John,
In 2016, Albert Woodfox was finally freed after spending nearly 45 years in prison — almost all of which he spent in solitary confinement — for a crime he didn’t commit.
After just six years of freedom, the entire Innocence Project team is saddened to share that Albert passed away on Aug. 4 from complications related to COVID at the age of 75. I know that we will remember him today and every day as our fiercest fighter and brightest light.
"There will be a huge hole in the sky tonight,” said Albert’s attorney George Kendall after his passing.
During my work at the Innocence Project, I had the privilege of getting to know Albert and his truly unbreakable spirit. Albert was represented by George Kendall and Carine Williams, and supported by the Innocence Project of New Orleans. I can honestly say that one of the greatest joys of my life was learning from this brilliant man and former Black Panther.
Please take a moment today to read the full interview I was honored to do with Albert in 2021. Then, help keep his story alive for the next generations to come by purchasing his incredible memoir, “Solitary”.
Albert Woodfox at Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, Feb. 2021. (Image: William Widmer for the Innocence Project)
In 1972, when a white correctional officer was murdered, Albert and Herman Wallace, another Black Panther who was incarcerated with Albert, were immediately targeted as suspects because they were Black Panthers. Despite a lack of evidence, they were convicted and not long after were sent into solitary confinement.
Even though Albert was physically confined in prison, he described himself as intellectually and spiritually liberated. So he considered his 2016 release the achievement of his “physical freedom.”
“It never ever came close to breaking my spirit,” Albert told me. “And that's what solitary confinement is designed for.”
It’s widely reported that Albert served the longest period in solitary confinement of any person in the United States. Yet Albert emerged from prison an activist whose spirit remained unbroken.
“This journey has really, really tried me as a human being, and I'm happy to say that I’m very, very proud,” Albert said in his interview with me. “When I was coming up, my mom used to tell me, ‘Boy when you look in the mirror, if you're not proud of what's looking back at you, then you not a man.’ I didn't understand that at that time. But, I always tell people, I grew into my mom's wisdom … And I think, so far, when I look in the mirror, I'm proud of what I look back at.”
Meghna Philip, Albert Woodfox, and Alicia Maule. (Image: Courtesy of Alicia Maule)
Albert Woodfox was an activist, a wellspring of history, and humanity’s finest. He always fought for what he believed in and our world is better off because of his leadership, resilience, and determination. He will be truly missed by all of us and his legacy inspires us to fight even harder for justice.
Please, learn more about Albert’s journey directly from his own words by purchasing his book “Solitary”.
Shine on, Albert,
Alicia Maule
Digital Engagement Director
Innocence Project
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