Call and email Virginia DOC in solidarity with comrade Kevin ‘Rashid’ Johnson and fellow prisoners on hunger strike at Red Onion State Prison!
Since December 26th, 2023, up to 30 prisoners in solitary confinement at Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison have been on hunger strike to protest the continued use of torturous long-term solitary confinement. Despite critical concern, outcry from the public and prisoner populations in the state, incarcerated people are still subjected to this brutal practice which has been renamed “restorative housing” since July 1st, 2023 when measures were passed to limit its use in the state.
Leading these prisoners in this effort is longtime prison activist, revolutionary writer and artist, Kevin “Rashid” Johnson. Rashid has stated that no one will take any food at all until demands are met. As of the last update from nearly a week ago, Rashid has been taken to the medical wing having refused over 63 meals and lost over 30 lbs. Furthermore, Red Onion prisoncrats have formed a hunger-strike committee that is cutting off all communications possible including phone access, emails, visitation, and even legal calls.
“We have to protect Rashid because he fights for all of us,” said Shupavu wa Kirima, a leader of Rashid’s outside support, on January 18th. Rashid has reported on conditions at Red Onion for over a decade. Rashid and his comrades, several of whom also have chronic health conditions, are putting their health at risk to demand an end to sensory deprivation and torture.
Gather your people!
Keep boosting this call for support.
Make calls and emails!
Virginia Department of Corrections: Chadwick S. Dotson, Director
- Phone: (804) 674-3000 (hit “0” for staff)
- Email: chadwick.dotson@vadoc.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Corrections: Kyle Rosch, Interstate Compact Liaison
(responsible for Rashid’s transfers)
- Phone: (804) 887-8404
- Email: kyle.rosch@vadoc.virginia.gov
Glenn Youngkin, Virginia State Governor
- Phone (804) 786-2211.
- Email: glenn.youngkin@governor.virginia.gov
Sample Script: Hello, I am calling in support of Kevin “Rashid” Johnson and the hunger strikers at Red Onion State Prison. I am deeply concerned about the continuing brutality and use of long-term solitary that people inside and outside have been protesting. I am also deeply concerned to hear that Rashid is not receiving appropriate care for his prostate cancer and congestive heart failure. Please transfer Rashid to a facility with a medical center that can address his conditions. Thank you.
Read Rashid’s writings and visit his support website: rashidmod.com
Articles and media:
- WVTF Public Radio, “Virginia prisoners stage a hunger strike to protest solitary confinement” https://www.wvtf.org/news/2024-01-18/virginia-prisoners-stage-a-hunger-strike-to-protest-solitary-confinement
- Kevin “Rashid” Johnson, “Abu Ghraib Comes to Amerika: Torture Unit under Construction at Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison” (October 30, 2010) https://rashidmod.com/?p=119
- Kevin “Rashid” Johnson, “Virginia Prisoners Hunger Strike at Red Onion State Prison” (December 28, 2023) https://rashidmod.com/?p=3539
- Kevin “Rashid” Johnson, “Beating Time: Racist Abuse Continues at Red Onion State Prison” https://rashidmod.com/?p=3534