Confronting Fear: My Journey from Prison to Advocacy
Dear Readers, It has been over a year since I last contributed to the A Voice From Prison blog, and I owe you all an explanation. The truth is, I’ve been gripped…
Stories & insights
A voice worth hearing.
Firsthand perspectives on incarceration, education, and the work toward a more humane justice system.
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Interview with Andy Chan from Books to Prisoners
There are over forty organizations in the United States that distribute donated books to prisons and incarcerated individuals. One of these nonprofit organizations is Books to Prisoners, located in Seattle, Washington. They…
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The Great Return To Prison For Minor Violations
Minor violations a.k.a. ‘technical violations’ account for the vast majority of reimprisonment cases. Violations can be as simple as failing to answer a phone call when a parole officer calls to check…
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Analysis of Executive Order 14074 – Criminal Justice Reform
Every so often, the executive branch offers insight into the position on important political issues. Recently, President Biden issued an executive order (Exec. Order 14074 of May 25, 2022) that pertains to…
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What Message is the US Justice System Really Sending Prisoners?
What has surprised me most in my extensive experience with the United States Justice System is by far the overarching message sent by leadership and administration. The message is simple – “This…
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The First Step Act: a Failure of Implementation
In 2018 the United States Congress passed the First Step Act, is a criminal justice bill aimed at reducing prison sentences for non-violent offenders. The bill, which aims to reduce rates of…
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Unbelievable Conditions At Federal Prisons
It’s interesting to see the disparity between inmates and staff. The line between has a clear demarcation that shows who is afforded the basic necessities and rights, as well as who isn’t.…
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Transit During COVID-19 (Part 2)
This blog post is the continuation of a series, Transit During COVID-19. Read part one here. Grady County (Shady Grady) When you are on a prison transport bus, the windows are often…
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Criminal Justice Reform: Issues and Obstacles
Criminal Justice Reform: Issues and Obstacles Sarah Belyeu Support for punitive justice has a long-standing history in the US. From the post Civil War “prison boom,” to the “Tough on Crime” policies…
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Transit During COVID-19 (Part 1)
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a living nightmare for most, trapped at home without the ability to do things you used to enjoy such as visiting friends, going out to eat, etc.…
