‘Real Prison Real Freedom’ by Rosser McDonald Shares the Heartbreaking Life Story and Inspiring Change of Former Aryan Brotherhood Member Rickie Smith
DALLAS, June 1, 2020 – Raised by a father who told him “Black people have their place and they should stay in it,” Rickie Smith was especially susceptible to the racial rhetoric and divisions rampant in Texas prisons in the 1970s and 80s. Originally sentenced to prison for 10 years, Smith’s anger at God and everybody else drove him to accept an invitation to join the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang.
As retold in the new book “Real Prison Real Freedom,” prisons seem be equal-opportunity bigotry mills. The Aryan Brotherhood (AB) was in conflict with the Mandingo Warriors, an African-American gang. The white and black gangs also fought with the Mexican Mafia. Smith’s ten-year sentence was increased by nearly 300 years, 99 of that for the attempted murder of a black inmate, Earnest Ross, who was on the Aryan Brotherhood hit list for killing an AB member.
But Smith’s journey didn’t end there. His story is testimony of the power of faith to change even the most hardened and prejudiced hearts.
“When I first met Rickie, God had gotten hold of his heart, and he was so very different from the younger, viciously violent former member of the white supremacist Aryan Brotherhood,” said author Rosser McDonald. “As a man of faith, I am continually humbled and encouraged by Rickie’s radical journey, which is an unshakable testimony of the redeeming nature of a real relationship with God.”
Originally sentenced to 10 years in 1983 for criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance, Smith had three 99-year terms added for attempted murder while in prison. The book recounts his multiple savage attacks on both fellow inmates and guards -- his attempts to earn respect in this system where violence and inhumanity seemed to reign.
Smith would be passed around from prison to prison due to his unruly violence. He rejected any kind of correction, legal or spiritual, but became more burdened and depressed as his murderous plans kept failing. Finally, because of the faithful letters of one Christian man who continually sent Scripture-filled notes to Smith, the word “rest” took hold in his mind and he sought solace in the Bible. He was transformed from a man of violence to a man of peace, who continues to share hope with fellow inmates even in the midst of COVID-19 fears within the prison system.
“Rickie’s story is an important one for every one,” said McDonald. “It’s a beautiful and moving reminder that there is no evil in this world stronger than the love of God. The life of Rickie Smith is a powerful testimony for any individual fascinated by stories of radical transformation and happy endings that didn’t seem possible.”
Though Smith remains in the Alfred Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas, serving out his three 99-year sentences, McDonald felt his story needed to be shared and wrote “Real Prison Real Freedom,” which released May 19. For more information, visit https://alarryross.com/real-prison-real-freedom.
About Rosser McDonald
Rosser McDonald left his career as a seismographer in 1965 to pursue a job in radio, a catalytic career change that would propel him into unprecedented success. He then worked as a news reporter in Oklahoma before being recruited to Dallas to work as a state government and political news reporter.
It was in Dallas where McDonald developed his craft for in-depth coverage and began making documentaries. His award-winning documentary “Set Free” covering Texas prison systems hosted by Tom Landry allowed him to meet and form friendships with multiple hardened inmates, including Rickie Smith, who would become the subject of his debut book, “Real Prison Real Freedom.”
Today, McDonald is retired from the news and radio industry but continues to correspond with his friends in prison and works with Christian filmmakers in his spare time.
-30-
Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 214-912-8934
melany@alarryross.com
“Real Prison Real Freedom” by Rosser McDonald
Available: May 19, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-400330348