“…we’ve been quick to celebrate the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement and slow to recognize the damage done in that era. We have been unwilling to commit to a process of truth and reconciliation in which people are allowed to give voice to the difficulties created by racial segregation, racial subordination, and marginalization” – Bryan Stevenson 

How many times have you spoken to a person while he or she is incarcerated? How many of us have read anything written by an incarcerated person? Most of us have no idea of the hopes and dreams of those oppressed in our era of mass incarceration. Our images of the imprisoned often come from stereotypical media presentations. The incarcerated men featured in this blog have embraced this opportunity for their voices to be heard. It is our hope that you will embrace the opportunity to hear and appreciate their humanity. – Connie Kohler, head of JCMP Incarcerated Voices Committee

Why are the posts anonymous?

Many of these men are working towards parole and probation. In order to not adversely affect that process, JCMP has been advised to withhold the names of the authors. Their anonymity reminds us how these systems continue to strip these men of their civil and human rights.