We have all heard of the alleged treatment of prisoners in the United States; however, the news coming out of USP Pollock in Louisiana is quite disturbing. Rapper and Entrepreneur Gucci Mane has called for an all out investigation of rapper Pooh Shiesty treatment in the USP Pollock. Pooh Shiesty is serving a five year sentence after being found guilty on federal conspiracy charges.

Gucci Mane reached out to both President Biden and Vice President Harris via social media in an attempt to draw their support for reform and an open investigation into USP Pollock. The Grant Parish, Louisiana high security US Penitentiary has been under extreme scrutiny in recent years; however, the institution received favorable standings in the 2019 CIC Inspection report. In 2022, several inmates has been murdered in the facility, which has drawn the eyes of federal regulators and the media. The max population at USP Pollock is 1,300 with the facility currently at 1210 with 116 inmates at the satellite camp.

Gucci Mane’s argument is over the treatment of prisoners. A reform to stipulate the parameters of where prisoners serve time is just one element of Gucci’s complaints. Pooh Shiesty, is currently serving his sentence 1,500 miles from his home which makes staying in touch with family almost impossible. At current USP Pollock is at a level-2, which prohibits visitors to the Penitentiary due to Covid-19 concerns. Gucci Mane is also in disagreement with the 23-hour lockdown instituted by USP Pollock for inmates for excessive periods of time. It has been reported that Pooh Shiesty has been in lockdown status for six month’s or more. Gucci Mane is seeking answers. In addition, Gucci Mane’s complaints have really opened dialogue when he claimed that empty meal trays were being distributed to inmates.

In recent years, entertainers have upped the ante into the way inmates are treated behind bars. There seems to be a societal norm that once someone is incarcerated, their rights and civil liberties are locked away also. I would have to beg you different! Gucci Mane, along with other popular figures in the culture, which include Rap-A-Lot founder J. Prince, Grammy Award winning John Legend and even Johnny Cash have spoken out in the need of prison reform.

So what can you do to help with prison reform?

Contact your local legislature.

Contact the ACLU: The American Civil Liberties Union, the nation’s guardian of liberty, is the catalyst for justice, fighting in court, legislature and communities to preserve the rights and liberties of those incarcerated. To date, the ACLU has made significant strides in protecting the rights and freedoms of inmates.