Stories
Each oral history interview in our archive contains dozens of stories. Explore them here, filtering by topic and collection.
670 stories released to date
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Organizing a community march and unexpected outcomesTaquittee Sheree Cross -
Reflecting on a strong mother-daughter relationship and its impact on future generationsMarketta Sims
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Experiences and observations of prison labor and executionsDanny Dandridge
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Challenges and obstacles faced by incarcerated individuals and staff attitudes toward rehabilitation and educationLeah Faria
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The importance of mentors who provide guidance and perspectiveYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Influence of peer group on early career ambitions and choicesKeith Peterkin
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Early life experiences and educational background during the crack epidemic and mass incarceration eraTiffany Vulcain
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The journey towards advocacy for marginalized communities through personal connections and guidanceBrian Kaneda
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Future projects and personal development goalsTiffany Vulcain
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Experience in a therapeutic community within a prison setting and its impactHeather Renn
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Entrepreneurship and connection with activist Fred Hampton, Jr.Taquittee Sheree Cross
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Advocacy against police brutality and the personal impact of tortureDarrell Cannon
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The importance of peer support and mentorship in rehabilitationKathy Heinzel
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Experiences and emotions related to executions on death rowStanley Howard
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Realizing the need for change and taking action while incarceratedAnisah Sabur
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The importance of healing from harm and supporting each other's journeysSusan Burton
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Addressing prosecutorial misconduct and systemic biases against incarcerated women and gender nonconforming individualsJane Dorotik
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The importance of comprehensive education in empowering community growth and successYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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The impact of small political acts and personal involvement in politicsStephanie Hammerwold
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Self-identification as an artist, activist, and organizer through personal experiences and lived historyLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
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Reflections on activism, racism, and overcoming discouragement after election resultsWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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Reflecting on past self and the impact of mentorship and guidanceYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Creating a supportive network for women impacted by the justice systemLinda Small
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Critique of the prison system's ineffectiveness in accountability and rehabilitationJane Dorotik
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Influences and motivations for community work after incarcerationRobin Turner
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Effort to restore voting rights for individuals with felony convictions through petition collectionDavid Ayala
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Advocating for education and opportunities for LWOPs despite barriersKelly Savage-Rodriguez
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Challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals in securing housingCalandra Cali Hulit
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Advocacy and challenges in addressing life sentences and death row sentencesAlice Kim
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Concerns about fairness and motivations in the parole systemRegnarian Jenkins
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Expression through art, activism, and creative endeavorsMadeline Mendoza
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Transition from community mental health consulting to aiding the incarcerated populationJane Dorotik
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Team dynamics and lessons learned in a challenging environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Advocacy for Native American rights and addressing alcohol-related issues on reservationsDana Talbot
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Learning about civil rights figures and legal self-education during incarcerationDarrell Cannon
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Addressing racism, colorism, and solidarity among women in a prison settingLeah Faria
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The importance of community support in challenging work environmentsStephanie Hammerwold
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Organizing collective action in response to injustices within a prison settingCalandra Cali Hulit
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Childhood aspirations of becoming an athlete and community sports involvementKeith Peterkin
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Building community and support networks among women in prisonLeah Faria
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Childhood experiences and racial dynamics in Washington, D.C. during historical eventsKimberly Garner
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Finding hope and inspiration during years of advocacy and imprisonmentRenaldo Hudson
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Strategies and advice for successful reentry after incarcerationLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
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Challenges faced regarding dignity and identity in prisonPauline Rodgers
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Growing up in poverty and dealing with racism in Birmingham during a turbulent historical periodDanny Dandridge
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Navigating personal innovation and existing organizational structures at The Fortune SocietyTiffany Vulcain
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Jesse Jackson's visit to death row and the hospitality they receivedAlice Kim
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Three key needs for successful reentry after incarcerationHeather Jo Canuel
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Debate over focusing on innocence versus rehabilitation in criminal justice reform movementsBill Ryan
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Building community and empowering others during incarceration through writing and organizing initiativesJane Dorotik
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The story of how the interviewees met at a conference in 1967William Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn
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Visiting and observing conditions in jails and prisonsErica Bentley
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Adjusting to life after returning home from prisonLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
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Advocating for employment opportunities for people with a criminal backgroundStephanie Hammerwold
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Finding healing and expression through poetry and photography after losing a loved oneMarketta Sims
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Finding personal connection to inspire involvement and motivationErica Bentley
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A parent's anguish after leaving their son in custodyDenise Spencer
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Building camaraderie and community in a boot camp environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Building a new family and relationships after incarcerationLauren Hansen
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Inclusive discussions and education efforts surrounding LGBTQ issues and Bill 132Kathy Heinzel
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Reflecting on evolving organizational values and Angela Davis's influence on embracing abolitionist languageDebbie Kilroy
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The impact of mentorship and peer support after incarcerationHeather Renn
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Experiences of bused education and its impact on after-school opportunitiesKeith Peterkin
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Collaboration challenges among women in advocacy movementsSharon White-Harrigan
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Mentoring and inspiring younger generations through personal experiences and community engagementMadeline Mendoza
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Creative activism during incarceration using art to communicate external messagesHeather Jo Canuel
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Personal experiences of trauma and difficult choices as a mother in a legal situationDenise Spencer
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Early political experiences and career development in government and campaignsChanel Rhymes
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Discovering a shared purpose at Beyond the Bars event in 2017ayoola mitchell
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Experiences and challenges transitioning from Catholic to public school in a culturally diverse environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Experiences and challenges of working in a prison fire campKathy Heinzel
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Discussion on mass incarceration and the privatization of prisons as a political and economic issueDana Talbot
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Lessons learned from organizing efforts in prison and their influence on advocacy strategiesSharon White-Harrigan
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Efforts to abolish the death penalty and change public narrativeCharles Hoffman
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The importance of civic engagement and voting educationDena Dickerson
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Comparing prison units and inmate behavior differencesHeather Renn
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Finding healing and empowerment through a photography class and art exhibitMarketta Sims
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Creating art that reflects on incarceration, freedom, and healingMichelle Clopton
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Future challenges and opportunities for the California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP)Kathy Heinzel
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Educational journey and childhood challengesPauline Rodgers
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Roles in the social justice ecosystem and personal motivations for activismNorris Henderson
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Ways to get involved with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP)Judy Greenspan
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Navigating power dynamics as an ally in community service workayoola mitchell
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Desire to work in substance abuse recovery for marginalized communitiesDana Talbot
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The role of shared meals in building community and camaraderieGlenn Martin
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Addressing childhood bullying through a direct confrontation approachDenise Spencer
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Community service and empowerment initiatives, including support for mentally abused women and literacy programsTaquittee Sheree Cross
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Building community and morale in a prison boot camp through song and encouragementYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Motivation and challenges in defending death row clientsCharles Hoffman
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Preconceptions of prison life shaped by television showsSharon White-Harrigan
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Emotional suppression and the use of segregation in prisonsMaria Moon
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Overcoming challenges and proving resilience after incarcerationAyana Thomas
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Navigating and addressing various forms of discrimination through language and personal exampleayoola mitchell
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Lessons learned from past organizing campaigns and challenges in advocating effective prison reformGlenn Martin
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Significant childhood events: piano recital, baptism, and college acceptanceTopeka Sam
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Experiencing the harsh realities and systemic issues of incarceration as a womanLinda Small
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Realization of becoming an abolitionist and understanding the flaws in the prison systemBrian Kaneda
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Growing up in a loving home with a career banker father in Nanyuki, KenyaTeresa Njoroge
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Experiences of injustices and inadequate mental health care in prisonHeather Renn
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Supporting women in the judicial system and addressing trauma and griefAyana Thomas
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Organizing protests and engaging politicians in efforts against police brutality and the death penaltyJoe Moreno
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Administering Narcan and saving lives in a dorm settingDanny Dandridge
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Building meaningful relationships and community support during incarcerationCalandra Cali Hulit
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Pursuing an associate degree and career aspirations after returning to TacomaChanel Rhymes
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Governor Ryan's journey to opposing the death penalty and the influence of "The Exonerated" playCharles Hoffman
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Breaking the cycle of incarceration and advocating for reentry services for womenAnisah Sabur
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Experiences and concerns working within the prison systemDanny Dandridge
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Growing up in diverse communities and experiencing integrationMaurice Ward
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Initial impressions and experiences with CCWP's unique organizing modelColby Lenz
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Pride in organizing efforts and fellowship for incarcerated individualsJames King
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Building coalitions for prison reform and addressing economic dependenciesWilliam Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn
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The movement for abolishing the death penalty in Illinois after the 2000 moratoriumAlice Kim
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Reflections on the societal factors contributing to crime and long prison sentencesKathy Heinzel
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Navigating life in a restrictive environment and adapting to new rules and community dynamicsAyana Thomas
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Involvement in the campaign against the death penalty and advocacy for inmatesJoe Moreno
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Establishing transitional housing for formerly incarcerated individuals despite societal and legal challengesPauline Rodgers
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Addressing mental health issues as a means to reduce mass incarceration, especially for womenTaquittee Sheree Cross
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Supporting incarcerated women and international prison reform effortsDebbie Kilroy
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The emotional challenges of having children in the prison system and their relationshipsKimberly Garner
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Growing up in poverty alongside Aboriginal families in Brisbane, AustraliaDebbie Kilroy
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Experiences and emotions surrounding an execution witnessingDanny Dandridge
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Adapting to language and cultural differences after incarcerationLauren Hansen
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Advocating for Amendment 4 and the importance of redemption and second chancesDavid Ayala
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Leveraging privilege to address injustice and create changeWilliam Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn
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The influence and control of long-serving inmates in maintaining prison orderTaquittee Sheree Cross
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Balancing being a parent and providing support to others through encouragementRobin Turner
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Using cell phones to report and protest abuses in the Alabama prison systemDanny Dandridge
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Experiencing bias in the criminal justice system based on raceRegnarian Jenkins
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Collaboration with Jesse Jackson to oppose the death penalty in IllinoisAlice Kim
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Experiences and challenges faced during incarceration planning and rule changesLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
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Reflecting on life and finding meaning during incarcerationSharon White-Harrigan
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Educational initiatives and challenges in the Department of CorrectionsBill Ryan
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The impact of Kathy's article on parenting from a distance on supporting incarcerated mothersDebbie Kilroy
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Running for office to impact community and judicial processesQiana Johnson
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Personal experiences and perceptions of incarceration, privilege, and challenges facedTopeka Sam
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Lessons on self-improvement and education while incarceratedMaurice Ward
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Advice for young activists on death penalty abolition and effective organizing strategiesWilliam Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn
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Formation of a foundation addressing AAHPI mass incarceration and deportation issuesEddy Zheng
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The importance of self-education in legal advocacy for incarcerated individualsMaurice Ward
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Formation and purpose of the Death Row Ten at Pontiac Correctional CenterStanley Howard
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Emotional journey from wrongful imprisonment to freedom after sentencing reversalClifford Ellis
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Experiencing racial adversity and resilience taught by familyPauline Rodgers
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Life-changing accident and turning to street life and crime during early yearsDanny Dandridge
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The decision to address the incarceration of Black and Brown women and advocate for changeLeah Faria
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Setting boundaries and managing expectations in political workStephanie Hammerwold
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Empowering voices within the criminal legal system reform movementAlice Kim
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Support and camaraderie among women during incarcerationTaquittee Sheree Cross
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Facing backlash for advocating for prisoners with HIV/AIDSJudy Greenspan
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The meaning and significance of a unique name from Cherokee heritageTaquittee Sheree Cross
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Developing the Clean Start initiative for women post-imprisonment in KenyaTeresa Njoroge
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Experiencing a political awakening through challenging a sanction using education and advocacy skillsCharlotte Garnes
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Appreciation for Joe's supportive approach to formerly incarcerated individualsJoseph Hankins
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Experiencing and processing betrayal by a former colleague who started a similar organizationPauline Rodgers
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Pursuing education while incarcerated to create future opportunitiesRobin Turner
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Concerns about the fairness and criteria of parole board decisionsHeather Renn
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Addressing mental health in childhood to prevent mass incarcerationTaquittee Sheree Cross
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Building community and support systems while incarceratedMarketta Sims
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Reflecting on the psychological impact of incarceration and the struggle to maintain hopeMaria Moon
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Advocacy efforts for a bill addressing children affected by parental incarcerationMarketta Sims
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Initiating change by advocating for justice-impacted individuals in prison settingsRegnarian Jenkins
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Journey from military service to a career in social work and child welfare reformBill Ryan
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The importance of public support in addressing mass incarceration and justice system reformHeather Jo Canuel
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The value of listening and avoiding dominance in organizational wisdomColby Lenz
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Reflections on overcoming challenges and maintaining faith while working for the cityKeith Peterkin
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Securing funding for a Women's Center and challenges faced during the COVID-19 outbreakDebbie Kilroy
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Potential setbacks related to long-term investment and funding for the agencySharon White-Harrigan
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Experiences of advocacy and political challenges in education supportLauren Hansen
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Perseverance and resilience in the face of rejection and setbacksDominique Grant
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Experiences and grievances with correctional officers as a female torture survivorLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
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Reflections on Murray Hooper's execution and his transformation over timeRenaldo Hudson
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Efforts to educate and organize fellow inmates on death row and the formation of the Death Row Ten campaignStanley Howard
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The power of small actions in creating positive change for individuals and communitiesJane Dorotik
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The concept of freedom and its personal meaningLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
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Reflecting on expectations versus the reality of incarceration and finding unexpected friendshipsLauren Hansen
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Struggles with the psychological impact of incarceration and the pursuit of mental freedomMaurice Ward
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Challenges and innovations in prison organizing and political advocacy effortsMaurice Ward
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Challenges and strategies for Sisters Inside after being banned by the governmentDebbie Kilroy
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Childhood experiences with domestic violence and efforts to protect familyRonald Marshall
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Realization of mission to reform prison system and advocate for inmatesRegnarian Jenkins
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Reflections on death penalty abolition efforts and the need for systemic change in the criminal justice systemBill Ryan
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