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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Balancing work within formal organizations and personal community involvementDana Talbot -
Influence of Malcolm X and Jeff Fort during early life and educationDarrell Cannon
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Encouraging community advocacy and collective action for changeMarketta Sims
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Experiences of learning about race, gender, and sexual identity inside prison compared to the outside worldLauren Hansen
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Experiences and acceptance within a diverse prison communityHeather Jo Canuel
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Resilience and empowerment after overcoming adversityMichelle Clopton
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Art and Storytelling78 InterviewsExplore
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Entering prison at a young age and the initial challenges facedMarketta Sims
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The importance of celebrating life and honoring ancestors' roles in community and leadershipYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Preconceptions of prison life shaped by television showsSharon White-Harrigan
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Advice and insights for those engaged in challenging workSharon White-Harrigan
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Securing community support and recognition from the commissioner through strategic advocacyLinda Small
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Family values and cultural heritage shaping identity and resilienceChanel Rhymes
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Navigating the challenges of being on parole and dealing with parole officersRegnarian Jenkins
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Initiating change by advocating for justice-impacted individuals in prison settingsRegnarian Jenkins
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Inequity: Socioeconomic Status156 InterviewsExplore
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Advocacy and organizing efforts for humane treatment of incarcerated individualsAnisah Sabur
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The need for unity and action in the movement against mass incarcerationDana Talbot
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Career challenges and resilience after losing a position due to administrative issuesChanel Rhymes
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Engaging community members through outreach and support lettersLinda Small
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The role of Phoenix Rising Toastmasters in developing public speaking skills for incarcerated individualsMarketta Sims
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Advocacy for a moratorium on executions in IllinoisBill Ryan
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Challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering societyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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The impact of a women's movement advocating for change and empowermentSharon White-Harrigan
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Collaboration with Jesse Jackson to oppose the death penalty in IllinoisAlice Kim
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Building friendships and overcoming initial barriers with death row inmatesBill Ryan
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The importance of discussing systemic issues like racism, incarceration, and mental healthDana Talbot
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Advocacy for educational opportunities and change while incarceratedLauren Hansen
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Advocacy for justice-impacted Black individuals facing systemic barriersRegnarian Jenkins
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Challenges in encouraging community ownership and engagementSharon White-Harrigan
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Criticism of the death penalty citing Stanley Tookie Williams' executionAlice Kim
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The importance of communication and perseverance in overcoming racial barriers in the USBill Ryan
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Self-description as an artist, activist, advocate, and organizer promoting community and kindnessJane Dorotik
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Advocacy for systemic change in prison conditions and women's treatmentLinda Small
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The impact of colonial-era penal codes on marginalized communities in KenyaTeresa Njoroge
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Reflecting on contributions to social justice and systemic changeAnisah Sabur
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Experiences of racial tension and segregation growing up in GeorgiaCharlotte Garnes
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Teaching and personal growth while incarceratedTiffany Vulcain
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Barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrating into societyMadeline Mendoza
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Overcoming challenges and proving resilience after incarcerationAyana Thomas
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Impact of hearing from Illinois death row inmates on personal and societal perspectivesAlice Kim
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Bias and misconceptions about educational achievement and accessTeresa Njoroge
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Inspiration from family, colleagues, and justice advocates worldwide in community workTeresa Njoroge
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Perceptions of unjust laws and lengthy prison sentences during incarcerationMadeline Mendoza
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Efforts to support criminal justice reform and create opportunities for womenYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Preconceptions versus reality of prison life and lack of preparation resourcesLinda Small
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Navigating racial tensions and systemic issues in response to violence against the Asian communityEddy Zheng
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Addressing harassment and advocating for change in a military environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Experiencing prison life while pregnant and the unexpected conditions facedHeather Jo Canuel
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Challenging judgment and advocating for understanding of parents with incarcerated childrenDenise Spencer
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Challenges of overcoming bias and resistance to community reintegration for formerly incarcerated individualsYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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The journey to advocating for the abolition of the death penaltyAlice Kim
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Impact and legacy of work in prison reform and training programsYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Advocating for incarcerated women's needs and facilitating community engagementYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Disillusionment with political systems and election processesMadeline Mendoza
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The metaphor of treasure and value for incarcerated individualsMaria Moon
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Ongoing activism and advocacy in various social issues through personal purpose and serviceMarketta Sims
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The influence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s example of love and forgivenessMaria Moon
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Witnessing an execution and forming friendships with death row inmatesBill Ryan
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Navigating challenges as a Black woman advocating for change in government and communityYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Evolving understanding of systemic biases and discrimination during incarceration experiencesCassandra Severe
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Call to action for advocacy against mass incarceration and supporting community reintegrationMarketta Sims
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Changing views on the justice system after personal experienceRegnarian Jenkins
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Encouragement to view others with empathy and mercy despite their mistakesMaria Moon
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Dick Cunningham's advocacy against the death penalty and influence on its abolitionBill Ryan
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Mentoring formerly incarcerated individuals and advocating for awareness on post-incarceration challengesCharlotte Garnes
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Motivation and efforts to support women experiencing domestic violence from within a prison settingMarketta Sims
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The importance of legacy and trustworthinessRobin Turner
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Reflections on life after prison and hopes for a more just worldTeresa Njoroge
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Involvement in activism and support for various ethnic and international communitiesDenise Spencer
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Experiences of injustice, survival, and community support in jail and prisonWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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Building solidarity and support among women through open communication and collaborationRobin Turner
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Critique of the prison system's ineffectiveness in accountability and rehabilitationJane Dorotik
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Supporting women in court and the importance of emotional support in legal defense teamsAyana Thomas
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Reflections on death penalty and the humanity of incarcerated individualsBill Ryan
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Advocacy for legislative change to protect children during parental arrestsMarketta Sims
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The creation of a support group for women prisoners with long sentencesMaria Moon
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Collaborations to reinstate college programs at Bedford Hills Correctional FacilitySharon White-Harrigan
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Preconceived notions and realities of entering prison for the first timeTeresa Njoroge
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Advice for young activists in states with the death penaltyAlice Kim
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Finding healing and empowerment through a photography class and art exhibitMarketta Sims
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Formation of a foundation addressing AAHPI mass incarceration and deportation issuesEddy Zheng
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Participating in self-help classes and community activities for personal growth and cultural celebrationMadeline Mendoza
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Efforts to address discrimination and promote inclusivity across various identitiesYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Reflecting on organizing and education efforts in a reparations movementDarrell Cannon
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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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Facing racial bias and invasive questioning from law enforcement during a personal crisisWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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Lessons learned from community organizing and the impact on views of incarceration systemsLinda Small
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Reflections on mentorship and learning from others while incarceratedTiffany Vulcain
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Building relationships with Jesse Jackson and Rainbow PUSH in death penalty advocacy effortsAlice Kim
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Differences in advocacy work inside prisons versus in broader communitiesSharon White-Harrigan
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Criticizing the allocation of funds within Illinois prisonsDenise Spencer
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Advocacy methods and personal journey to community leadership and political candidacyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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Dispelling myths and maintaining momentum in social movementsYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Advice for those entering advocacy and organizing work, including knowing one's limits and balancing personal lifeWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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The impact of personal growth on leadership style and communication skillsRobin Turner
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Creating and implementing a volunteer media project called Change for previously incarcerated womenRobin Turner
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Experiences and observations on death row and the death penalty debate in IllinoisBill Ryan
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Collaborating with Manni and Rose to support the MAMAS organization and manage memory challengesDenise Spencer
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Compassionate Companions program and its impact in a women's prisonJane Dorotik
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Encouraging justice-impacted individuals to join the movement for systemic changeRonald Marshall
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Cultural differences and challenges with food and prison conditions in a new environmentTeresa Njoroge
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The broader impact of incarceration on women, families, and communitiesLeah Faria
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Personal transformation and self-discovery through adversityKatrina Butler
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Changing perspectives on incarceration and understanding underlying issues of addiction and povertyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
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Efforts to organize and improve conditions in prison despite challenges and lack of responseDana Talbot
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The importance of public support in addressing mass incarceration and justice system reformHeather Jo Canuel
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Providing a platform for condemned prisoners to share their stories with the publicAlice Kim
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Advocacy against the death penalty and efforts for a moratorium in IllinoisBill Ryan
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Addressing abuse and advocating for change within the prison system for Black womenKatrina Butler
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Using relatable stories for difficult conversations about mass incarceration and economic injustice in IllinoisHeather Jo Canuel
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Advocacy for abolishing life without parole and the death penaltyJane Dorotik
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Empowerment and identity through organizing with women in prisonKatrina Butler
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Advocacy and policy change for humane treatment of incarcerated womenAnisah Sabur
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Advocacy against police brutality and the personal impact of tortureDarrell Cannon
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Advocacy for prison education programs and amending the Thirteenth AmendmentLauren Hansen
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Gratitude for community support and personal growth beyond a criminal justice labelMarketta Sims
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Efforts and challenges in advocating for clemency and against the death penalty in IllinoisAlice Kim
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Lessons learned from a grandmother's resilience and generosityMichelle Clopton
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Experiences and challenges in Tamms Supermax prison and personal resilienceDarrell Cannon
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The impact of a family tragedy on a young life and its consequencesRonald Marshall
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Becoming a voice for the justice-impacted and advocating for marginalized communitiesRegnarian Jenkins
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Involvement with bail fund and the impact of George Floyd's death on fundraising effortsChanel Rhymes
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Aspirations to dismantle and reform the legal system to address systemic issuesAnisah Sabur
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Fostering involvement and leadership in prison organizationsJane Dorotik
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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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Personal experiences of trauma and difficult choices as a mother in a legal situationDenise Spencer
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Encouragement and advice for new members supporting the organization's causeJane Dorotik
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Controversy surrounding Chief Illiniwek and cultural misrepresentation at the University of IllinoisDana Talbot
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Advocacy and challenges in addressing life sentences and death row sentencesAlice Kim
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Navigating personal innovation and existing organizational structures at The Fortune SocietyTiffany Vulcain
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The importance of organizing and advocacy in making policy changesLinda Evans
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Reflecting on personal growth and advocacy through literature and educationEddy Zheng
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Joining an advocacy group to support a son and meeting influential figuresDenise Spencer
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Overcoming stigma and resistance faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking education and reintegrationYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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The necessity of unity and collaboration in the criminal justice advocacy movementKeith Peterkin
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Perceptions and expectations of prison life before incarceration experiencesKatrina Butler
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Advice for women creating support networks for incarcerated womenRobin Turner
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Learning about Ms. Khan's racial identity and her experiences with passing as a survival tacticRegnarian Jenkins
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Reflections on interactions with police after experiencing abuseDarrell Cannon
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Creating public platforms to share stories from death row inmates and challenge preconceived notionsAlice Kim
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Inclusive approach to advocacy addressing multiple interrelated issues faced by marginalized womenSharon White-Harrigan
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Transition from passivity to engagement through working in the prison law libraryJane Dorotik
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Experiences with LGBTQ+ acceptance and treatment in correctional facilities over timeLauren Hansen
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Addressing misconduct and advocating for change in a boot camp environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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The impact of creative and supportive programs during incarcerationMarketta Sims
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Personal experiences and role models that shaped community involvement and advocacyCassandra Severe
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Providing workforce development for justice-impacted individuals and training businesses on hiring themCharlotte Garnes
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Personal transformation and leadership development after incarcerationTiffany Vulcain
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Experiencing the intense security and emotional atmosphere of visiting death row with a prisoner's familyBill Ryan
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Pressing issues for incarcerated women and gender nonconforming individuals in 2025Linda Evans
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Challenges and realities of federal incarceration expectations and experiencesCharlotte Garnes
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Influence of Mao's China on the Black Panthers and Asian American activism in the U.S.Eddy Zheng
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Efforts to support and upskill formerly imprisoned women in Kenya through corporate partnerships and mentorship programsTeresa Njoroge
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Critique of systemic devaluation of education, passion, and legacyRonald Marshall
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The importance of empowering incarcerated individuals to lead their own advocacy effortsLauren Hansen
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Access to information and communication within the prison systemCharlotte Garnes
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Components of a reentry kit for individuals starting fresh after incarcerationMichelle Clopton
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Hopes for a legacy focused on community, love, and truthSharon White-Harrigan
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Supporting fellow survivors and discussing the impact of police violence with studentsDarrell Cannon
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Perceptions and misconceptions about prison life and incarcerationMaria Moon
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Experiences with the justice system and challenges with police and community supportDenise Spencer
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The movement for abolishing the death penalty in Illinois after the 2000 moratoriumAlice Kim
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Expectations versus reality of living conditions in women's prisonMichelle Clopton
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The link between abuse and incarceration among women and menMaria Moon
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The power of public consciousness and civic engagement in legislative changeCassandra Severe
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Tensions in collaboration and education initiatives while incarceratedSharon White-Harrigan
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Activism and support for mothers of incarcerated childrenDenise Spencer
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The development and impact of Live from Death Row events in advocating against the death penaltyAlice Kim
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Empowering voices within the criminal legal system reform movementAlice Kim
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Reflections on understanding and overcoming societal divides in early lifeCharlotte Garnes
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Building community and self-worth in women's prisons through shared skills and acts of careHeather Jo Canuel
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Critique of the criminal justice system and its impact on marginalized groupsKeith Peterkin
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Experiences and challenges transitioning from Catholic to public school in a culturally diverse environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
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Journey from working in a warehouse to a career in policy and reentry workMaria Moon
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Activism against the death penalty in Illinois and efforts to influence policy changeAlice Kim
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Understanding and identifying as Two-Spirit within Native cultural contextsDana Talbot
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Navigating education and identity as a Jehovah's Witness and a Black student in a predominantly white school environmentKatrina Butler
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