Mass incarceration adversely affects hundreds of thousands of families in Virginia today, interrupting many communities. Its costs are high for children, partners, communities, the economy, and especially taxpayers. Meanwhile, the scientific consensus is that long sentences or prison for minor offenses do not help public safety, often reducing it. Small steps have been made to […]
Note from Gin: I know this can be a tough subject. Normally the Humanization Project makes a point not to ask about someone’s “crime.” We tell the stories of good people doing good work in the world. We don’t focus on their worst mistake on the worst day of their life. That should not define […]
*Please note, names have been changed for the protection and consideration of all involved.* Grieving Behind Bars ~ by Taj Mahon-Haft ~ I first met Roy as a recommendation of a positive leader in my new pod. I only knew a few people and it was time to recruit the best guys to help as […]
*Please note, names have been changed for the protection and consideration of all involved.* No Place to Pee ~ by Taj Mahon-Haft ~ I confess that I did not know Hooch at all before this event, and I still only know him through a few harried conversations. Prison is funny that way. I know a […]
*Please note, names have been changed for the protection and consideration of all involved.* Every day we get counted repeatedly in prison. Four of those times are officially considered “standing counts,” where the guards blow shrill whistles and bellow, “Count time! Feet on the floor! Lights On!!” The whole point of it is explicitly to […]
~ Taj Alexander Mahon-Haft ~ Being at the jail and then “receiving” was the most torturous time of my life, stuck in solitary for over a year. By the time I was being transferred, I was actually looking forward to prison. Even just the thrice daily walk fifty yards to the “chow hall”–who says that […]