Patrick oral history interview, 2021 August 02 Just released from prison after only two years of knowing that he qualified as a veteran, Patrick talks about his experience with gang affiliations, mental health, and motivations about getting out of prison.
Al oral history interview, 2021 August 02 A formerly incarcerated veteran, Al, talks about his experience in the Navy and how being a veteran has impacted his experience with the criminal justice system.
Jackie Sumell oral history interview, 2021 July 31 Jackie Sumell shares her experience being mentored by Herman Wallace of the Angola 3. This mentorship led her to create The Solitary Gardens, a work of performance art exploring the intersection of gardening and criminal justice reform. She shares insights into how Read more…
Ronald oral history interview, 2021 July 29 Ronald is a formerly incarcerated person who defended himself in prison, succesfully advocated for his own release, and now works as a nationally recognized activist for prison reform. The interview goes over Simpson-Bey’s experience as an incarcerated person, and as a leader within Read more…
Corvain oral history interview, 2021 July 26 Corvain expressed his disdain towards the harsh sentencing of cannabis-offenders and the lack of rehabilitation efforts towards those released from prison. He spoke about the shock of coming home, reuniting with family and the frustration at the social handicap he faced. Corvain channelled Read more…
Kevin oral history interview, 2021 July 22 Kevin shares the story of his crime, incarceration, and reintigration process. When Boyd was 16, he gave his mother the keys to his abusive father’s residence. Although she had previously spoken about murdering Kevin’s father, her ex-husband, Kevin did not take her seriously. Read more…
Ken oral history interview, 2021 July 21 Ken is a volunteer for Prison Visitation Services (PVS). He shares his experiences visiting incarcerated individuals–mostly in military prisons. He describes some of the unique conditions in military prisons. He also emphasizes the strength and importance of his relationships with the individuals that Read more…
Liz oral history interview, 2021 July 21 Liz, a volunteer with Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS), shares her experiences and thoughts on visiting and corresponding with incarcerated people at El Reno in Oklahoma.
Jonathan oral history interview, 2021 July 21 The interviewee shares his experiences with the abuse and trauma that he faced as a juvenile serving a cumulative 13 year sentence in New York State prison. Now, he is a community organizer who helps in the re-entry process for others who have Read more…
Jack oral history interview, 2021 July 20 Jack shares his experiences working with Prison Visitation and Support. He describes the process he had to go through to be accepted as a visitor by the prison, as well as the differences between state and federal prisons. In addition to PVS, Jack Read more…