippi River, making it a challenging place to escape from.

Angola has a grim history, earning nicknames such as "The Bloodiest Prison in America" and "Alcatraz of the South." It was once notorious for its harsh working conditions and brutal violence. Over 90% of the inmates who are convicted and sent to Angola will die within the prison walls, with many buried in the allocated graveyard within the prison grounds.

The prison has a long and troubled past, dating back to its establishment in the early 20th century on former plantation land. The name "Angola" itself is derived from the country in West Africa, which was the origin of many enslaved Africans brought to Louisiana during the slave trade. This dark history permeates the prison's legacy, which was known for much of the 20th century as one of the hardest places to be incarcerated.

Despite improvements in recent years, Angola still faces legal battles concerning its conditions. In 2021, a federal judge found that the prison violated the Americans with Disabilities Act in its treatment of inmates requiring rehabilitative services. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, prisoners alleged that deliberately low testing rates masked an epidemic within the prison, and that they were denied proper medical care.

Angola stands as a stark reminder of the flaws in the American justice system and the challenging road towards prison reform. With its high percentage of inmate deaths and history of violence, it serves as a powerful symbol of the need for change in the criminal justice system.

Angola is nicknamed the Bloodiest Prison in America

The Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola, is a maximum-security prison in Louisiana, USA. It is the largest maximum-security prison in the country, with 6,300 prisoners and 1,800 staff. Angola has earned nicknames such as "The Bloodiest Prison in America" and "Alcatraz of the South" due to its violent past and harsh working conditions.

History

Angola was opened in 1901 on former plantation land. The prison is named after the former cotton plantation that occupied this territory, which was, in turn, named after the African country that was the origin of many enslaved Africans brought to Louisiana during slavery. Before the American Civil War, Angola was a slave plantation owned by slave trader Isaac Franklin.

Violence and Working Conditions

Angola has been known for its brutal violence and harsh working conditions. In the 1950s, 31 inmates cut their Achilles tendons in protest of the prison's conditions. In 1992, the prison experienced 1,346 assaults, including both inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff attacks. The prison's onsite museum displays various homemade weapons fashioned by inmates, including knives, a shotgun crafted from metal pipes, a spiked ball on a chain, and medieval axes.

Inmates and Mortality

Angola is home to thousands of inmates serving life sentences for violent crimes, most of whom will die within the prison walls. Over 90% of inmates convicted and sent to Angola will die on the premises, with many buried in the allocated graveyard within the grounds. Inmates are taught to work as soon as they arrive, with former warden Burl Cain stating that making them learn to work would be a huge part of their rehabilitation.

Reform and Improvement

Despite its violent past, Angola has undergone significant reform and improvement over the years. Efforts to improve conditions at Angola have been ongoing, with judges, lawyers, and prison officials working to address issues such as violent working conditions, racial tensions, and inadequate medical care. In recent years, the prison has implemented programs focused on inmate rehabilitation, such as faith-based initiatives and educational programs.

While Angola has made strides towards improving conditions and reducing violence, its notorious history and high mortality rate among inmates have earned it the nickname "The Bloodiest Prison in America." The prison continues to be a subject of legal battles and a site of ongoing reform efforts.

Angola is home to the country's only inmate-operated radio station

Angola Prison, also known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. It is located on an 18,000-acre site and is bordered by swampland and the Mississippi River. The prison is named after a former cotton plantation on the site, which was, in turn, named after the African country that was the origin of many enslaved Africans brought to Louisiana.

Angola is home to KLSP, the country's only FCC-licensed radio station facilitated by inmates. The radio station was established in 1986 as a means of communicating with everyone in the prison at once. It is licensed as a religious/educational station and is an integral part of Angola's unorthodox approach to inmate rehabilitation.

Inmates like Reverend A.J., a 71-year-old serving a life term for first-degree murder, host gospel shows on KLSP. A.J. is also a member of the Lifer's Association and Chairman of the Elderly Assistance Group. He visits sick prisoners in the hospital and preaches to other inmates during church functions.

KLSP provides an opportunity for inmates to relieve stress and tension and gives them a sense of normalcy. It also allows them to connect with the outside world and stay informed about current events. The radio station is a platform for inmates to express themselves and find a sense of purpose during their incarceration.

Through the radio station, inmates can share their stories, experiences, and perspectives with a wider audience. They can also access a variety of music, including Christian rap and R&B, which can be a source of comfort and inspiration for them.

The radio station is a unique feature of Angola Prison and sets it apart from other correctional facilities in the country. It offers a form of rehabilitation and a chance for inmates to develop new skills and interests. It also provides a sense of community and connection within the prison, fostering a more positive environment for both inmates and staff.

Overall, Angola's inmate-operated radio station is a notable aspect of the prison, offering a form of respite and self-expression for those serving time.

Angola has a history of harsh working conditions and brutal violence

Angola, or the Louisiana State Penitentiary, has a long history of harsh working conditions and brutal violence.

The prison was opened in 1901 on former plantation land. It was known throughout much of the 20th century as one of the hardest places to be incarcerated, with a reputation for being a violent and dangerous place.

In the 1930s, Angola was described as being "even further removed from decent civilisation" than it was in the 1990s. The prison was deliberately isolated, as "that's the way the state of Louisiana wanted it, for Angola held some of the meanest inmates."

In the 1950s, 31 inmates cut their Achilles tendons in protest of the harsh working conditions and brutality at Angola. This led to national news agencies exposing the conditions at the prison. In 1952, Collier's Magazine referred to Angola as "the worst prison in America".

In the 1970s, the American Bar Association criticised the conditions at Angola, describing it as "medieval, squalid and horrifying".

In the 1980s, the prison was the site of the "Angola Lonely Hearts" scam, perpetrated by an inmate.

In 1993, Angola officers fatally shot an escapee.

In 1999, six inmates took three officers hostage, bludgeoning and fatally stabbing one of them. Armed officers ended the rebellion by killing one of the inmates and wounding another.

In 2004, a journalist wrote that Angola had always been "famed for brutality, riots, escape and murder".

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, prisoners alleged that deliberately low testing rates masked an epidemic in the prison. They also alleged that they were treated with over-the-counter medications, and that some sick inmates "concealed their symptoms to try to avoid losing their freedom of movement and other privileges" because of extended quarantines.

Angola has a history of harsh working conditions. In the 1930s, prisoners worked from dawn until dusk. In the 1990s, most new prisoners began working in the cotton fields, with some spending years working there before gaining a better job.

Former warden Burl Cain said that the key to running a peaceful maximum-security prison was that "you've got to keep the inmates working all day so they're tired at night."

Angola has also been the site of numerous improvements and reforms over the years. In the 1970s, Elayne Hunt, a reforming director of corrections, was appointed. In the 1980s, the main road to Angola was paved. In the 1990s, air conditioning and heating units were installed in the inmate housing units.

In 2004, a golf course was constructed on the prison grounds, with prisoners performing most of the work. Warden Burl Cain said he built the course so employees would be encouraged to stay at Angola over weekends, making them available to provide support in case of an emergency.

In 2012, a hospice program for terminally ill inmates was introduced.

In 2013, a court-ordered plan to install a cooling system in the death row facility was underway.

In 2014, a man wrongfully convicted of murder and Louisiana's longest-serving death row prisoner was released after spending nearly three decades at the prison.

In 2016, Burl Cain stepped down as warden after serving since 1995.

In 2021, five 10/6 lifers were released after more than 50 years behind bars.

Frequently asked questions