Independence Day Archives — Prison Journalism Project

7 Stories from Incarcerated Writers on Freedom and Patriotism

by Elena Townsend-Lerdo and India Claudy July 2, 2023June 30, 2023

A river rushes through large boulders and trees

The Rock, the River and the Tree

by Mesro Dhu Rafa'a September 23, 2022September 16, 2022

Color fireworks light up a night sky

An Incarcerated Man’s Feelings of Longing and Patriotism

by Kory "Hussain" McClary July 4, 2022August 23, 2022

Silhouette of a woman raising her fist in the air

This Independence Day, I Declare My Life Is More Than This

by Heather C. Jarvis July 4, 2022August 23, 2022

A sign at a Black Lives Matter protest showing photos and names of recent Black murder victims.

Can We Forgive American Violence?

by Demar R. Rosemond July 4, 2022August 23, 2022

Immigrants of many ethnic backgrounds appear at a swearing in ceremony for US citizenship

Even in Prison, U.S. Citizenship Keeps Me Where I Want to Be

by M. Yayah Sandi July 1, 2022June 30, 2022

Roll of U.S. Constitution laying on top of the American flag.

From Prison Newspapers

On Fourth of July, Remember America’s Potential

by Ken Wyatt June 30, 2022August 23, 2022