Antonio Battle Update
Quick update - I spoke with Antonio on the phone last night, and he's at the Tombs, not MDC. His girlfriend had texted me in the morning that he was at MDC, which I assumed was the Metropolitan Detention Complex in Sunset Park. I was a little confused when he told me he was at the Tombs - why would they transfer him from a federal facility (MDC) to a city facility? But you all solved the puzzle for me, when my friend and fellow writer Steve Adams posted about Antonio to social media and one of his contacts reminded me that the Tombs' official city designation is the Manhattan Detention Center (MDC), which it turns out is where he was taken from the start. Thanks, Steve!
It looks like he's being held until February 15, which they've told him is the date he will go to court and Faith Mission will provide documentation that he in fact transferred to a new shelter. In other words, he will spend the next two weeks in jail for no reason whatsoever. Antonio takes this stuff in stride with a familiarity that is haunting - he understands that he is in a loop where he has to justify his every move. What is infuriating to anyone to takes our freedom and privacy for granted is just standard operating practice for him - doing what he has to do.
He also told me he's writing a letter he wants to share with you. He'll be mailing it to me, and I'll either scan or transcribe it for you. Please keep him in your thoughts, vibes, prayers, or however you honor the people in your life who need all these things.
Re/Creation is now running a fundraiser from July 12-31 with limited edition t-shirts and coffee mugs featuring Antonio Battle’s work. Please considering buying one (or more!). All funds will go to Antonio as he continues to struggle and strive in his work and in his reentry.