Episode Details

Harm Reduction in Pandemic and Jason Renard Walker

This week we feature two segments, first up we got to chat with Hill Brown about Asheville's response to the pandemic in terms of public health, drug use and the houseless communities. Then, Jason Renard Walker talks about his journalism, activism and troubles in the Texas prison system.

Harm Reduction in Asheville during Pandemic

First we got to sit down with Hill Brown who works with Asheville's Steady Collective doing harm reduction outreach to people experiencing homelessness and addiction. We talk about a lot of topics, including how the current health crisis has affected Steady's operation, how the city of Asheville is mishandling its resources right now, and how folks can plug in and have solidarity with this work.

If you are concerned about hotel access for oppressed populations, you can call:

• The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) at 828-258-6111,
• The County Commissioners at 828-250-4066 and leave a message,
• and the City of Asheville, who funds the TDA, at 828-251-1122

You can also find ways to support the Steady Collective by visiting their website TheSteadyCollective.org. Visit our blog or show notes to see an interview Bursts did with Hill back in 2018 which was done at a time when the city was threatening to close Steady's operations.

Incarcerated Journalist and Organizer, Jason Renard Walker

• Transcription
• PDF (Unimposed)
• ZIne (Imposed PDF)

Then we'll be hearing from Jason Renard Walker, an incarcerated journalist and activist at the Clemens Unit near Amarillo, Texas. Jason is the Minister of Labor for the New Afrikan Black Panther Party (Prison Chapter) and his writing is frequently featured in the SF Bay View National Black Newspaper. Mr. Walker's answers will be read by his girlfriend, Noelle. You can find more of Jasons writings at his blog, JasonsPrisonJournal.com, including a link to his recently published e-book "Reports from Within The Belly Of The Beast: Torture and Injustice Inside Texas Department of Criminal Justice" available from Amazon.com and hopefully soon in paperback. He also just published this piece on his blog about the coverup around covid-19. This interview is transcribed below.

Jason Renard Walker #1532092 Clements Unit 9601 Spur 591 Amarillo, TX 79107

You can hear our chat from 2018 with

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