Rattling the Bars
@rattlingthebars.bsky.social
Rattling the Bars is a web series about prisoners' rights on TRNN and hosted by former political prisoner turned reporter Mansa Musa, who spent decades in the US carceral system organizing for liberation.
🏠 therealnews.com
📺 youtube.com/@therealnews
🏠 therealnews.com
📺 youtube.com/@therealnews
Want to hear some real news?
Tune in to the latest episode of Rattling the Bars, where I speak with Sean Wilson, a seasoned organizer from dream.org, about Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to overhaul Wisconsin’s prison system.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov
therealnews.com/green-bay-co...
Tune in to the latest episode of Rattling the Bars, where I speak with Sean Wilson, a seasoned organizer from dream.org, about Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to overhaul Wisconsin’s prison system.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov
therealnews.com/green-bay-co...
Wisconsin moves to modernize prisons—but not fast enough to save lives
“I don't think Wisconsin can afford to drag its feet while people are dying… It is high time for there to be some political urgency around the closure of these prisons and a real, committed goal to re...
therealnews.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Want to hear some real news?
Tune in to the latest episode of Rattling the Bars, where I speak with Sean Wilson, a seasoned organizer from dream.org, about Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to overhaul Wisconsin’s prison system.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov
therealnews.com/green-bay-co...
Tune in to the latest episode of Rattling the Bars, where I speak with Sean Wilson, a seasoned organizer from dream.org, about Gov. Tony Evers’ plan to overhaul Wisconsin’s prison system.
@govevers.wisconsin.gov
therealnews.com/green-bay-co...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
People are facing down masked men with GUNS in their cul de sacs while wearing sweats and flip flops. USians are in the streets.
November 20, 2025 at 7:34 PM
People are facing down masked men with GUNS in their cul de sacs while wearing sweats and flip flops. USians are in the streets.
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Call your local hotline number, blow you whistle, if you are able to come out onto the street in support of your neighbors, do it. We can drive ICE out. 🥰👇
Yesterday
ICE was in New Brunswick on Ward Street at 8am. The community called the rapid response number 888-347-3767 ☎️ and the rapid response teams were able to stop the kidnapping. WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN.CALL The Rapid Response for Any Immigration Situation 888-347-3767
New Labor
#ICEoutofNJ
ICE was in New Brunswick on Ward Street at 8am. The community called the rapid response number 888-347-3767 ☎️ and the rapid response teams were able to stop the kidnapping. WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN.CALL The Rapid Response for Any Immigration Situation 888-347-3767
New Labor
#ICEoutofNJ
November 20, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Call your local hotline number, blow you whistle, if you are able to come out onto the street in support of your neighbors, do it. We can drive ICE out. 🥰👇
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
and a swastika was drawn on his DA file. Read more about his case and most importantly, the innocent man whose freedom we continue to fight for here:
promiseofjustice.org/news/new-hea...
promiseofjustice.org/news/new-hea...
Swastika Found on DA File Introduced into Court, Judge Grants Hearing for PJI Client Incarcerated for 45 Years — The Promise of Justice Initiative
BREAKING NEWS: PJI Client, Lloyd Gray granted new hearing based on evidence presented of racial discrimination in Orleans Criminal Court!
promiseofjustice.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:54 PM
and a swastika was drawn on his DA file. Read more about his case and most importantly, the innocent man whose freedom we continue to fight for here:
promiseofjustice.org/news/new-hea...
promiseofjustice.org/news/new-hea...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Yesterday, our dear friend & client, Lloyd Gray was granted a new hearing based on newly discovered evidence of racial discrimination! Lloyd has been incarcerated for the last 45 yrs due to a nonunanimous jury conviction where two of the jurors who found him not guilty were Black...
October 31, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Yesterday, our dear friend & client, Lloyd Gray was granted a new hearing based on newly discovered evidence of racial discrimination! Lloyd has been incarcerated for the last 45 yrs due to a nonunanimous jury conviction where two of the jurors who found him not guilty were Black...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan wins Orleans clerk of court race - Verite News New Orleans
Duncan, a political newcomer and former prisoner, defeated incumbent Darren Lombard by a wide margin in Saturday's runoff.
veritenews.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:09 PM
a big runoff last night, in New Orleans:
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending *28 years* in prison; he tried to get his own case records from the New Orleans city clerk—but the office dragged its feet.
So Duncan ran to become city clerk himself, and yesterday ousted the incumbent.
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Federal funding cuts go deeper than erasing Black history; they suppress the voices of those who share and protect Black stories, which puts the future of Black history at risk. baltimorebeat.com/the-importan...
November 20, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Federal funding cuts go deeper than erasing Black history; they suppress the voices of those who share and protect Black stories, which puts the future of Black history at risk. baltimorebeat.com/the-importan...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
"U.S.-backed wars—both proxy and otherwise—lead to environmental damage that destabilizes whole populations and regions. The U.S. military is the largest institutional emitter of fossil fuels in the world, at about 1.2 billion metric tons from 2001 through 2018.”
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
COP28 must address militarization
As the earth approaches climate tipping points, world leaders must consider the world’s largest institutional emitter of fossil fuels: the U.S. military
prismreports.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:23 PM
"U.S.-backed wars—both proxy and otherwise—lead to environmental damage that destabilizes whole populations and regions. The U.S. military is the largest institutional emitter of fossil fuels in the world, at about 1.2 billion metric tons from 2001 through 2018.”
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
"No COP discussion or agreement has ever suggested addressing root causes of climate change and ecological destruction—colonialism, imperialism—through demilitarization."
ray levy uyeda wrote this for @prismreports.org in 2023 and it's even more relevant for COP30
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
ray levy uyeda wrote this for @prismreports.org in 2023 and it's even more relevant for COP30
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
COP28 must address militarization
As the earth approaches climate tipping points, world leaders must consider the world’s largest institutional emitter of fossil fuels: the U.S. military
prismreports.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:22 PM
"No COP discussion or agreement has ever suggested addressing root causes of climate change and ecological destruction—colonialism, imperialism—through demilitarization."
ray levy uyeda wrote this for @prismreports.org in 2023 and it's even more relevant for COP30
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
ray levy uyeda wrote this for @prismreports.org in 2023 and it's even more relevant for COP30
prismreports.org/2023/11/28/c...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
🧵 The elimination of Teen Vogue’s entire political desk and layoffs of their Black, brown, trans, and queer workers is part of a devastating mainstream media landscape.
prismreports.org/2025/11/19/p...
prismreports.org/2025/11/19/p...
Progressive philanthropy needs to commit to funding journalism
Marginalized voices are facing new pressures amid industry cutbacks and increasing attacks from the Trump administration
prismreports.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:29 PM
🧵 The elimination of Teen Vogue’s entire political desk and layoffs of their Black, brown, trans, and queer workers is part of a devastating mainstream media landscape.
prismreports.org/2025/11/19/p...
prismreports.org/2025/11/19/p...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
November 20 is Black Consciousness Day in #Brazil. A day celebrating the struggle of Black groups, communities & movs & celebrating Brazil’s most historic Black leader, #Zumbi dos Palmares. Latest episode #StoriesOfResistance @undertheshadow.bsky.social #ConcienciaNegra
Zumbi dos Palmares: Brazil's hero of Black resistance
Zumbi dos Palmares was the leader of the great Palmares Quilombo, in colonial Brazil. He was killed by Portuguese forces on Nov. 20, 1695, after years of struggle. He is Brazil’s greatest hero of Blac...
therealnews.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:01 PM
November 20 is Black Consciousness Day in #Brazil. A day celebrating the struggle of Black groups, communities & movs & celebrating Brazil’s most historic Black leader, #Zumbi dos Palmares. Latest episode #StoriesOfResistance @undertheshadow.bsky.social #ConcienciaNegra
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
I don't have words.
Idaho is building a chamber for firing squad executions and this is how the architects and contractors are discussing the project. They're accounting for blood drainage and blown out eardrums, but not asking, "why are we doing this?"
Who are the monsters now?
Idaho is building a chamber for firing squad executions and this is how the architects and contractors are discussing the project. They're accounting for blood drainage and blown out eardrums, but not asking, "why are we doing this?"
Who are the monsters now?
TAKE ACTION! Elevatus Architecture and Okland Construction have been contracted by Idaho to design a new firing squad execution chamber. Help us demand they withdraw from this contract to stop this before it’s built. THREAD
November 19, 2025 at 9:33 PM
I don't have words.
Idaho is building a chamber for firing squad executions and this is how the architects and contractors are discussing the project. They're accounting for blood drainage and blown out eardrums, but not asking, "why are we doing this?"
Who are the monsters now?
Idaho is building a chamber for firing squad executions and this is how the architects and contractors are discussing the project. They're accounting for blood drainage and blown out eardrums, but not asking, "why are we doing this?"
Who are the monsters now?
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
This year’s COP30 conference has more fossil fuel lobbyists in attendance than any previous conference, but it has also drawn the biggest delegation of Indigenous peoples from around the world—each group representing competing visions for addressing the climate crisis.
At COP30, humanity must choose: Fossil fuel industry profits or a livable planet?
“The presence of lobbyists and other representatives from the fossil fuel industry… is a huge problem, obviously, for the COP process,” Dharna Noor says. “The idea that these companies that have their...
therealnews.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:35 PM
This year’s COP30 conference has more fossil fuel lobbyists in attendance than any previous conference, but it has also drawn the biggest delegation of Indigenous peoples from around the world—each group representing competing visions for addressing the climate crisis.
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
“Alabama prisons are completely lawless at this point,” author Matthew Whalan tells @rattlingthebars.bsky.social. “A lot of the order that is injected into them is really just from prisoners organizing themselves.”
'The Alabama Department of Corrections is a drug cartel'
“Alabama prisons are completely lawless at this point,” author Matthew Whalan says. “A lot of the order that is injected into them is really just from prisoners organizing themselves.”
therealnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:35 PM
“Alabama prisons are completely lawless at this point,” author Matthew Whalan tells @rattlingthebars.bsky.social. “A lot of the order that is injected into them is really just from prisoners organizing themselves.”
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
70+ free printable "How to Report ICE" zines with info on the SALUTE protocol and local hotline numbers for all over the country! Including some in Spanish!
There is an info sheet on how to fold and cut the zines and a form to request a zine for your area.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
There is an info sheet on how to fold and cut the zines and a form to request a zine for your area.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
November 17, 2025 at 12:14 AM
70+ free printable "How to Report ICE" zines with info on the SALUTE protocol and local hotline numbers for all over the country! Including some in Spanish!
There is an info sheet on how to fold and cut the zines and a form to request a zine for your area.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
There is an info sheet on how to fold and cut the zines and a form to request a zine for your area.
drive.google.com/drive/folder...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
One striking aspect of ICE resistance in Chicago, is how many people in the videos appear to be average, everyday residents out for walks or stepping out of their houses.
Like, this guy is barefoot, in Blackhawk hockey PJs! Or...
(*I've not personally talked to the people in these videos)
Like, this guy is barefoot, in Blackhawk hockey PJs! Or...
(*I've not personally talked to the people in these videos)
October 26, 2025 at 1:19 AM
One striking aspect of ICE resistance in Chicago, is how many people in the videos appear to be average, everyday residents out for walks or stepping out of their houses.
Like, this guy is barefoot, in Blackhawk hockey PJs! Or...
(*I've not personally talked to the people in these videos)
Like, this guy is barefoot, in Blackhawk hockey PJs! Or...
(*I've not personally talked to the people in these videos)
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
A number of local Chicago reporters/journalists have truly distinguished themselves over the past few weeks and I am so very grateful. It also shows that reporting is a public service when done well. Thank you all.
November 13, 2025 at 8:10 PM
A number of local Chicago reporters/journalists have truly distinguished themselves over the past few weeks and I am so very grateful. It also shows that reporting is a public service when done well. Thank you all.
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Death behind bars, a story in 5 objects:
A receipt is a mom's last connection to her son
A man watches Knicks games w/ his brother's ashes
An estranged child, wonders about a father's lost bible
Travel books, for places un-visited
A muddy hat, too precious to pack away.
tinyurl.com/482hyknt
A receipt is a mom's last connection to her son
A man watches Knicks games w/ his brother's ashes
An estranged child, wonders about a father's lost bible
Travel books, for places un-visited
A muddy hat, too precious to pack away.
tinyurl.com/482hyknt
Their Loved Ones Died Behind Bars. These Keepsakes Are All They Have Left.
Five families reflect on the possessions they got back, and the ones they didn’t.
www.themarshallproject.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Death behind bars, a story in 5 objects:
A receipt is a mom's last connection to her son
A man watches Knicks games w/ his brother's ashes
An estranged child, wonders about a father's lost bible
Travel books, for places un-visited
A muddy hat, too precious to pack away.
tinyurl.com/482hyknt
A receipt is a mom's last connection to her son
A man watches Knicks games w/ his brother's ashes
An estranged child, wonders about a father's lost bible
Travel books, for places un-visited
A muddy hat, too precious to pack away.
tinyurl.com/482hyknt
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Baltimore Officer charged with attempted murder after viral video shows him trying to run man down baltimorebeat.com/baltimore-of...
November 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Baltimore Officer charged with attempted murder after viral video shows him trying to run man down baltimorebeat.com/baltimore-of...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
The Peculiar Patriot, performed in more than 35 US prisons, reveals the human cost of mass incarceration and the enduring ties between slavery and the prison system.
Inside the modern-day plantation: How theater confronts incarceration
The Peculiar Patriot, performed in more than 35 US prisons, reveals the human cost of mass incarceration and the enduring ties between slavery and the prison system.
therealnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The Peculiar Patriot, performed in more than 35 US prisons, reveals the human cost of mass incarceration and the enduring ties between slavery and the prison system.
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Eddie Conway and the Black Panther Party remembered with art, music, and education baltimorebeat.com/eddie-conway...
November 11, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Eddie Conway and the Black Panther Party remembered with art, music, and education baltimorebeat.com/eddie-conway...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
If you’ve ever held a copy of Baltimore Beat in your hands, you can thank Olu Butterfly, Leo Gray, his dad, Andrew Gray, Latoya Moore, and Michael Morstein. baltimorebeat.com/our-drivers/
November 12, 2025 at 3:04 PM
If you’ve ever held a copy of Baltimore Beat in your hands, you can thank Olu Butterfly, Leo Gray, his dad, Andrew Gray, Latoya Moore, and Michael Morstein. baltimorebeat.com/our-drivers/
Check out my in-depth conversation w/ Liza Jessie Peterson about her acclaimed play, The Peculiar Patriot, and powerful documentary, Angola Do You Hear Us?
We explore how Black cultural production serves as a transformative force for self-determination.
youtu.be/rcDuOs80ya0?...
We explore how Black cultural production serves as a transformative force for self-determination.
youtu.be/rcDuOs80ya0?...
November 9, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Check out my in-depth conversation w/ Liza Jessie Peterson about her acclaimed play, The Peculiar Patriot, and powerful documentary, Angola Do You Hear Us?
We explore how Black cultural production serves as a transformative force for self-determination.
youtu.be/rcDuOs80ya0?...
We explore how Black cultural production serves as a transformative force for self-determination.
youtu.be/rcDuOs80ya0?...
Reposted by Rattling the Bars
Poet, actor, and playwright Liza Jessie Peterson is bringing her one-woman play “The Peculiar Patriot,” which has been performed in over 30 prisons across the country, to Baltimore Center Stage. The Philly native believes it’s the right place and the right time for this story.
‘The Peculiar Patriot’ takes Baltimore audiences behind the wall
The play has been performed in over 30 prisons across the country.
therealnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Poet, actor, and playwright Liza Jessie Peterson is bringing her one-woman play “The Peculiar Patriot,” which has been performed in over 30 prisons across the country, to Baltimore Center Stage. The Philly native believes it’s the right place and the right time for this story.