Prison Journalism Project
@prisonjournalism.bsky.social
An independent national nonprofit initiative that trains incarcerated writers in the tools of journalism and publishes their stories.
Support our work: https://bit.ly/4rioDIW
Support our work: https://bit.ly/4rioDIW
Pinned
What Extreme Cold Feels Like in Prison
Prison writers from across the U.S. describe how cold their prisons get in the winter — and what small dignities could make it more bearable.
prisonjournalismproject.org
In a special project on extreme cold in prison, 27 PJP contributors in 17 states describe winter behind bars — and the small dignities that could make it more bearable.
If PJP’s work resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider making a gift.
Donate | Prison Journalism Project
Prison Journalism Project is supported by people like you. Support Prison Journalism Project today.
prisonjournalismproject.fundjournalism.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:00 AM
If PJP’s work resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider making a gift.
"Prison can be dehumanizing in a number of ways. We basically dress in pajamas every day. We are told when to shower. And, perhaps worst of all, we are forced to use sporks," writes Daniel X. Cohen.
I’ve Been in Prison For So Long I Forgot How to Use a Fork
Are there forks inside prison? Of course not. I'm so used to using a spork I am pretty sure I've lost my ability to use a fork.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:47 PM
"Prison can be dehumanizing in a number of ways. We basically dress in pajamas every day. We are told when to shower. And, perhaps worst of all, we are forced to use sporks," writes Daniel X. Cohen.
What Happened When I Filed a Sexual Abuse Claim in Prison
What Happened When I Filed a Sexual Abuse Claim in Prison
After an investigation, my sexual abuse claim was found unsubstantiated. The process made me feel like reporting the abuse wasn’t worth it.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:10 PM
What Happened When I Filed a Sexual Abuse Claim in Prison
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
The Times identified 120+ instances in which guards were described as having punched, kicked or stomped on inmates, smashed their fingers in cell doors, held their legs apart and struck their genitals with batons, and even waterboarded them — all while they were handcuffed or otherwise restrained.
Restrained, Beaten, Asphyxiated: New York Prison Guards’ Brutality Grows
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:56 PM
The Times identified 120+ instances in which guards were described as having punched, kicked or stomped on inmates, smashed their fingers in cell doors, held their legs apart and struck their genitals with batons, and even waterboarded them — all while they were handcuffed or otherwise restrained.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
Happy Sunday! We are 23 days into our end of year fundraising. If you value our work and want to help us keep training and publishing writers on the inside, please consider becoming a supporter. Your donation will be matched!
Donate | Prison Journalism Project
Prison Journalism Project is supported by people like you. Support Prison Journalism Project today.
prisonjournalismproject.fundjournalism.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Happy Sunday! We are 23 days into our end of year fundraising. If you value our work and want to help us keep training and publishing writers on the inside, please consider becoming a supporter. Your donation will be matched!
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
So, get this: Louisiana has made it nearly impossible to get parole. Except for undocumented immigrants. Now the state is rushing to release some of those prisoners to deport them. 🤔
By @richardawebster.bsky.social and Bobbi-Jeanne Misick @veritenews.org
By @richardawebster.bsky.social and Bobbi-Jeanne Misick @veritenews.org
Louisiana Made It Nearly Impossible to Get Parole. Now It’s Releasing Prisoners to Deport Them.
Gov. Jeff Landry eliminated parole for prisoners arrested after Aug. 1, 2024, and tightened eligibility rules for those already in prison. Then he set all of that aside for one group: undocumented imm...
www.propublica.org
November 24, 2025 at 12:37 PM
So, get this: Louisiana has made it nearly impossible to get parole. Except for undocumented immigrants. Now the state is rushing to release some of those prisoners to deport them. 🤔
By @richardawebster.bsky.social and Bobbi-Jeanne Misick @veritenews.org
By @richardawebster.bsky.social and Bobbi-Jeanne Misick @veritenews.org
Happy Sunday! We are 23 days into our end of year fundraising. If you value our work and want to help us keep training and publishing writers on the inside, please consider becoming a supporter. Your donation will be matched!
Donate | Prison Journalism Project
Prison Journalism Project is supported by people like you. Support Prison Journalism Project today.
prisonjournalismproject.fundjournalism.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Happy Sunday! We are 23 days into our end of year fundraising. If you value our work and want to help us keep training and publishing writers on the inside, please consider becoming a supporter. Your donation will be matched!
🔴 The Fear of Going Home After Decades Inside
🔴 The Fear of Going Home After Decades Inside
“I’m like a dinosaur, man. Like one of them ‘Bill and Ted’ movies with a dude from the past. I’ll be lost, man!”
mailchi.mp
November 24, 2025 at 12:34 AM
🔴 The Fear of Going Home After Decades Inside
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"'We the People' includes we the incarcerated. It’s long past time to allow all voting-age Americans the freedom to vote." Story co-published with Reckon News.
‘We the People’ Includes We the Incarcerated
It’s time to let all voting-age Americans influence their government.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM
"'We the People' includes we the incarcerated. It’s long past time to allow all voting-age Americans the freedom to vote." Story co-published with Reckon News.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
In an essay for PJP, Kashawn Taylor explains why living in a halfway house has felt like "freedom with an asterisk."
What Is It Like to Live in a Halfway House?
In Connecticut, living at a halfway house is restrictive. I’m still under the watch of the state prison system.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 17, 2025 at 10:10 PM
In an essay for PJP, Kashawn Taylor explains why living in a halfway house has felt like "freedom with an asterisk."
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
Despite being away from family, Thanksgiving in prison can still be a special time.
Thanksgiving Brings Good Food, Cheer and Camaraderie
That night during our shared meal we experienced, for a little while, a sense of brotherhood, goodwill and community.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Despite being away from family, Thanksgiving in prison can still be a special time.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
He’s Been in Prison for 33 Years, but Exercise Frees His Mind
He’s Been in Prison for 33 Years, but Exercise Frees His Mind
Andres Martinez has served 33 years in prison. During that time, he’s found that playing soccer, running and lifting weights free his mind.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 PM
He’s Been in Prison for 33 Years, but Exercise Frees His Mind
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"Ever since this patio was built last spring, it has allowed me to catch my breath from the mayhem of prison. My general sadness lifted every time I visited the patio."
We Built a Patio at My Prison. It Has Changed My Life
Incarcerated women built a patio, and we use it for Bible study, leisurely picnics, to engage in mindfulness or yoga, and to play cards or crochet.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:33 PM
"Ever since this patio was built last spring, it has allowed me to catch my breath from the mayhem of prison. My general sadness lifted every time I visited the patio."
“Being able to help others while serving my prison sentence was a dream come true. Then I learned that my ICE hold disqualified me from accessing the same college classes I tutored others for," writes Olsen. Story via @thenation.com.
How Washington State Discriminates Against Incarcerated Immigrants
People with immigration detainers want to build a better life, but state policies make it difficult or impossible.
www.thenation.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:16 PM
“Being able to help others while serving my prison sentence was a dream come true. Then I learned that my ICE hold disqualified me from accessing the same college classes I tutored others for," writes Olsen. Story via @thenation.com.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
At PJP, we bring incarcerated voices into urgent conversations that matter — prison conditions, policy reform, human rights, and beyond. But to continue this vital work, we need your help. We are aiming to raise $50K during our end of year campaign. Can you help support our work?
Donate | Prison Journalism Project
Prison Journalism Project is supported by people like you. Support Prison Journalism Project today.
prisonjournalismproject.fundjournalism.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:03 PM
At PJP, we bring incarcerated voices into urgent conversations that matter — prison conditions, policy reform, human rights, and beyond. But to continue this vital work, we need your help. We are aiming to raise $50K during our end of year campaign. Can you help support our work?
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"It’s Hard to Make, and Keep, Friends as a Queer Man in Prison -
Some peers and staff believe my friendships have ulterior motives."
An incredible testimony by Kashawn Taylor @kashawntaylor.bsky.social
Some peers and staff believe my friendships have ulterior motives."
An incredible testimony by Kashawn Taylor @kashawntaylor.bsky.social
It’s Hard to Make, and Keep, Friends as a Queer Man in Prison
Friendship is essential to surviving prison. But for me, people often suspect ulterior motives.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:38 AM
"It’s Hard to Make, and Keep, Friends as a Queer Man in Prison -
Some peers and staff believe my friendships have ulterior motives."
An incredible testimony by Kashawn Taylor @kashawntaylor.bsky.social
Some peers and staff believe my friendships have ulterior motives."
An incredible testimony by Kashawn Taylor @kashawntaylor.bsky.social
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"Perhaps prison would have persisted this way forever. Perhaps our granite hearts and iron wills would have never crumbled. Perhaps the prison mentality, that we be cold and heartless, would have endured.
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
"I had not touched a cat in 15 years when an orange kitten wandered over to sit with me in the grass one day. I was left without adequate words to describe that experience. It reminded me that I am alive."
When Kittens Came to My Prison, I Had Not Petted One in 15 Years
I had not touched a cat in 15 years when an orange kitten wandered over to sit with me in the grass.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 23, 2025 at 1:09 AM
"Perhaps prison would have persisted this way forever. Perhaps our granite hearts and iron wills would have never crumbled. Perhaps the prison mentality, that we be cold and heartless, would have endured.
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
"Perhaps prison would have persisted this way forever. Perhaps our granite hearts and iron wills would have never crumbled. Perhaps the prison mentality, that we be cold and heartless, would have endured.
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
"I had not touched a cat in 15 years when an orange kitten wandered over to sit with me in the grass one day. I was left without adequate words to describe that experience. It reminded me that I am alive."
When Kittens Came to My Prison, I Had Not Petted One in 15 Years
I had not touched a cat in 15 years when an orange kitten wandered over to sit with me in the grass.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 23, 2025 at 1:09 AM
"Perhaps prison would have persisted this way forever. Perhaps our granite hearts and iron wills would have never crumbled. Perhaps the prison mentality, that we be cold and heartless, would have endured.
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
Perhaps. But then there were kittens."
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
Bluesky, meet @kashawntaylor.bsky.social. He wrote several stories for us while he was incarcerated and recently has been helping me out in Audience. Say hello and give a follow! He'll be at our Dec. 8 event. Come say hi!
November 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Bluesky, meet @kashawntaylor.bsky.social. He wrote several stories for us while he was incarcerated and recently has been helping me out in Audience. Say hello and give a follow! He'll be at our Dec. 8 event. Come say hi!
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
On the outside, reporters write what they see.
On the inside, writers report what they live, what they hear, feel and notice in ways no one else can.
That’s the power of lived-experience journalism
And it’s the reason Prison Journalism Project exists.
On the inside, writers report what they live, what they hear, feel and notice in ways no one else can.
That’s the power of lived-experience journalism
And it’s the reason Prison Journalism Project exists.
Donate | Prison Journalism Project
Prison Journalism Project is supported by people like you. Support Prison Journalism Project today.
prisonjournalismproject.fundjournalism.org
November 19, 2025 at 10:08 PM
On the outside, reporters write what they see.
On the inside, writers report what they live, what they hear, feel and notice in ways no one else can.
That’s the power of lived-experience journalism
And it’s the reason Prison Journalism Project exists.
On the inside, writers report what they live, what they hear, feel and notice in ways no one else can.
That’s the power of lived-experience journalism
And it’s the reason Prison Journalism Project exists.
The Fight Over Prison Flipping
The Fight Over Prison Flipping - Abigail Glasgow - Inquest
As shuttered jails and prisons become luxury venues, a growing movement is calling for community-led alternatives that honor the sites’ violent histories.
inquest.org
November 22, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The Fight Over Prison Flipping
Five years of stories. Five Years of Impact. Five years of changing the storyteller.
Join us on Monday, December 8, as we honor the writers who are transforming how the public understands life behind bars. Come meet some of our alumni.
Join us on Monday, December 8, as we honor the writers who are transforming how the public understands life behind bars. Come meet some of our alumni.
Voices From the Inside: A Celebration of PJP Writers & Five Years of Impact
Celebrate five years of powerful storytelling with Prison Journalism Project as we honor the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated writers.
celebrationofpjpwriters.eventbrite.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Five years of stories. Five Years of Impact. Five years of changing the storyteller.
Join us on Monday, December 8, as we honor the writers who are transforming how the public understands life behind bars. Come meet some of our alumni.
Join us on Monday, December 8, as we honor the writers who are transforming how the public understands life behind bars. Come meet some of our alumni.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
A Prison Cat That Didn’t Understand Freedom
This Cat Brought Love to A Concrete World
Fluffy lived with us in our cells, until they were taken away. The kitten gave us purpose beyond ourselves and showed us we could still be compassionate.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
A Prison Cat That Didn’t Understand Freedom
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
A man died today at the Rikers Island jail complex. He was just hours away from an expected release.
This year, 13 people have now died in the NYC jails. That is *nearly triple* the number of people who died in the NYC jails in all of 2024. www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/r...
This year, 13 people have now died in the NYC jails. That is *nearly triple* the number of people who died in the NYC jails in all of 2024. www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/r...
Hours Before Expected Release, Rikers Detainee Dies After Apparent Seizure
Edwin Ramos, 38, was slated to plead guilty and walk free Friday morning. Instead, he became the 13th person to die in city custody this year.
www.thecity.nyc
November 21, 2025 at 9:43 PM
A man died today at the Rikers Island jail complex. He was just hours away from an expected release.
This year, 13 people have now died in the NYC jails. That is *nearly triple* the number of people who died in the NYC jails in all of 2024. www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/r...
This year, 13 people have now died in the NYC jails. That is *nearly triple* the number of people who died in the NYC jails in all of 2024. www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/r...
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
NEW: Federal prison workers are jumping ship & heading to ICE for better pay + bonuses. Already BOP lost >1400 people this year, reversing all of 2024’s staffing gains. It’s an unintended consequence of Trump’s push for mass deportations
My 1st for @propublica.org
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
My 1st for @propublica.org
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
As Federal Prisons Run Low on Food and Toilet Paper, Corrections Officers Leave in Droves for ICE
Many of the problems the agency is facing now are not new, but staff and prisoners fear an exodus of officers could make life behind bars even worse.
www.propublica.org
November 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
NEW: Federal prison workers are jumping ship & heading to ICE for better pay + bonuses. Already BOP lost >1400 people this year, reversing all of 2024’s staffing gains. It’s an unintended consequence of Trump’s push for mass deportations
My 1st for @propublica.org
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...
My 1st for @propublica.org
www.propublica.org/article/ice-...