Beyond the Cage Life Stories
The following are excerpts taken from the longer oral histories in our digital archive. Content warning: violence, racism, police brutality, trauma in prisons and jails.
Gerald
Gerald talks about supporting his daughter while incarcerated and his participation in various forms of powerful protests during his time in prison. Content warning: explicit accounts of violence.
Keesa
Keesa talks about prison conditions and enduring the loss of loved ones while inside. Content warning: stories that touch on death and dealing with the struggles that come with mental health in prison.
ANONYMOUS
This anonymous narrator talks about having an incarcerated father and her hopes for the future. Content warning: mentions of suicidal ideation.
TIM
Tim discusses the challenges of living while on parole. Tim's interview demonstrates his resilience in the face of a broken reentry system. Content warning: descriptions of injustice and inhumane treatment.