Snap Judgment Podcast Summary: "The Feast - Snap Classic"
Introduction
In the "The Feast - Snap Classic" episode of Snap Judgment, released on January 2, 2025, hosts Glenn Washington and Robert Cannon Jr. delve into a poignant and transformative story set within the confines of Muskegon Correctional Facility in western Michigan. This episode explores themes of solidarity, resilience, and the quest for justice through the lens of two incarcerated men who orchestrated a unique celebration of life honoring George Floyd.
Background: Michael Thompson and Robert Cannon Jr. ("Silk")
The story centers around Michael Thompson, a recently released inmate from a 25-year sentence for marijuana possession, and Robert Cannon Jr., known as "Silk," serving a life sentence for a crime committed shortly after turning 18. Both men became pivotal figures in advocating for prison reform from within the system.
Glenn Washington introduces Michael Thompson at [06:01], setting the stage for an insider's view of the prison environment.
Planning the Celebration
In the wake of George Floyd's tragic death, Michael and Silk sought to create a moment of unity and remembrance among the prisoners. Recognizing the restrictive nature of prison life, they conceptualized a "celebration of life" that would allow inmates to grieve collectively without violating strict prison regulations.
Silk articulates his motivation at [09:18]:
"What happened to Floyd happens every day in this country, in education, in health services, and in every area of American life. It's time for us to stand up in George's name and say, get your knee off our necks."
Executing the Feast: The Bagel Sandwich Initiative
Michael envisioned a celebration marked by food, specifically a substantial and symbolic bagel sandwich. Collaborating with Silk, who was revered in the prison kitchen for his culinary ingenuity, they embarked on creating a unique meal using limited resources.
At [15:49], Silk shares his culinary philosophy:
"When you take pride and put love into your cooking, it tastes a whole lot different than you just putting something together and throwing it in the microwave."
The duo meticulously planned the menu, sourcing ingredients from the prison commissary despite restrictions. Silk's expertise in creating appealing dishes from scarce supplies was instrumental in bringing Michael's vision to life.
Overcoming Challenges and Officer Interference
As preparations neared completion, the initiative attracted the attention of prison officers. An aggressive confrontation ensued when an officer questioned the source of the food and the legitimacy of the celebration.
Silk recounts the encounter at [30:38]:
"He asked me the question, well, who paid for all this food? I said I did. So he said, well, you can't just pay for food and give it away. I said I can. I can."
Despite the officer's attempts to shut down the feast, support from a fellow black officer ensured that Michael and Silk could proceed with their plans. The officers' intervention highlighted the fragile balance between maintaining order and allowing prisoners moments of human connection.
The Feast: A Moment of Unity and Reflection
On the day of the celebration, over 60 inmates participated, each receiving a meticulously prepared bagel sandwich. The feast became a profound expression of grief, solidarity, and a silent protest against systemic injustices.
Silk describes the sandwiches at [29:06]:
"When I make your sandwich, before I put your other piece of bread on there, I put three or four spoons of chili on top of it. So the inside of your bagel will be wet. So that's what we call wet bagels. It's a great sandwich."
The event fostered emotional connections among the inmates, breaking down usual barriers and allowing for expressions of love and appreciation rarely seen in the harsh prison environment.
Aftermath and Robert Cannon Jr.'s Death
Tragically, Robert Cannon Jr. later died in prison due to acute fentanyl toxicity, a death that Silk attributed to systemic failures in prison healthcare.
At [38:10], Silk voices his anguish:
"What they gonna do? As long as I ain't got nothing right now they can't do nothing about it."
Michael Thompson reflects on Silk's passing, drawing parallels between their struggles and the broader issues of racial injustice and healthcare neglect.
Michael shares his sorrow at [40:00]:
"Robert was awarded to the state, and the state did not take care of him. And George Floyd depended upon law enforcement, and law enforcement failed him. It's all a joke."
Conclusion: Legacy of the Feast
The "Feast" stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the human spirit's resilience even in the most restrictive environments. Michael Thompson and Robert Cannon Jr.'s efforts not only provided solace to their fellow inmates but also highlighted the urgent need for reform within the criminal justice system.
Glenn Washington closes the segment with a tribute at [42:01]:
"Silk's memory lives on with his girlfriend and soulmate Dolores, his sister and brother, cousins, nieces and nephews, and all the men who gathered together to grieve George Floyd's death over a 7-inch fried rice bagel sandwich."
Impact and Reflection
This episode underscores the profound impact that individuals can have within oppressive systems. Through the "Feast," Michael and Silk created a space for healing and solidarity, challenging the dehumanizing conditions of prison life and advocating for a more just and compassionate society.
Michael Thompson poignantly summarizes at [41:19]:
"Health care. And they both died in Jesse."
Final Thoughts
"The Feast - Snap Classic" is a stirring exploration of how moments of compassion and unity can emerge even in the bleakest circumstances. It invites listeners to reflect on the pervasive issues of systemic injustice and the enduring human capacity for empathy and change.