Writing From Prison: Pastor Ron Hick's Angola Story

Pastor Ron Hicks is an inmate at Angola Prison, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. With a central prison that houses 5,100 men, Angola has long been labelled as the bloodiest prison in America. However, in recent years, the prison has undergone a transformation with the introduction of religion. Hicks, who has been incarcerated for murder since he was 19, is now 36 and works in the prison hospice ward and teaches in the seminary. He is a graduate of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and hopes to preach in other jails. He is also an inmate pastor and Onesimus instructor, training other prisoners to become pastors and make a positive impact in inner-city churches. Hicks chooses to live with 64 men in a transition dormitory for newly arrived prisoners, considering it his mission field and guiding the young inmates towards God and a better path.

Pastor Ron Hicks' work in the prison hospice ward and as a seminary teacher

Pastor Ron Hicks, a graduate of Angola's New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, has dedicated his life to serving others, both within and beyond the prison walls. Incarcerated for murder since the age of 19, Hicks works tirelessly in the prison hospice ward, providing comfort and support to those in their final days. He also shares his knowledge as a seminary teacher, shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation of religious leaders.

Hicks' choice to live in a transition dormitory for newly arrived prisoners speaks volumes about his character and commitment to helping others. He considers this dormitory his mission field, where he can guide and mentor young inmates, sharing words of encouragement and hope. His presence in this environment is a testament to his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on those around him.

As a seminary teacher, Hicks imparts not only religious knowledge but also a sense of compassion and empathy. He understands the transformative power of education and uses his position to foster growth and positive change. Hicks' work in the seminary is not just about imparting information; it's about shaping hearts and minds, encouraging critical thinking, and nurturing the spiritual development of his students.

In the hospice ward, Hicks provides a listening ear, a comforting presence, and a source of strength for those facing the end of their lives. He offers spiritual guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance to those in his care, ensuring they feel valued and respected during their final days. Hicks' ability to connect with and support the inmates during their most vulnerable moments is a testament to his character and dedication.

Through his work in the hospice ward and as a seminary teacher, Pastor Ron Hicks embodies the principles of compassion, redemption, and service. He uses his own life experiences to inspire and uplift others, demonstrating that even in the darkest of places, there is always the potential for growth, transformation, and positive influence. Hicks' story serves as a powerful reminder that even in incarceration, one can find purpose, meaning, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the world.

The Angola Prison's history as a slave plantation

The Angola Prison, officially known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary, has a long and troubled history as a slave plantation.

The prison sits on land that was once the Angola Plantation, a slave plantation owned by slave trader Isaac Franklin. The plantation was named after the country of Angola, from which many enslaved people were from. The slave plantation was purchased in the 1830s from Francis Rout as four contiguous plantations by Isaac Franklin.

In 1844, Louisiana established the "convict lease system", which allowed private contractors to use the "free labor" of inmates in "The Walls", most of whom were slaves or former slaves, in exchange for nominal fees to the state. This system continued until 1870 when, following the Civil War and the collapse of Louisiana's economy, the state awarded the convict-lease system to former Confederate Major Samuel Lawrence James.

Under the convict lease system, Major James ran the plantation using convicts leased from the state as his workers. He was responsible for their room and board and had total authority over them. With the incentive to earn money from prisoners, the state passed laws directed at African Americans, requiring payment of minor fees and fines as punishment for infractions. This often forced cash-poor men in the agricultural economy into jail and convict labor. Such convicts were frequently abused, underfed, and subject to unregulated violence, with prisoners often worked to death under harsh conditions.

During his first ten years with the convict lease, Major James accumulated enough wealth to purchase the slave plantation in 1880, which then became known as the James Prison Camp. For the next three decades, James ruled over a brutal convict work system that left hundreds dead and buried in unmarked graves. Some died from illness, others from the rigors of forced labor, and others were beaten or gunned down by prison guards.

In 1898, due to growing concerns about human rights abuses, Louisiana banned convict leasing. However, forced labor continued, and the state purchased the plantation from James in 1901. The state then initiated its own profitable penal enterprise, creating its brutal "convict guard" system in 1917, which allowed "trusted" inmates to carry guns and clubs to guard and beat other inmates.

Even today, the prison is still managed as a modern-day slave plantation, with forced inmate labor continuing as a corrupt means to line the pockets of prison managers and politicians. The prison is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, with over 6,000 inmates, and the sprawling "prison plantation" is fondly called by locals.

Burl Cain's introduction of religion to the prison

Burl Cain was the warden of Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola Prison, for 21 years, from 1995 to 2016. During his tenure, he introduced a Christian religious environment, where inmates who adhered to the faith were rewarded, and those who did not were punished.

Cain's introduction of religion to the prison was part of a strategy to reduce violence and improve conditions. He believed that religion made people moral, and that "moral people are not criminals". This approach has been both praised and criticised. On the one hand, it has been credited with reducing violence and having a positive impact on inmates' lives. On the other hand, it has been criticised for favouring certain religious groups over others and infringing on inmates' religious rights.

Cain invited the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to open a branch at Angola Prison, offering inmates the chance to earn degrees in ministry. He also founded a Bible College in conjunction with the Seminary and raised private funds to build seven chapels for inmate use. Additionally, he expanded the Angola Prison Rodeo, created a re-entry court program to help long-term inmates gain job skills, and established the Malachi Dad's program to reconnect inmates with their children.

While Cain's initiatives have been labelled as "progressive", they have also been controversial. He has been accused of infringing on inmates' religious rights, with lawsuits filed by non-Protestants who felt they were treated unfairly, as well as incarcerated journalists who claimed that Cain muzzled their work. Despite these controversies, Cain's approach to prison reform through religion has had a lasting impact on Angola Prison and the lives of its inmates.

The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at Angola

The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) was established in 1917 as the Baptist Bible Institute by the Southern Baptist Convention. In 1946, the institute's name was changed to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The seminary has been equipping leaders to answer God's call since its inception.

In 1995, the seminary expanded to Angola, the largest maximum-security prison in America, through an invitation from the prison's warden, Burl Cain. This expansion brought about a significant reduction in the rate of violence in the prison. The Angola campus offers theological education and provides inmates with the opportunity to earn associate's and bachelor's degrees in Christian Ministry. As of 2018, over 300 inmates have earned seminary degrees through the Angola campus, with many going on to lead churches in their communities after their release.

The curriculum at the Angola campus includes courses on English, statistics, church planting, counselling, and discipleship. In addition to academic instruction, the program emphasises the importance of spiritual formation and seeks to equip inmates with the knowledge and skills needed to serve as ministers and missionaries, both within the prison and in other settings.

The success of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at Angola has inspired similar initiatives in other states, with the seminary serving as a model for moral rehabilitation through theological education in prisons across the country. The Angola program has been credited with transforming the prison culture, reducing violence, and fostering positive changes in the lives of the inmates.

The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, through its presence at Angola, exemplifies the power of the gospel to bring hope and transformation to even the darkest of places. It serves as a testament to the commitment of the seminary to bring theological education and spiritual transformation to those who are often forgotten.

The success of the prison's re-entry program

The Success of the Angola Prison Re-Entry Program

Overview

Angola Prison, a former slave plantation in Louisiana, is the largest state prison in the United States. It houses 5,100 men, with 3,700 serving life sentences. Angola has long been regarded as the bloodiest prison in America, infamous for its brutality, riots, escape attempts, and murder. However, since Warden Burl Cain's arrival in 1995, the prison has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a sharp decline in violence.

The Re-Entry Program's Impact

The Angola Prison Re-Entry Program is a shining example of successful prisoner rehabilitation. The program has been so effective that criminal justice advocates consider it the "gold standard" for such initiatives. The program's success is evident in the reduced recidivism rates among its participants. Here's a closer look at some key factors contributing to its success:

Addressing "Criminogenic Risks and Needs"

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections has adopted the Transition from Prison to Community Model, which focuses on addressing the "criminogenic risks and needs" of incarcerated individuals. "Criminogenic Risks" refer to factors that increase the likelihood of reoffending, while "Criminogenic Needs" are the areas that must be addressed to mitigate these risks. By targeting these needs through education, job training, and faith-based programs, the Angola Re-Entry Program aims to enhance inmates' employability and social skills, thereby reducing their chances of returning to a life of crime.

Comprehensive Programming

The Angola Re-Entry Program offers a comprehensive range of services to address the diverse needs of its participants. In addition to job training in fields like automotive and construction, the program provides substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, anger management courses, and faith-based initiatives. This holistic approach ensures that inmates receive support in various areas of their lives, increasing their chances of successful reintegration into society.

Industry-Based Certifications

The program offers 14 industry-based certifications, including welding, automotive, and HVAC repair. Since 2010, re-entry court inmates have earned over 250 certifications, enhancing their employability upon release. This aspect of the program not only provides inmates with marketable skills but also gives them a sense of purpose and the opportunity to contribute positively to society.

Collaboration with External Organizations

The Angola Re-Entry Program has forged partnerships with external organizations, such as the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to offer faith-based courses leading to Associate or Bachelor's degrees in Theology. Additionally, through collaborations with local businesses and educational institutions like Ashland University and Wiley College, inmates can access college degree programs and gain industry-recognized credentials. These partnerships not only enhance the quality of the program but also increase the inmates' chances of finding employment upon release.

Inmate Mentorship

The program utilizes a unique approach by employing highly-skilled inmates as mentors and teachers. These long-term inmates, who have undergone rehabilitation themselves, offer guidance and support to their fellow inmates. This peer-to-peer mentorship fosters a sense of community and shared experience, which can be instrumental in an inmate's journey toward rehabilitation.

The success of the Angola Prison Re-Entry Program is a testament to the power of comprehensive and holistic rehabilitation initiatives. By addressing the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals and providing them with the necessary tools and support, the program has reduced recidivism rates and transformed lives. The Angola model serves as an example for other prisons, demonstrating that effective re-entry programs can play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of crime and offering inmates a second chance at a productive, law-abiding life.

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