This essay was published in partnership with the Prison Journalism Project, which publishes independent journalism by jailed writers and others affected by imprisonment. […]
I’m Serving Life in Prison. It’s a Slow-Motion Death Sentence
TARIQ MAQBOOL IS an incarcerated writer serving two consecutive life sentences at the New Jersey State Prison. He is a member[…]
“Torn” by Tariq MaQbool
“Torn”By: Tariq MaQboolIn the chaos of it all, I stand so small,One life with purpose, the other’s in thrall,Through countless[…]
“If It Were You” by Hamza Franklin
A poem by Ray Hamzah Franklin:
If it were you taken
From the hottest sands
Would you want this Paradise Land
That’s not his land?
“The Road to Success” by Shawn Robert Johnson
A poem by Shawn Robert Johnson The road to success will inevitably call your bluffWith adversities, obstacles, and all kinds[…]
“Attempts to Revive the Death Penalty in New Jersey” by Tariq MaQbool
ersey State Prison’s (NJSP) “Death Row” had their sentences changed to Life in prison with 30 years intelligibility of parole.
“I Serve My Time” by Ashley Hoath
A poem by Ashely Hoath:
he society which failed me, to it I serve my time
You can capture my body, but you can’t enslave my mind
“It’s Time to End the Vax Rule for Prisoners” by Shakeil Price
Prisoners like me are barred from the intimate family visits that are a lifeline inside — all for refusing the[…]
“What Does Black History Month Mean to You?” by Shawn Robert Johnson
Black History Month for me is a chance to shed the spotlight on our Black community. Every year during the[…]
“You’re a Champion to Me: A Celebration of Women’s History Month” by Shawn Robert Johnson
On the 22nd day in 1986 it was cold night in December When you gave birth to me – as[…]
