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Inmate Wilbert Rideau on Saying Goodbye to a Warden

NPR Published Feb 2, 1995 Reviewed Jul 2, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
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In 1989, Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola was under a state of emergency.
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Warden John P. Whitely was hired in early 1990.
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Warden John P. Whitely served a five-year tenure.
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NPR's Terry Gross spoke with special correspondent Wilbert Rideau.
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Wilbert Rideau is editor-in-chief of the award-winning prison magazine The Angolite.
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In 1989, the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola was "under a state of emergency." In early 1990, Warden John P. Whitely was hired. During his five-year tenure, Whitely helped turn the prison around, garnering national and international attention. He also gained the affection of inmates, who recently hosted a farewell dinner in honor of the departing warden. NPR's Terry Gross speaks with special correspondent Wilbert Rideau, editor-in-chief of the award-winning prison magazine The Angolite and an inmate at the penitentiary.

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