I recently started working with the organization, Photo Requests from Solitary. Their aim is “to support the growing movement to end or significantly reduce the use of long-term solitary confinement – a form of torture that has been condemned by the United Nations and other international human rights organizations – in California, Illinois, New York and the other states we are working. To encourage people to think about the needs and hopes of people in isolation, whose humanity is often dismissed. To use in conjunction with state campaigns to establish humane conditions of confinement through legislation and policy change.”
These photographs are my first edit to fulfill a request from one such inmate in long-term solitary confinement. If you’re interested in helping, you can find out more about them here.
Adam, thank you so much for sharing this amazing program. I’ve contacted them.
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Adam–this is so exciting to hear that you are involved with this program. Before I had health issues I used to volunteer at two different maximum security prisons. The guys were real quick to tell me who was ‘in jail’ (their term for confinement) and ask me to talk to the chaplain (who was my direct contact). Of course, my word meant nothing. But once the inmate got out, the infractions related to me were usually mindless–stealing two pieces of chicken?? This is most definitely a form of torture that I wish would end. I have saved this post because this is going to be a good, long read. Thank you so much.
Thanks, Lois. I have been looking for ways to mobilize my photography for issues I’m concerned with and the mass incarceration in this country, particularly of people of color, is an issue that has been much on my mind. Add to that the privatization of much of the prison system, the abuse of civil forfeiture, the return of imprisonment for debt and the abuse of solitary confinement and we have a massive amount of injustice, largely hidden from public view. I came across Photos Requests from Solitary at Septembers Photoville and put down my name to volunteer. Eventually that led to me fulfilling my first request. I look forward to doing more of them.