April 13, 2021 — We are thrilled to announce that the Society of Professional Journalists is partnering with PJP to create a national, virtual chapter of incarcerated journalists serving time in corrections facilities across the country. Under the partnership, PJP members will get an opportunity to join SPJ at a student rate.
“I’m so excited about this project that will give so many more people reasons to celebrate and commit to journalism,” SPJ National President Matthew T. Hall said in a press release. “SPJ’s San Quentin chapter has been a bright light for SPJ, and involving more prisoners in the organization is a step toward greater inclusivity, diversity and solidarity.
“Journalism should know no boundaries, and the best journalism holds up humanity for closer inspection and holds institutions to account. I’m glad to extend an opportunity to prospective journalists to help those behind bars and their communities and look forward to working alongside them to help them live and lead lives of opportunity now and in the future.”
Marcus “Wali” Henderson, editor-in-chief of San Quentin News, who is also an editorial associate for PJP, will be the first chairperson of the chapter. Wali will help manage and guide the chapter membership.
PJP plans to lay out guidelines for membership, and we will review the members every year to ensure that they are active as journalists.