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
-
Reflecting on the importance of leaving a positive legacy through her childrenTeronia Scott-Campbell -
The challenges and empathy needed for incarcerated individuals during the pandemicStephanie Hammerwold
-
Challenges of prison reform and the impact of location on rehabilitative programmingAmber-Rose Howard
-
Influence of Black female mentors during upbringing and education journeyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
The role of curiosity and hope during challenging timesMonica Cosby
-
Reflecting on early life events, family dynamics, and formative experiences
-
Self-discovery through education and understanding systemic issuesPamela Neely
-
Advocacy for reparations and reflections on systemic injustice in ChicagoDarrell Cannon
-
Core personal values shaped by love, forgiveness, faith, education, and familyYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Experiences of incarceration and personal transformation
-
Reflections on the impact of systemic issues and community support in a Chicago neighborhoodMichael Anderson
-
Advocacy for women's rights and health issues in prisons
-
Reflections on understanding and overcoming societal divides in early lifeCharlotte Garnes
-
Balancing work within formal organizations and personal community involvementDana Talbot
-
Experiencing discrimination and witnessing the intersection of activism and faith in prison
-
Pursuing higher education and challenges in achieving diversity in academic cohortsSelina Fulford
-
Providing comprehensive reentry support for individuals returning from incarcerationLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
-
Overcoming probation challenges to pursue higher education and law schoolJames White III
-
Becoming program coordinator for Free Battered Women at CCWP
-
Building solidarity and support among women through open communication and collaborationRobin Turner
-
Growing up in Ferguson, Missouri and experiencing predatory policingJames King
-
Effort to restore voting rights for individuals with felony convictions through petition collectionDavid Ayala
-
Counseling women in prison and personal growth through shared experiencesKatrina Butler
-
Coping with an abusive and strict parent through sibling support and humorJoseph Hankins
-
Encouraging involvement in prison organizational structures and personal change through participationJane Dorotik
-
Influential mentors and their impact on personal development and advocacySappho Fulton
-
Advocacy against the death penalty and efforts for a moratorium in IllinoisBill Ryan
-
Finding strength and purpose while in solitary confinement through advocacy and community supportEddy Zheng
-
Evading capture during a prison riot and witnessing the warden's responseDanny Dandridge
-
Connecting with outside educators and the impact on legal education in prison
-
Hopes for a legacy focused on community, love, and truthSharon White-Harrigan
-
The importance of civic engagement and voting educationDena Dickerson
-
Addressing mental health issues as a means to reduce mass incarceration, especially for womenTaquittee Sheree Cross
-
Unexpected experiences and connections during time in prisonTiffany Vulcain
-
Making early life decisions and prioritizing family over education and military careerRegnarian Jenkins
-
Involvement with the Women's Advisory Council and unexpected leadership opportunityKelly Savage-Rodriguez
-
Personal transformation and inspiration from supportive mentors during reentry from incarcerationCassandra Severe
-
Experiences of trauma and coping through poetry after a hospital stayMaria Moon
-
Challenges of implementing gender-responsive programs in prisons and advocating for women's educationLinda Small
-
The role of shared meals in building community and camaraderieGlenn Martin
-
Conversion of closed prisons to ICE detention centers and related legislative effortsBrian Kaneda
-
Formation and impact of the Renaldo Hudson Mercy CommitteeRenaldo Hudson
-
Memorable moments and triumphs from involvement in prison work focused on women's education and supportYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Addressing racial discrimination and tensions in a correctional facilityMichael Anderson
-
Skills and strategies for navigating systemic obstacles and improvisation within the prison systemSharon White-Harrigan
-
The challenges and dynamics of organizing for change among female inmatesMichelle Clopton
-
Racial disparities and gender issues in mass incarcerationSharon Smith
-
Entering the prison system as a juvenile and its impactJames White III
-
Explaining the concept of a C-51 in prison contextDanny Dandridge
-
Securing employment assistance after incarceration through the Center for Employment OpportunitiesRegnarian Jenkins
-
Providing support and encouragement to someone on suicide watchLeslie Credle
-
Challenges faced by incarcerated women regarding nutrition, education, and basic needsLinda Small
-
Reflections on political engagement and perceptions of politiciansSusan Bustamante
-
Encountering racial prejudice and segregation in Chicago during childhood
-
Impact of political involvement on personal values and beliefs
-
Journey to involvement with CCWP and advocacy for domestic violence victims
-
Experiences and differences between adolescent and adult facilities at Rikers IslandJarrell Daniels
-
Reflecting on personal growth and leadership realization while incarcerated
-
A cherished childhood memory of peaceful moments spent on a homemade patio swingKatrina Butler
-
Experiences of retaliation and challenges during incarceration
-
Reflecting on organizing and education efforts in a reparations movementDarrell Cannon
-
Inspiring stories of student achievement against odds in education programsDena Dickerson
-
Building community and advocating for fair treatment within prisonMary Shields
-
Gaining media coverage and public platforms to share a personal story while on death rowRenaldo Hudson
-
Experiences of racial tension and segregation growing up in GeorgiaCharlotte Garnes
-
Surviving and advocating against the conditions in Illinois prisonsDarrell Cannon
-
Avoiding involvement in a prison riot and mediating peace between rival gangsJarrell Daniels
-
Prison housing reorganization and activities following riots
-
Organizing educational initiatives and law-related victories while incarcerated
-
Transitioning from volunteer to full-time employment after involvement in a reform programDebbie Kilroy
-
Perceptions of the likelihood of execution in Illinois during the 1990sStanley Howard
-
Experiences with parole officers and challenges in the halfway house systemMonica Cosby
-
Inmates being used to search for contraband in prison
-
Adjusting to emotional vulnerability and life after incarcerationJarrell Daniels
-
Reflections on Harold Washington's impact and the city's changes after his passing
-
Early life curiosity and questioning authority shaping organizing workDebbie Kilroy
-
Contrasting media portrayal of prison life with harsh realities faced by inmates and their familiesKimberly Garner
-
Childhood activities and early involvement in social justice and activismJoe Moreno
-
Addressing and navigating discrimination and bias in professional environmentsRobin Turner
-
Challenges and considerations in providing housing for women and gender nonconforming individuals with childrenYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Performing as an inmate band in Illinois prisons and winning battle of the bands competitionsDarrell Cannon
-
The future role of CCWP in advocacy and justice landscapeZoe Dorado
-
Retaliation and racial discrimination faced while advocating for inmate rights
-
Experiences in various California women's correctional facilities
-
Discovering a passion and purpose during a one-year fellowship experience
-
Pursuing a career in laser hair removal and financial struggles during esthetician schoolChanel Rhymes
-
The importance of building connections in activism and how to effectively network
-
Transition from gang affiliation to joining the Nation of Islam in prisonJarrell Daniels
-
Family history and neighborhood dynamics in Chicago during the 1960s and 1970s
-
Experiences with corruption and employment within a correctional facility systemDanny Dandridge
-
Efforts to change employment opportunities for Black individuals through the AAACC program
-
Efforts by CCWP to address sexual violence against women in federal prisons
-
Vision and future goals for New Breath and racial solidarity initiativesEddy Zheng
-
Repercussions of engaging in community organizing while incarcerated and the impact on political activityTopeka Sam
-
Experiences and activism during imprisonment and the impact of a prison murderDebbie Kilroy
-
Promoting solidarity and sisterhood among formerly incarcerated womenSharon Smith
-
Challenges faced during a court case and maintaining innocenceTiara Cooper
-
Advocacy methods and personal journey to community leadership and political candidacyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
The importance of using one's voice and personal story during and after incarcerationTopeka Sam
-
Influence of peer group on early career ambitions and choicesKeith Peterkin
-
Initiating change by advocating for justice-impacted individuals in prison settingsRegnarian Jenkins
-
Advocating and working on a transitional home program while on parole
-
Advocacy and challenges in addressing life sentences and death row sentencesAlice Kim
-
Organizing and managing legal visiting for a prison committeeJoseph Hankins
-
Adjusting to a new city and finding purpose through prison activism workErica Bentley
-
Overcoming challenges with self-esteem and embracing inner beautyTeronia Scott-Campbell
-
Challenges faced with legal visits and advocacy efforts during incarcerationKelly Savage-Rodriguez
-
The importance of supportive relationships and personal growth after incarcerationJames King
-
Growing up in a small, diverse town in South Georgia during post-segregation eraCharlotte Garnes
-
The role of communal activities and support networks during difficult timesSusan Bustamante
-
Advocacy for abolishing life without parole and the death penaltyJane Dorotik
-
Progress and growth in advocacy work with the Human Rights Coalition movement in Pennsylvania
-
Addressing disrespectful behavior in a supportive environmentMichelle Clopton
-
Learning from community engagement and leadership experiencesKatrina Butler
-
Experience as an adjunct professor and encouraging family educationSelina Fulford
-
Childhood aspirations of becoming an athlete and community sports involvementKeith Peterkin
-
Challenges faced by women in prison due to poverty and a biased justice systemTeresa Njoroge
-
Growing up as a Filipino American in the East Bay and navigating cultural identityZoe Dorado
-
Experiences and challenges of incarceration without organized policy change effortsPatrick Rodriguez
-
Long-term representation of a death row inmate in IllinoisCharles Hoffman
-
Potential setbacks related to long-term investment and funding for the agencySharon White-Harrigan
-
Experiences of incarcerated mothers and advocacy for changeSharon Smith
-
The importance of community support in challenging work environmentsStephanie Hammerwold
-
Challenges of growing up in a non-diverse, lower middle class communityLinda Small
-
Challenges and successes of organizing with formerly incarcerated individuals
-
The impact of diverse personal experiences on political perspectives
-
Balancing personal life with activism after incarceration
-
Encountering an old acquaintance in prison and struggles with literacy
-
Introduction and participation in an oral history project
-
Involvement with CCWP and experiences at Delancey Street and CCWFJane Dorotik
-
The story of how the interviewees met at a conference in 1967William Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn
-
The impact of storytelling and personal connection in documentariesRenaldo Hudson
-
Feeling a sense of disconnection from incarcerated individuals after release due to personal trauma and logistical challengesQiana Johnson
-
Advice for those entering advocacy and organizing work, including knowing one's limits and balancing personal lifeWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Support system and influences in grievance writing within prison
-
The impact of early grief and loss on career choice as a grief counselorAyana Thomas
-
Organizing and managing a letter writing team to directly communicate with CIWJoseph Hankins
-
Navigating high school isolation through writing workshops during a shift to online learningZoe Dorado
-
Support and resource sharing for formerly incarcerated individuals through community reentry and advocacy work
-
Influential figures and mentors during formative yearsGregory McNeal
-
Youth entrepreneurship and crime reduction initiatives in BirminghamKimberly Garner
-
The impact of meaningful literature and music on youth developmentAmber-Rose Howard
-
Organizing protests and coordination within the prison systemDanny Dandridge
-
Strategies for gathering information and advocating for inmate rightsLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
-
Advice for lifelong organizers on staying motivated amidst challenges and avoiding burnoutWilliam Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn
-
Recognizing dedication to intersectional advocacy and support for marginalized communities
-
The influence of external funding on self-determination
-
Release from prison and navigating first day of freedom after unexpectedly early discharge
-
Addressing systemic discrimination through community-building and advocacy effortsCassandra Severe
-
Personal experience with and perspectives on incarceration and family historyQiana Johnson
-
Experience in incarceration and participation in the Shock Incarceration Program as a mentorKeith Peterkin
-
The significance of hands and metaphorical themes in a theater production
-
Realizing a passion for community organizing and helping others after prisonCynthia White
-
Advocating for Amendment 4 and the importance of redemption and second chancesDavid Ayala
-
Efforts to improve conditions and create change within the prison system
-
Racial disparities and discrimination in prison entertainment resourcesRegnarian Jenkins
-
Transformative experience in a prison college course shaping views on policy changeJeffrey Denson
-
Balancing personal well-being with the mission of empowering future generationsSusan Burton
-
Transition from passivity to engagement through working in the prison law libraryJane Dorotik
-
Advocacy efforts for women prisoners and coalition building through CCWPLinda Evans
-
A parent's anguish after leaving their son in custodyDenise Spencer
-
The interconnected impact of historical figures and racial violence from Money, Mississippi to ChicagoWilliam Ayers, Bernadine Dohrn
-
Advocating for changes in prison policies to reduce tension and hostilityGregory McNeal
-
Reflecting on the sense of community and connection through shared activities and conversationsKathy Heinzel
-
Organizing against COVID-19 outbreaks at San Quentin and expanding narratives on incarceration and public healthJames King
-
Experiencing retaliation for not complying with orders in a correctional facility jobAnisah Sabur
-
Differences and challenges in organizing work after incarceration compared to within prisonLa Tanya Jenifor-Sublett
-
Experiencing tensions with prison staff, other incarcerated individuals, and outside participants in educational programsLauren Hansen
-
Experiences and personal growth during incarceration in California state prisonsJames King
-
Personal transformation through faith and sobrietyDenise Spencer
-
Contributions of the Center on Wrongful Convictions to the anti-death penalty movementCharles Hoffman
-
Encouraging diverse roles and participation in activism and organizing effortsJoe Moreno
-
Involvement with legal activism and the elder release campaignZoe Dorado
-
Impact of political work and advocacy on personal growth and understanding of incarceration issues
-
A poem inspired by Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" written on death rowStanley Howard
-
Cultural differences and challenges with food and prison conditions in a new environmentTeresa Njoroge
-
Organizing for prison reform and the response of the California correctional systemAdamu Chan
-
The importance of addressing early childhood education and mental health in criminal justice reformJames White III
-
Navigating censorship and empowering leadership in a prison outreach program
-
Advocacy for change in the death penalty and the importance of personal storiesBill Ryan
Load More Stories