We Train Prison Journalists to Change the Narrative About Mass Incarceration Prison Journalism Project is an independent, national nonprofit organization that trains incarcerated writers to be ...

The most common tattoos are political — a symbol representing a certain gang, neighborhood or ideology — with symbols as numerous and varied as the stars in the sky. There is also a tendency for ...

I’ll never forget the first time I went to lockup, a restricted housing unit where you’re sent after being accused of violating rules. The unit was not far from where I typically resided, but the ...

I am livid about being forced to march ahead of her while carrying these bags with my friend’s belongings, my hands aching from their weight and the cold. A little understanding right now would mean ...

I shared with Robert how I watch the news and try to stay current with what is taking place outside of prison. I shared with my brother how excited most of us get when the Pittsburgh Steelers or the ...

In my New Jersey prison, Christians, Jews and Muslims congregate to worship and read their respective religious texts — as is their constitutional right. But those of us devoted to the teachings of ...

In Tennessee state prisons, practicing Islam is expensive. A Bible here costs $5.45, while a Quran goes for $7.25 — even though it has fewer pages. The rosary used by Catholics sells for $1.65, while ...

This past Halloween, I hosted a first-of-its-kind gaming competition inside my housing unit at Farmington Correctional Center in Missouri. Chomping Chaz is one of the few games that comes ...

Back in early September, I was watching TV at Oregon State Penitentiary when I saw an announcement about an in-house job fair. Hosted by the 7th Step Foundation, it would take place at the end of the ...

On April 22, about 20 people from my Michigan prison gathered in our makeshift chapel to mourn the death of Pope Francis. Black plastic chairs on concrete floors served as pews. Exposed plumbing lined ...

About six months ago, my friend Mark mentioned he was making kimchi in the dormitory. Mark’s Korean-style preservation of cabbage caught my attention because I enjoy exotic flavors, and I adore ...

Before I got my court case, my sister was 4 years old. Now she’s a 20-year-old college student. It’s been tough fostering a relationship with her from prison. Throughout the years, I would write her ...