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More Stories of Life Inside

Find more stories, letters, and interviews written by people in prisons around the world.

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Jeffery, 63, a man with a beard and sunglasses, sits on a chair with his left arm in a cast, in front of a wooden wall decorated with an American flag.

Jeffery, 63

Freedom. Independence. What does this mean for an individual serving a life sentence? As the nation celebrates 250 years, putting on such a fanfare as parades and fireworks shows, I…
August 25, 2026
Johnathan Jones picture

Jonathan, 46

I would go out during the Christmas holiday to tag and cut down trees, and haul them to a trailer. We would load them, then unload them at a property…
August 17, 2026
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Justina, 31

Be true to yourself and trust in the Lord and the Holy Spirit will help you discern. You are a torch bearer. Share your light. Fan the flame of others.…
August 13, 2026
Two men shaking hands in front of a brick wall; one man holds a blue notebook with 'HUMANS' written on it.

Michael, 64

I survived! I was found suitable for parole on March 25th after 25 plus years. I am a man making much better decisions than I did 25 years ago. This…
August 9, 2026
A woman with long dark hair wearing a white shirt, smiling against a red background with white star patterns.

Diana, 48

After ten years of incarceration, my life has changed, and I am so grateful for all the love and support I have gained. I will succeed and regain my outer…
July 2, 2026
Portrait of Liliana "Lily" wearing a grey beanie, black glasses, and a blue shirt, with a beaded necklace and a small microphone clipped to it.

Liliana “Lily”, 33

This time, I carried the belief that my personal freedom cannot be taken from me. This time, I would not try to be someone I was not. This time, I…
June 9, 2026
A black and white portrait of Heather, 32, smiling warmly.

Heather, 32

This is the story they all want to hear. This is the tale that brings the strangers near. This is the why, because it was never a whodunit. This is…
May 19, 2026
Jeffery Shockley, 63, wearing sunglasses and a white t-shirt, kneels in front of a waterfall backdrop.

Jeffery, 63

Self forgiveness is when you acknowledge your mistakes and accept them as part of your human experience. It is when you let go of guilt and shame, choosing instead to…
May 12, 2026
Jelani King reflecting on redemption

Jelani, 46

I was rescued and sent to prison for horrible choices against human beings. Here I am 27 years later, questioning if there’s a woman out there for me? It will…
April 24, 2026
Arnoldo Juarez, 48, lying on a green lawn with his black dog.

Arnoldo, 48

My Godson is a puppy. A childhood friend asked me to baptize his son when I get out of prison. It would be an honor. I thought I will lift…
April 22, 2026
Five Black men in matching uniforms stand in a row against a plain wall.

Allen, 65

I had a friend of mine connect to your website, and there I was, Arkansas Nightmare of Injustice, the Allen Lynn Penn Story, for all to see. One day when…
April 14, 2026
Giovanny Moreno, wearing blue scrubs and sunglasses, crouches and smiles while holding a dark grey pug in a red and white shirt.

Giovanny, 46

Dearest Humans of San Quentin, I am so happy for your success and for the love you have shown me and my stories of my kids and my life outside…
April 13, 2026

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