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Randy Arroyo Baez's Interests
General
I like all sports,(all N.Y. teams) All kinds of music, and live to learn. I'm currently writing an autobiography of my life and how I ended up on Death Row although I am now serving a life sentence here in Texas.
My goals are to prove my innocence, and one day open an organization that helps indigent people who are falsely accused of crimes. I believe knowledge is the key to life.
In any case, I'm a fun loving guy who loves life and doesn't mind trying new things. I believe that the best school is the 'school of life' (experiences). I am also very politically minded and love politics.
THE WELFARE POETS were formed in the Spring of 1990 with the purpose of using culture as a tool of resistance, and in the summer of 2000, the group released their first independent album "Project Blues." In May of 2005 the collective put out their second album "Rhymes For Treason." The collective just released the CD compilation against the death penalty, “Cruel and Unusual Punishment," and is currently working on their fourth album
"Cruel and Unusual Punishment" was released in February of 2007. It was influenced by the need to combat and dismantle the inhumane death penalty system. The death penalty is both racist and classist in its intention and application. The album was inspired by Hasan Shakur, who was unjustly executed by the state of Texas on August 31st, 2006.
Artists featured on Cruel and Unusual Punishment: The Welfare Poets - Rayzer, The Legendary MIC and Jamaki-Bowith music from Djibril and Jamaki (Harlem, BX and BK); Abiodun (of the Legendary Last Poets- NYC); HiCOUP (NJ); Blitz (Ghana/NYC); Hasan Salaam (NJ); Chosan (Sierra Leone/London/NYC); Son of Nun (Baltimore); A-Alikes (NYC); Tru-N-Livin (NJ); Warclub (Cali/Phili); Jav'lin (Amsterdam); InI Mighty Lockdown (New Rochelle); Hec -1 (NYC/Chi); Rebel Diaz - Rodstarz and Lah Tere (Chi/NYC); Wordplay (Cincinatti); JuggaBlak (Mount Vernon); LemBoogie (Mount Vernon); Block McCloud (Brooklyn); Bolos (Brooklyn); Truth Universal (New Orleans) and Wise Intelligent (of Poor Righteous Teachers - NJ).
I was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, but I was raised in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico “Cond.. Las Gladioloas”.
We then moved to the Americas. Growing up in America one could say makes me as American as anyone, but not enjoying the privileges of being American, namely CITIZENSHIP!!!
I faced what so many of us Latino Children face growing up: run down, poverty-stricken neighborhoods where gangs, drugs, prostitution, and violence are common place. Neighborhoods where role-models are drug lords, or gang members, a place where one develops a false sense of manhood, due to the role-models present, making one live in a perpetual state of fear.
Once veiled by ignorance, my actions were but reflex reactions to a hostile social order. And due to this blinding veil of ignorance, the social order of things, though hostile, appeared in no way unnatural to me. Never was I admonished that I was born into a predetermined set of circumstances, arranged by oppressive forces, and devised to make prison the most likely fate of this Latino child. Without awareness I was on a track destined for this, my present reality; prison, but more so for landing me on DEATH ROW at the age of 17.
Dreams (the blood of man) were bled out of me. Confined to prison and condemned to die, my dreams were deferred. Still, I allowed myself no time to waste, unless I lost the ground of my battle for Justice, Equality and Peace. For these reasons do I live, and for these reasons I will die, because without reasons a man’s life is without purpose.
You know, I wasn’t all that bad of a kid. And I feel that I was handled way to harsh due to my unwillingness to cooperate with the man. Not to mention that they felt threatened by my new light of life before I was arrested. That being; starting a chapter of the Young Lords in San Antonio.
In the 1960s, Young Lords emerged as a political organization in Chicago. While in prison, Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez met Fred Hampton and other Black Panther Party members. They discussed the exploitation and oppression of Latino/as, African Americans and poor people in the United States. Cha Cha took what he learned to the Young Lords, at the time, a well-known Chicago street gang, and transformed the Young Lords into an organization committed to human rights and the liberation of Puerto Rico. The Young Lords believed that institutions in the community should be accountable to the people that they were established to serve. Neglect and unresponsiveness led the Young Lords to take direct action to bring attention to the deplorable economic, social and political conditions existing in poor Latino/a communities across the United States. By 1976, the Young Lords Party had disintegrated as a result of government and police repression and political infighting. The organization ceased to exist, but the principles it stood for remain.
Randy Arroyo, who was 17 when he committed his alleged crime, had his death penalty conviction overturned when the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to execute someone who committed their crime when they were a minor.
He is now serving life in prison and is still fighting for his freedom and against the Law of Parties, and will be eligible for parole in 2037.
RANDY ARROYO BAEZ 1306206
Connally Unit
899 FM 632
Kenedy , Tx 78119
I believe friendship is a feeling rarely found in life, but when it is found-it has a profound impact on ones well being, strength and character. A true friendship does not need elaborate gifts or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued.
Friends are very special people who accept each other with unconditional caring. They recognize each others talents and faults, and acknowledge them without judgment. They're incapable of turning away when times are tough and life's problems seem hard to bear. Instead they encourage each other so they can enjoy the good times and find strength to endure the bad times. They're never afraid to say what they feel and can be honest without causing hurt or pain. They can depend on each other because they have the kind of trust that allows them to share the best and worst of their lives with laughter and without fear.
My pen pals are welcome to be in touch with any and all my supporters if they choose. One reason I have done this is so that they can see that I have no time for games. That what I say is the truth and what I am doing is for a just cause.
People can either choose to help by being active or support me simply by encouraging me and giving me advice. But no one is obliged to do anything. I don't expect everyone to always help me because I understand that not everyone is motivated to help, others are not in a position to help, or some simply choose not to help, and who am I to say that one has to help.
Please do not be discouraged because of my age, race, or current darkened surroundings to write me.
This is an annual event with participation from CEDP chapters across the US. The Austin CEDP will be organizing a week of activities including:
A People’s Tribunal Against the Death Penalty Tuesday, February 26 at 12 PM UT Campus, West Mall Steps We will present strong evidence against the continued use of the death penalty. Our verdict: the death penalty is dead wrong!
Is the Death Penalty on the Way Out? A CEDP Presentation Wednesday, February 27 at 7 PM At UT, NOA Room 1.116. From the Supreme Court moratorium due to a case about lethal injection, high profile cases like that of Kenneth Foster, Jr. in Texas, to abolition of the death penalty in New Jersey, support for the death penalty continues to slowly decline. Join the CEDP for a presentation that will describe these recent developments, as well as look at the CEDP's role in the struggle to end the death penalty.
Displays and tables on the West Mall Wed. the 27 in the afternoon, and at Wheatsville Co-Op on Friday early evening.
hey this is tasha abbies friend he told me to get on here and check u out please yell at him to make a myspace! lol thanks hope all is well and u 2 are in my prayers~~♥
A Broken System – Crying out For Justice 2007 – 2008 National Speaking Tour
In Austin, April 9, 2008 7 PM at UT, The Texas Union Chicano Culture Room, 4.206
Featuring Mothers of Texas Death Row Prisoners:
Sandra Reed – mother of Rodney Reed Anna Terrell - mother of Reginald Blanton Lee Greenwood – mother of Joseph Nichols, killed March 7, 2007 Chaired by Jeannine Scott – Wife of Michael Scott, in prison for life.
A “Live From Death Row” Event, with a call from a death row prisoner.
Something is wrong. What can we do? The first step to action is awareness. Come and hear these voices and together let's fight for justice.
Hey stranger. I sent you a letter today that I should have mailed a long time ago. Hope you write back soon. I miss the good 'ol days LOL. Take care of yourself
Been thinking about ya, so I figured I'd leave you a comment. I talked to your brother a while back... I'm going to shoot you a letter as soon as finals are over (law school is a trip, by the way). My address changed AGAIN, so I'll have to get you the new one. Hope you're doing well, and you'll hear from me soon.
"""""I SENT AN ANGEL TO WATCH OVER YOU LAST NIGHT BUT IT CAME BACK... I ASKED...WHY? AND IT SAID... ANGELS DON'T WATCH OVER ANGELS! *SEND THIS TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT* 20 angels are in this world, 10 are sleeping, 9 are playing And 1 is reading this comment. Send this to 10 friends, including me ,And if you get 5 replies, someone you love will surprise you! *to say your never forgotten""
