Stories
Each oral history interview in our archive contains dozens of stories. Explore them here, filtering by topic and collection.
3393 stories released to date
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Protesting the use of Chief Illiniwek and stereotypes of Native AmericansDana Talbot -
Aspirations to dismantle and reform the legal system to address systemic issuesAnisah Sabur
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The power of public consciousness and civic engagement in legislative changeCassandra Severe
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Abolishing the death penalty and the impact of the moratorium in IllinoisAlice Kim
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Motivations for advocacy and upcoming community and art projectsHeather Jo Canuel
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Addiction and Recovery52 InterviewsExplore
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Creating public platforms to share stories from death row inmates and challenge preconceived notionsAlice Kim
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Preconceptions versus reality of prison life and lack of preparation resourcesLinda Small
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Advocacy for justice-impacted Black individuals facing systemic barriersRegnarian Jenkins
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Call to action for advocacy against mass incarceration and supporting community reintegrationMarketta Sims
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Experiences and observations on death row and the death penalty debate in IllinoisBill Ryan
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Advocacy for educational opportunities and change while incarceratedLauren Hansen
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Protest97 InterviewsExplore
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Exploration of classism and its historical roots across culturesTeresa Njoroge
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Challenges in addressing the needs of Black women and marginalized groups in educational spaces and consumer productsLauren Hansen
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Activism and support for mothers of incarcerated childrenDenise Spencer
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Reflecting on expectations versus the reality of incarceration and finding unexpected friendshipsLauren Hansen
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The importance of communication and perseverance in overcoming racial barriers in the USBill Ryan
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Ongoing activism and advocacy in various social issues through personal purpose and serviceMarketta Sims
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Experiencing wrongful imprisonment and reflecting on biasesTeresa Njoroge
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Criticism of the death penalty citing Stanley Tookie Williams' executionAlice Kim
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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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Components of a reentry kit for individuals starting fresh after incarcerationMichelle Clopton
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Advocacy for systemic change in prison conditions and women's treatmentLinda Small
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Journey from working in a warehouse to a career in policy and reentry workMaria Moon
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Overcoming stigma and resistance faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking education and reintegrationYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Challenges in encouraging community ownership and engagementSharon White-Harrigan
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Surviving and advocating against the conditions in Illinois prisonsDarrell Cannon
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Fostering involvement and leadership in prison organizationsJane Dorotik
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Efforts to address discrimination and promote inclusivity across various identitiesYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Resilience and empowerment after overcoming adversityMichelle Clopton
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Experiences of advocacy and political challenges in education supportLauren Hansen
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Advocating for awareness and action on prison conditions and inmate communicationDenise Spencer
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Advocacy for change in the death penalty and the importance of personal storiesBill Ryan
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Advocating for incarcerated women's needs and facilitating community engagementYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Reflections on death penalty and the humanity of incarcerated individualsBill Ryan
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Barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrating into societyMadeline Mendoza
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Reflections on activism, racism, and overcoming discouragement after election resultsWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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Personal transformation and leadership development after incarcerationTiffany Vulcain
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Learning from community engagement and leadership experiencesKatrina Butler
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The link between abuse and incarceration among women and menMaria Moon
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Encouragement to view others with empathy and mercy despite their mistakesMaria Moon
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Advocacy and organizing efforts for humane treatment of incarcerated individualsAnisah Sabur
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Personal experiences of trauma and difficult choices as a mother in a legal situationDenise Spencer
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Advocacy for abolishing life without parole and the death penaltyJane Dorotik
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Joining and finding support in the National Congress for Black WomenRobin Turner
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Advocating for the Clean Slate Initiative and addressing systemic barriers in criminal justice reformMarketta Sims
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Finding strength and purpose while in solitary confinement through advocacy and community supportEddy Zheng
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Securing community support and recognition from the commissioner through strategic advocacyLinda Small
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The impact of a family tragedy on a young life and its consequencesRonald Marshall
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Reflecting on human connection beyond societal barriers and striving for justiceTeresa Njoroge
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Legal representation from Northwestern University's law teamLeroy Orange
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The impact of creative and supportive programs during incarcerationMarketta Sims
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Perceptions and expectations of prison life before incarceration experiencesKatrina Butler
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Mentoring formerly incarcerated individuals and advocating for awareness on post-incarceration challengesCharlotte Garnes
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Challenges of religious practices and discrimination in a correctional facilityAnisah Sabur
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Personal transformation and self-discovery through adversityKatrina Butler
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Advocacy methods and personal journey to community leadership and political candidacyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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The importance of celebrating life and honoring ancestors' roles in community and leadershipYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Pressing issues for incarcerated women and gender nonconforming individuals in 2025Linda Evans
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Perceptions of unjust laws and lengthy prison sentences during incarcerationMadeline Mendoza
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Self-description as an artist, activist, advocate, and organizer promoting community and kindnessJane Dorotik
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Dick Cunningham's advocacy against the death penalty and influence on its abolitionBill Ryan
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Advocacy for reparations and reflections on systemic injustice in ChicagoDarrell Cannon
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Efforts and challenges in advocating for clemency and against the death penalty in IllinoisAlice Kim
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The broader impact of incarceration on women, families, and communitiesLeah Faria
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Using art as a tool for healing and creating a kid-friendly environmentHeather Jo Canuel
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Challenges and realities of federal incarceration expectations and experiencesCharlotte Garnes
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