The Blog
Latest news from our network
A Journey of Necessity
“How I Accomplished the Impossible” By Richard T. Watkins (R.T. Watkins) Nearly a year and a half ago, I authored an article answering the question, “Should mass incarceration across the nation be considered a civil rights catastrophe?” At the time, I was serving a...
We need your help
To Whom This May Concern, First and foremost, we would like to thank you for taking the time to read this open letter Just that within itself is appreciated immensely, because there are many other who perhaps may Feel it wouldn’t be worth their time and effort to do...
Incarcerated Female seeking advice – Lyric Farmer (Oregon)
My name is Lyric Farmer; I am a 24-year-old Asian and African American female who is currently incarcerated in Coffee Creek Correctional Facility located in Wilsonville Oregon. My story begins with trial and error as well as turmoil but within the seams of it all is...
Things you may not know of the editor, Taylor Tom
“Riding back from the courthouse in the patty wagon, shackled and chained, having just been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, I wouldn’t have dreamed of becoming the man I am today.” – Taylor Tom, The Convicted Entrepreneur. Taylor Tom was...
Thank you Designed Conviction by Darrell Sharpe (Massachusetts)
Deep into the dreadful confines of our unfortunate predicament- where our existence fades out of sight, mind, heart and emotions of others, You (DC) remember us and reach out to us in friendship solidarity, with humanity, and real kindness, “ Thank You” (DC) you’ve...
Finding Purpose or Giving Back by Jessie Milo (California)
Many of us serving a life sentence, committed our crimes when we were young, well before we were able to appreciate life or the consequences of choices. One of the first things I had to learn 20 years ago when I came to prison was “how do I LIVE, while sentenced to...
Poem by Jason W. Gregory (Virginia)
If the individual were a ship,Emotions the choppy Sea,Principles could be your rudder,Truly guiding Thee.Self-control could steer you Home,Discipline keeps you free,Strength and Courage at the wheel,Persevering righteously.So as you stand before the mast,With Pride...
When Angels Fly by Brandon Tran (Texas)
Lord, I come to you as you are my good shepherd and I'm your sheep they say when you lose you weep, but I'm yours to keep. You gave me strength when I'm weak and gave me courage with the heart to speak. And to speak about our love it's so deep I love you so much that...
Work Ethic by Michael Bankert (New Mexico)
Being lazy is not an idle endeavor. Commitment is mandatory. Effort and firm intent toward achieving this desirous goal demand a willingness to forego distractions such as ambition and fortitude. It is imperative that strenuous labor—actual work or exercise be...
Inmate Lives Matter by Esmael Villasana (Texas)
Some voted for Trump. Some voted for Biden. If I told you prison makes people better, I would be lying. The incarcerated are not the only ones in prison. Our families, our friends, and victims are also doing a prison sentences. We learn to forgive and ask for...