Unsealed: In Spite of Prison Walls
In e-messages sent from a Michigan prison, writer Leo Carmona describes the value of finding and losing community between facility transfers. More
Unsealed: On That Old Rock Pile Prison Quilt Project
In this essay, Jeff Elmore explains his process of making paper collage quilts in prison, which he sends to anyone interested in receiving them. More
Damascus James on Witnessing, Letter Writing, and Solitary Confinement
Damascus James, editor of "TEXAS LETTERS," speaks with PEN America's "Works of Justice" podcast about what he learned from people who are in solitary confinement in Texas prisons. More
Unsealed: An Open Letter from No More Victims Road
In this open letter, Antwann Lamont Johnson, Sr. considers if the Department of Corrections actually contributes to harm reduction. More
Unsealed: Lost Lifelines, and the Harmful Effects of Prison Mail Scanning
Jess Abolafia discusses the challenges of digitizing mail to and from prison, and why it does more harm than good. More
Unsealed: The Blood and Ink of the Prison Pen
Leo Cardez reflects on the limited resources available to incarcerated writers by explaining what it's like to use a "prison pen." More
Introducing “Unsealed:” Inside the Letters of PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing Program
Jess Abolafia on the challenges of communication through prison walls via physical, handwritten mail. More
2017 Literary Gala: Alan Cumming
I’m in prison, and like any prisoner, it is very difficult for me to answer a simple childish question: “Daddy, when are you coming home?” More
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