To celebrate, we’ve picked a few pieces from the archive. Enjoy!
Jeff Witt’s I Remember
Two months after my thirty-first birthday, I was arrested and charged with murder.
Only after I fell victim to my own ignorance and proved the statistics true did I grasp what a history of child abuse, neglect, and trauma can do when left untreated. Couple this history with military training and combat overseas, and you get a recipe for disaster — just like mom used to make.
Turns out I’m not alone: Two in five inmates have a mental health diagnosis and there are about 2.2 million inmates across the US (Yeah, not alone anymore ... )
Growing up, I never thought that having only one parent would make me twice as likely to come to prison. I recall being fifteen, sleeping next to my hunting rifle in case my mom’s drunk, abusive boyfriend made good on his threats
Le’Var Howard’s Aging through Prison
I’m 35 and potentially have the rest of my life to go. I came into prison at 18 years old. Many of my friends have helped me mature, not just grow old. My friends are still in the tide, a very rare breed of men, who like me, came into prison at a young age. My friends are 51, 54, 53, 48, 47 and I believe 45 and 43.
Theron Hall’s On Love
But love? Love, creates unity; love creates hope; it creates possibilities; it creates safety. And for most of my life, I haven't felt safe. I haven't felt hopeful. I haven't felt like things would be OK.
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Happy Birthday! A cause for celebration indeed!