Prison Journalism Project
@prisonjournalism.bsky.social
An independent national nonprofit initiative that trains incarcerated writers in the tools of journalism and publishes their stories.
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Subscribe: https://prisonjournalismproject.org/newsletter/?utm_campaign=Bluesky_Profile
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The Reentry Game That Prepares You for Life After Prison
A prisoner with a background in finance designed this Game of Lyfe to help incarcerated people in an Illinois prison thrive after being released. Now, he’s looking to expand.
prisonjournalismproject.org
A resident at an Illinois prison designed a simulation called the Game of Lyfe. It has become the cornerstone of an expanding reentry program.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"From 1996 to 2018, the state prison system did not allow incarcerated individuals to take photos. The only pictures taken of us were yearly prison ID photos — mug shots placed on the state prison system website."
The Surprising Power of Getting Your Picture Taken in Prison
Illinois River Correctional Center allowed incarcerated people to have their photo taken in 2024. The change has brought hope to the prison.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:45 PM
"From 1996 to 2018, the state prison system did not allow incarcerated individuals to take photos. The only pictures taken of us were yearly prison ID photos — mug shots placed on the state prison system website."
Months before his death, Ralph Marcus explained how a COVID-era leg injury led to a rare bone cancer that didn’t have to be fatal.
The Last Words of a Man Who Died in Prison From a Treatable Cancer
In a conversation just before his death, Ralph Marcus shared his experience of dying from a rare form of cancer inside a California prison.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Months before his death, Ralph Marcus explained how a COVID-era leg injury led to a rare bone cancer that didn’t have to be fatal.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
Today, 1 in 5 formerly incarcerated people is experiencing food insecurity. That's at least 1 million people nationwide.
We should be making it easier for vulnerable people to access healthy food, not harder.
We should be making it easier for vulnerable people to access healthy food, not harder.
November 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Today, 1 in 5 formerly incarcerated people is experiencing food insecurity. That's at least 1 million people nationwide.
We should be making it easier for vulnerable people to access healthy food, not harder.
We should be making it easier for vulnerable people to access healthy food, not harder.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
‘Humanity Supersedes Everything Else’ on Thanksgiving
‘Humanity Supersedes Everything Else’ on Thanksgiving
I've had 16 prison Thanksgivings, but who's counting? Here in my section, which houses 84 of us, we have an additional tradition.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 8, 2025 at 1:29 AM
‘Humanity Supersedes Everything Else’ on Thanksgiving
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"I regret and have remorse for murdering a man, but I also use this unfortunate identity — murderer — as a literary tool. I'm able to ... put myself beneath [the people I'm writing about] by telling the reader about my own terrible transgressions, often explaining that I'm as bad or worse."
John J. Lennon tells Bill Keller that he “wanted to tell a different story about the guilty” in his new book.
A Leading Prison Journalist Upends Our Obsession With True Crime
John J. Lennon tells Bill Keller that he “wanted to tell a different story about the guilty” in his new book.
www.themarshallproject.org
November 8, 2025 at 3:07 AM
"I regret and have remorse for murdering a man, but I also use this unfortunate identity — murderer — as a literary tool. I'm able to ... put myself beneath [the people I'm writing about] by telling the reader about my own terrible transgressions, often explaining that I'm as bad or worse."
It can take an incarcerated person weeks of strenuous work to afford even just a stick of deodorant. Story via @vera.org.
Prison Pay and Commissary Prices: Too Little for Too Much
It can take an incarcerated person weeks of strenuous work to afford even just a stick of deodorant.
www.vera.org
November 9, 2025 at 11:33 PM
It can take an incarcerated person weeks of strenuous work to afford even just a stick of deodorant. Story via @vera.org.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
A resident at an Illinois prison designed a simulation called the Game of Lyfe. It has become the cornerstone of an expanding reentry program.
The Reentry Game That Prepares You for Life After Prison
A prisoner with a background in finance designed this Game of Lyfe to help incarcerated people in an Illinois prison thrive after being released. Now, he’s looking to expand.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:26 AM
A resident at an Illinois prison designed a simulation called the Game of Lyfe. It has become the cornerstone of an expanding reentry program.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"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
January 31, 2025 at 3:32 AM
"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."
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"I never smiled on my [prison] ID pic, but I'm gonna smile in this pic ... It's for my kids."
"From 1996 to 2018, the state prison system did not allow incarcerated individuals to take photos. The only pictures taken of us were yearly prison ID photos — mug shots placed on the state prison system website."
The Surprising Power of Getting Your Picture Taken in Prison
Illinois River Correctional Center allowed incarcerated people to have their photo taken in 2024. The change has brought hope to the prison.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 9, 2025 at 5:05 AM
"I never smiled on my [prison] ID pic, but I'm gonna smile in this pic ... It's for my kids."
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"Blue Mountain Humane Society, a local animal shelter, brought in dogs for us to train and foster for six to eight weeks. ... A resident artist has painted portraits of the dogs, which are displayed on the 'Dog Wall of Fame' at our unit's entrance."
"The prison unit I live in is not like most around the country, or even most in my state of Washington."
Read more about Jeff's unit, which is home to video games, plants and dogs and is modeled off Norway's progressive prison system ⤵️
Read more about Jeff's unit, which is home to video games, plants and dogs and is modeled off Norway's progressive prison system ⤵️
How Plants and Pups Helped Transform This Prison Unit
Plants and puppies have turned our unit from gloomy and depressing to lively and more humane.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 9, 2025 at 5:12 AM
"Blue Mountain Humane Society, a local animal shelter, brought in dogs for us to train and foster for six to eight weeks. ... A resident artist has painted portraits of the dogs, which are displayed on the 'Dog Wall of Fame' at our unit's entrance."
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
The Art and Science — and Joy — of Growing Flowers in Prison
The Art and Science — and Joy — of Growing Flowers in Prison
While prison presents unique challenges for gardeners, several men in a Washington prison are able to successfully grow colorful flowers.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 8, 2025 at 1:02 AM
The Art and Science — and Joy — of Growing Flowers in Prison
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"The prison unit I live in is not like most around the country, or even most in my state of Washington."
Read more about Jeff's unit, which is home to video games, plants and dogs and is modeled off Norway's progressive prison system ⤵️
Read more about Jeff's unit, which is home to video games, plants and dogs and is modeled off Norway's progressive prison system ⤵️
How Plants and Pups Helped Transform This Prison Unit
Plants and puppies have turned our unit from gloomy and depressing to lively and more humane.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:21 PM
"The prison unit I live in is not like most around the country, or even most in my state of Washington."
Read more about Jeff's unit, which is home to video games, plants and dogs and is modeled off Norway's progressive prison system ⤵️
Read more about Jeff's unit, which is home to video games, plants and dogs and is modeled off Norway's progressive prison system ⤵️
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
We are an independent nonprofit that relies on donations to keep our training and coaching free for all writers — so they can shift the narrative on mass incarceration.
You can help support our work:
You can 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 6, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
I never imagined that I would help others adjust to prison. But over the decade since I landed here, I became part of my prison system’s welcoming crew.
I pull people from their cells for fresh coffee and orientation, where I introduce myself and share ways they can spend their time in prison.
I pull people from their cells for fresh coffee and orientation, where I introduce myself and share ways they can spend their time in prison.
The Value of Mentors in Prison
I’m a volunteer who greets newcomers, provides them with resources and offers them encouragement.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:03 PM
I never imagined that I would help others adjust to prison. But over the decade since I landed here, I became part of my prison system’s welcoming crew.
I pull people from their cells for fresh coffee and orientation, where I introduce myself and share ways they can spend their time in prison.
I pull people from their cells for fresh coffee and orientation, where I introduce myself and share ways they can spend their time in prison.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
"There is not an athletic enough verb, a highly animated enough punctuation mark, or clever enough prose to accurately describe the impact of stories written from behind the razor wire." – PJP Contributor
Donate | Prison Journalism Project
Prison Journalism Project is supported by people like you. Support Prison Journalism Project today.
prisonjournalismproject.fundjournalism.org
November 7, 2025 at 11:12 PM
"There is not an athletic enough verb, a highly animated enough punctuation mark, or clever enough prose to accurately describe the impact of stories written from behind the razor wire." – PJP Contributor
Formerly incarcerated Atlantans help the city's unhoused residents find a way off the street. Story via CBS News.
Formerly incarcerated Atlantans help the city's unhoused residents find a way off the street
A group of formerly incarcerated Atlantans are working to support people who are unhoused in any way they can.
www.cbsnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Formerly incarcerated Atlantans help the city's unhoused residents find a way off the street. Story via CBS News.
‘Humanity Supersedes Everything Else’ on Thanksgiving
‘Humanity Supersedes Everything Else’ on Thanksgiving
I've had 16 prison Thanksgivings, but who's counting? Here in my section, which houses 84 of us, we have an additional tradition.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 8, 2025 at 1:29 AM
‘Humanity Supersedes Everything Else’ on Thanksgiving
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
Oof. Read this.
"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 8, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Oof. Read this.
The Art and Science — and Joy — of Growing Flowers in Prison
The Art and Science — and Joy — of Growing Flowers in Prison
While prison presents unique challenges for gardeners, several men in a Washington prison are able to successfully grow colorful flowers.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 8, 2025 at 1:02 AM
The Art and Science — and Joy — of Growing Flowers in Prison
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
San Quentin Film Festival returned last month. What did it take to pull it off the first time?
Anatomy of a Prison Film Festival
A series of films by incarcerated filmmakers stole the show at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 12:44 AM
San Quentin Film Festival returned last month. What did it take to pull it off the first time?
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
Despite the fact that the birds could go anywhere else to flock and feed, they always came to us.
The Real Jailbirds
Despite the fact that the birds could go anywhere else to flock and feed, they always came to our prison. They visited us often.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Despite the fact that the birds could go anywhere else to flock and feed, they always came to us.
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
In 2021, a few guys in his cellblock invited Jeshua to make pizza with them for the Super Bowl. He was asked to buy a bag of chili, a pickle and two packages of ramen noodles.
"I didn’t understand how these ingredients could make a pizza, but I was game."
"I didn’t understand how these ingredients could make a pizza, but I was game."
Cooking Pizza in Prison Requires Creativity
Prison pizzas test people’s culinary creativity and are a way to share good food with friends.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:28 PM
In 2021, a few guys in his cellblock invited Jeshua to make pizza with them for the Super Bowl. He was asked to buy a bag of chili, a pickle and two packages of ramen noodles.
"I didn’t understand how these ingredients could make a pizza, but I was game."
"I didn’t understand how these ingredients could make a pizza, but I was game."
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
" ... Since my brother was deported, I have been terrified. I find myself waking up in the middle of the night, tapping the side of my bunk to check if I’m still in my prison bed."
To Avoid Deportation, People Want to Stay Longer at My Prison
The thought of ending up in El Salvador’s CECOT, like my brother, makes many people at San Quentin nervous.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:14 PM
" ... Since my brother was deported, I have been terrified. I find myself waking up in the middle of the night, tapping the side of my bunk to check if I’m still in my prison bed."
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
Check out PJP's favorite stories of 2024 ⤵️
PJP’s Favorite Stories of 2024
Prison Journalism Project editors and staff share the stories they loved best from their incarcerated writers this year.
prisonjournalismproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Check out PJP's favorite stories of 2024 ⤵️
Reposted by Prison Journalism Project
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fundrazr.com/sustain-the-...
Your donation will be matched 36x thanks to a coalition of funders that *have* stepped up!
fundrazr.com/sustain-the-...
November 5, 2025 at 4:21 PM
You can be part of our winning team by making a small, monthly donation to support @thexylom.com's coverage of global health and environmental disparities:
Your donation will be matched 36x thanks to a coalition of funders that *have* stepped up!
fundrazr.com/sustain-the-...
Your donation will be matched 36x thanks to a coalition of funders that *have* stepped up!
fundrazr.com/sustain-the-...