Kern Valley State Prison under fire for race-based lockdown targeting Black prisoners

by California Prison Focus et al

In a shocking revelation, community leaders, advocates and concerned family members have come forward to expose a racially discriminatory lockdown at Kern Valley State Prison’s B Yard. Minister King X Pyeface, alongside representatives from California Prison Focus, K.A.G.E. Universal and other advocacy groups, are demanding accountability and immediate action to end what they describe as an unlawful, race-based collective punishment targeting Black inmates.

According to a formal complaint, prison officials have implemented a lockdown exclusively affecting Black prisoners, citing vague and unsupported allegations of “sympathizer” activity. This term, absent from Title 15, Section 3378.2, which governs Security Threat Group (STG) designations, is being used as justification for what advocates describe as targeted reprisal and implicit bias.

Key allegations

1. Unlawful use of “sympathizer” label
   KVSP staff have allegedly weaponized the term “sympathizer” to impose restrictions on the Black inmate population, while simultaneously lifting similar restrictions for White, Asian and Latino inmates. Advocates assert this selective enforcement is an egregious violation of basic human rights and legal standards.
2. Denial of Basic Rights
   The complaint highlights how Black inmates are being denied access to vital resources, including the law library, religious services, education and vocational programs. Family visits have also been restricted, further isolating incarcerated individuals from their loved ones and support networks.
3. Lack of transparency and accountability
   Community leaders have called for a memorandum and a direct meeting with the warden and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) secretary. They are demanding a complete list of Black inmates subjected to STG-related actions and clarity on how rehabilitation programs have been disrupted.

Advocacy groups respond This racially discriminatory lockdown has galvanized a coalition of advocates, including California Prison Focus, BOSS, Liberate Our Elders and Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back. Brittany Hawkins, a prominent community member, emphasized the urgency of lifting the lockdown and ensuring KVSP complies fully with established laws and regulations. “Selective punishment of an entire racial group undermines the legitimacy of the prison system and violates basic human rights,” Hawkins said.

Minister King X echoed these concerns, stating, “This is a blatant abuse of power, and we demand immediate action to restore justice and equity within Kern Valley State Prison.”

Call to Action

The coalition has issued formal requests to KVSP and the CDCR, including:

1. A meeting with the warden and CDCR secretary to address the allegations.
2. A full disclosure of Black inmates affected by STG-related lockdowns and denials of services.
3. Restoration of access to essential programs, including legal and religious resources, educational opportunities and family visitations.

The community awaits a transparent response from KVSP officials. Advocates have made it clear that failure to address these grievances will not only perpetuate harm but also erode public trust in California’s correctional institutions.

Minister King X of California Prison Focus and K.A.G.E. Universal can be reached at 510-213-4008.

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