Rally to Demand the Immediate Release of Children from Angola

Following news of the state’s granted appeal of a judge’s decision ordering the removal of children from Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola, FFLIC will hold a protest Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m CDT., 2023 in front of the Governor’s Mansion.

Youth justice advocates view the state’s appeal as a continuing act of institutional violence and violation of human rights. Youth need safe, healthy environments and supportive rehabilitative services. Yet the state is refusing to release children, despite the evidence of abuse and deplorable conditions at Angola.

Antonio Travis, Youth Organizing Manager with FFLIC, made the following statement: “We are imploring the Governor to do the right thing and support the federal court’s decision to release kids from Angola. At every juncture the state has chosen to shift blame to the youth, instead of taking responsibility for their own failures. But there is no reality in which a child spending any day in one of the nation’s most notoriously inhumane adult prisons is a good idea. The state’s delaying their removal will only continue to perpetuate the devastation of more harm and trauma. The trauma these kids experience will continue to reverberate into their families and communities, and makes all of us less safe.”

We invite the press and community members to join FFLIC at this event to demand an immediate release of youth from Angola.

WHAT: Demand for the Immediate Release of Children from Angola

WHO: Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children

WHEN: September 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. CDT

WHERE: Governor’s Mansion, 1001 Capitol Access Road Baton Rouge, LA 70802

If you are unable to attend the rally…

Call the Governor! In partnership with the ACLU, we are also doing rapid response action for phone calls to the Governor! We want to turn the pressure up on Governor Edwards by tagging him on Instagram (@louisiana_gov) and driving phone calls to his office at

225-342-7015. 

Suggested Script for Phone Calls:

• I’m calling about the kids who are in Angola Prison.
• Children don’t belong in prison. Angola is the nation’s largest adult maximum security prison.
• The state should stop fighting the judge’s order to remove the kids from Angola.
• Governor Edwards should get the kids out of Angola now.

Suggested Social Media Post:

A federal judge ordered the state to get kids out of Angola. The state is fighting the order. @louisiana_gov children don’t belong in prison. Get the kids out of Angola NOW. @FFLICLA

News Articles About the Judge’s Order to Remove Kids from Angola:

• Judge orders state to move youths held at Angola – Verite News
• Federal Judge Orders Louisiana to Move Kids out of Angola Prison (theappeal.org)