In the time since his sentencing, Eric has experienced an unexpected response from the prisoners back at CCA Leavenworth. Other prisoners heard about his outspoken attitude in court against the role Judge Fenner plays in the war against poor, black and brown folks. When it comes to survival based drug “crimes,” the rich and powerful draw the line between what they consider to be acceptable and unacceptable ways of supporting one’s family while the judges and courts act as enforcer. EK spoke directly against the harsh sentences for poor folks and contrasted them against the immunity that the police possess in regards to the violence they inflict on marginalized communities.
Be it a fist of solidarity, a vegan meal prepared for him, or a conversation about the function of prisons in class war, many have reached out to EK to say thank you. Folks were touched by him using his position of privilege to speak up against the war being waged against them. Sentencing is traditionally a time to beg for forgiveness and mercy from the omnipotent judge in hopes of garnering a lighter sentence. Most prisoners do not have the same privilege of speaking so freely in such a moment.
In what can only be seen as immature retaliation, Judge Fenner refused to put in a recommendation for EK’s placement within the federal prison system. Eric requested placement in FCI Florence (his desire to be sent there is due to the proximity to his partner). Judges don’t have to make a recommendation about placement and the BOP certainly doesn’t have to honor these, but prisoners can ask for a recommendation to be made in the hope that it will help them get placed closer to loved ones.
Now begins the “waiting game” for EK. From what we understand of what will likely happen to EK, he could be picked up without any word to his friends or family and taken to a federal sorting facility in Oklahoma at any time within the next 2 months. He will then likely stay in Oklahoma while the BOP prepares to transfer him to his designated facility. Prisoners typically stay at this transitional facility for 2-8 weeks before being transferred. Unless he is able to get information from the US Marshalls (which is unlikely, but has happened before), neither he nor his support crew will know where he will be transferred until it happens.
How you can support Eric in this transition
We ask that you keep your eyes open and be ready to send out a quick card or letter to EK as soon as he gets sent to Oklahoma. Because of his unknown length of time at this facility it is going to be important to blast out messages of strength and solidarity fast. You can even host a letter writing night and save all of the letters and shoot them out when you get word.
Also, please remember to donate to the fundraiser or share the fundraiser page! Eric has 8 years of time ahead of him and we want to ensure that he is able to maintain contact with the world and his loved ones through funds for his phone, stamps and envelopes. As a vegan in prison he will have a constant need for commissary as a way to supplement his diet. https://fundrazr.com/316cDf?ref=ab_a4jVK6
We even have some pretty sick t-shirts that are available through the fundraiser by making a donation of $20 or more! Make sure to hit us up with addresses and sizes.
Also if you are interested in becoming one of the folks that contributes to EK’s commissary directly every month get in touch with us at erickingsupportcrew(a)riseup.net
When Eric arrives at his facility books will be greatly appreciated! We have temporarily disabled his Amazon Wishlist until he is transferred because books sent to him during his transfer may be lost. But keep an eye out for the opportunity to send him some books as soon as he is placed.
Lastly a poem that Eric wrote for all of the folks that have held it down ans supported him over the last two years
Sitting on this dock, looking at a sea
that I can’t believe
I don’t know how to maneuver a ship
scared & lost as shit
Footsteps confuse me, a captain shouting commands
stuck in a place where I have to stay
thanking the universe for the hands that steady the waves
I don’t understand all of this, so many doing so much
ship steadies as the sails group
Stars free themselves from the shackles of clouds
a warm voice, a warm heart, tells me not to fear now
Waters going overboard, we’re not sinking anymore
This ship still holds me captive, but at least
I’m not sailing alone.
Links to some independent news articles about EK’s sentencing:
http://www.unicornriot.ninja/?p=7428
https://itsgoingdown.org/eric-king-sentenced-10-years/