We train incarcerated writers to be journalists and publish their stories
Empowering a marginalized community to be a vital voice in criminal legal reform
Creating a national network of prison journalists
Information about the prison system is limited, and policy makers and voters are shaping the lives of incarcerated people without their input.
We’re bringing transparency to the world of mass incarceration from the inside and training incarcerated writers to be journalists, so they can participate in the dialogue about criminal legal reform.
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The United States accounts for 5% of the world’s population but houses 25% or 1/4 of the world’s prisoners. These are their own stories in their own words.
In Case You Missed It
Quick! How to Hide the Hooch
Bathrobes, red herrings and a blind man — I have seen it all.
Incarcerated Writers Give Voice to Their Stories
The Pen
PJP Editorial Liaison Marcus Henderson wrote this powerful poem at San Quentin State Prison as COVID-19 was sweeping through the prison in one of the worst outbreaks in the country.
The Foster Care to Prison Pipeline
Prison Journalism Project editorial associate Arthur Longworth, who is himself a former foster child, speaks to how the system makes their wards feel like “prison is exactly where you were raised to be.”
Jummah Prayers
After six months of suspended programming due to COVID-19, PJP contributing writer Tariq MaQbool reports that the Islamic Friday prayers had finally resumed at his New Jersey facility.
Empowering Prison Journalists to Change the Narrative About Mass Incarceration
Prison Journalism Project provides incarcerated writers with the tools and training to establish themselves as credible journalists, so they can meaningfully participate in the decision making processes that impact them and their communities.
The prison industry is one of the biggest and least transparent businesses in this country and benefits from the fragmentation of information and news about those who are incarcerated. There is a critical and urgent need to connect the dots between prisons across the country and bring transparency to an opaque industry. Intentional, responsible and well-crafted journalism from within the incarcerated community can also break stereotypes and ultimately drive change.
Bring transparency to the prison idustry by supporting the work of incarcerated journalists.
Gain new insights through stories that range from breaking news and thoughtful essays to lyrical poetry and photo essays.