Featured Story
Dale, 67
“I thought I knew the pain of being alone, but I didn’t really.”
Albert “Joe”, 48
I put out presents for my parents too with all three of our names on them. When everyone went to sleep that night, I set up the plastic tree with everyone’s presents underneath. My brothers woke up the next morning to their presents and I was the only one who didn’t have one. But that wasn’t true. My mother came out and my brothers thanked her. She looked at me and whispered “Thank you” and for me, that was my present, seeing everyone happy.
Shawn, 36
I put out presents for my parents too with all three of our names on them. When everyone went to sleep that night, I set up the plastic tree with everyone’s presents underneath. My brothers woke up the next morning to their presents and I was the only one who didn’t have one. But that wasn’t true. My mother came out and my brothers thanked her. She looked at me and whispered “Thank you” and for me, that was my present, seeing everyone happy.
Jessica, 35
Being away from my 16 year old son, my family, and losing my daughter at four years old due to domestic violence, in the hands of a man I thought I could trust, is still a hard pill to swallow. It feels like I’m living in a nightmare, where I just cannot wake up. There are times when I feel like I can’t make it.
Dawan, 27
Despite my circumstances, the biggest contributing factor to my self-reflection, self-rehabilitation and hopeful outlook on life is Islam.
Jacqueline, 30
We do not have a voice in here, we are silenced and ignored. I believe more programs should be implemented for offenders. We need to be shown a different way from our past life.
Sammy, 54
I received a letter from my 19 year old daughter, Jazzy, asking me the most insightful question a father would ever have to answer, “Who are You?” And for the life of me, I could not write her a response.
Shakeil “Shak”, 42
To know our movement influenced the next generation of our family to carry the torch, filled both of us with pride and joy.
Anthony “David”, 41
Life is the biggest test, the only way some people learn is from making honest mistakes, and learning from them.
Michael, 50
As an openly queer person, I wondered if it would matter to the audience. Performing in prison can be like performing in front of the audience at Showtime at the Apollo. They will let you know in an instant if you are off- key. Would their toxic masculinity afford me the moment of performing as Nero and tell the story of love between two different-sexed loving people?
Jonquil, 36
I’m a self-titled hopeless romantic. I see love as the most exhilarating thing any person can experience.