Featured Story
Raheem, 46
“As each bird flew off with a piece of bread, I would get the feeling that I was doing my part, that I was playing a small role in a much larger picture. In the process, I couldn’t help but think that they were flying off with a piece of me too.”
Jorge, 37
We always want to help when we get out, but we forget that we can help in here, like Edwin and Miguel are doing in our society in here. A lot of us don’t know how to do it and express what we are going through and need help to get it out into the world and change the image that is given to us.
Robert, 41
Jennifer Lackey, a philosophy professor at Northwestern University, introduced a values class at the prison which I pursued. She told me to apply. This I was accepted to something that would transform my life. My first true college course wasn’t easy because her expectations didn’t allow for less because of my situation, so I responded accordingly.
Raymond, 43
Like many, my environment was filled with drugs, gangs, guns, violence and bad decisions. I became a product of all of it. Falling in the trap of a system designed to destroy me.
Crandell (Ojore), 54
“In a place of darkness and stagnation, I shine like ten thousand suns, but it is the light and love of my fellow humans that ensure I continue to thrive.”
Jesus “Sosa”, 26
My time here is coming to an end. I’ve survived it all, and now freedom is within reach. I feel as though this is all I’ve ever known. I wonder if it will ever be out of my system. I’ve refused to let prison make me or shape me, I’ve stayed un-institutionalized.
William, 58
Every day, I know that I’m the one to blame, I see the picture clearly now. Stand strong, firm and solid, and I’ll defeat this maze. I’ll come back to you, my silent one.
Jake, 44
Two of my favorite quotes are by John Lennon, in a song called “Beautiful Boy” he wrote for his son. He said “Life is just what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”.
Derrick, 21
My big brother in here has been hard on me, but I knew it was to help me find the “better me”. So for all of you dealing with big problems, smal problems, ups, downs, obstacles, heartache and pain, remember that you are not alone. God is always there.
Christopher, 42
Two of my favorite quotes are by John Lennon, in a song called “Beautiful Boy” he wrote for his son. He said “Life is just what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”.
Angel, 42
My time here is coming to an end. I’ve survived it all, and now freedom is within reach. I feel as though this is all I’ve ever known. I wonder if it will ever be out of my system. I’ve refused to let prison make me or shape me, I’ve stayed un-institutionalized.