Charlotte, NC

On behalf of Shawna Forde and all of us here on Team Free Shawna Forde we send our deep condolences over the unwarranted  killing of Keith Scott to his family and loved ones and to the citizens of Charlotte, NC.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  We are deeply saddened by yet another act of violence against an unarmed black man.  We hope and pray the violence will end soon.  RIP Keith Scott, you are not forgotten.  

Firing Squad

Some news on AZ DP

September 2016 update from Shawna

We at The Shawna Forde Blog remember....and honor....God Bless America!

Just want to thank all the viewers/readers!!!  

How to write to Shawna

Shawna's addresss needs to be as follows (must include inmate # after her name):
Shawna Forde # 260830
ASPC Perryville/ Lumley
P. O. Box 3300
Goodyear, AZ 85395

1. You must include your full name and address in the return address on the envelope.
2. No other inmate names can be in the letter, but initials are okay.
3. All books, cd's and etc must be bought from an acceptable vender, send directly from the vender, and include the packing slip or the prison will not give it to her. No staples.
4. No stamps, envelopes, or cash/coin can be sent in the envelope with your letter.
5. Money may be sent via Jpay using a bank card or credit card then Shawna can buy stamps, writing supplies, and envelopes from her commissary. It is very apprpropriate to credit the books of any inmate you wish to correspond with as they have to pay for their writing materials and stamps out of their commissary money. Death row inmates at Perryville do not have jobs and only have what money we send them.
6. No pictures showing violence, weapons, drugs, or labeled alcoholic beverages are allowed.
7. Absolutely NO MAPS
8. Do not use prison slang or the officials will seize the letter.

All mail is read, only 3 of the thousands of women at PV have 100% of their mail scrutinized. The rules for Death Row changed when JA arrived -so they (on DR) are on 100% investigated.

AZ Prison Rally

https://www.facebook.com/events/1683272775331595/

Bring signs, banners and drums to let these prisoners know they are not forgotten on the 45th anniversary of the Attica uprising.

This demonstration is in solidarity with the nationwide prisoner strike beginning on September 9 and is organized by the mother of a prisoner in this facility.

For more info contact:
LindaRobles39@gmail.com 
(520) 393-3671 

Fundraiser for Death Row

The Death row has a fundraiser going on.  This is for fall/winter supplies like blankets, long johns, socks, linens, etc.  Death row inmates have to buy towels, bed linen, etc.   Shawna still needs about $100.00 in order to get the full pack.  If anyone could donate it's greatly appreciated.  The easiest and fastest way is via https://www.jpay.com/login.aspx   Jpay.com is fast, cheap, secure.  You just need to set up a free account and Shawna's DOC number is 260830  Thx!! 

August update

Forde Artwork

Why Perryville, WHY?

Mariam Abdullah was only 18 years old, taken from a juvenile facility and put in Max at PV with harden criminals.  She was bullied, taken advantage of, verbally abused and while on the rec yard several other women spit on her, threw water on her, and laughed harshly threatening her.  Sadly she went back to her cell and hung herself. 
  

This is unacceptable PV....WHY?  Why was a kid put on max?  Why was no one there to help her?  Why did it take so long to find her and get medical care?  Why did she have to die?  She only had about a year or less to serve.  This was a kid.  WHY?   http://www.kvoa.com/story/32493550/doc-arizona-prison-inmate-found-unresponsive-in-cell-dies?fb_action_ids=10205039309140835&fb_action_types=og.comments

Update from Shawna

Shawna wanted me to let people know she's back to being able to do her classes helping other women learn to read and will be doing some public speaking type classes as well.  

She had been very concerned with the fact the CO's had no shade and no hydration stations for themselves in this heat and she's happy to say that's been remedied also!  We are happy AZ DOC finally realized the guards deserve some shade, a/c, and hydration too.    We salute all the hard work and dedication the staff, guards, and new warden do at PV everyday!!!    

July update from Shawna

More Artwork from Shawna

Q & A with Shawna

Open sores on women at PV

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/open-oozing-sores-going-untreated-at-perryville-womens-prison-8340864

A yard update

Artwork by Shawna

Artwork is a very relaxing form of therapy for many inmates.  Several have told me they had no idea they could draw or paint until incarcerated and faced with countless hours and nothing to do.  Many inmates sell their artwork to help pay for their legal fees, help their family, pay restitution, and buy needed items from commissary.   Alot of people do not realize inmates must pay a copay for seeing the doctor or PA and their meds so i thought i would add this in here.  Inmates must buy their own shoes too or wear prison issue crocks which may or may not be the correct size.  They also, on Death Row in AZ must buy towels, washcloths, bed linens, blankets, pillows, etc.....many items most assume was "Free".

May's report