Blog Topic: Justice initiatives

In this JSTOR’s Second Chance Month essay, Allen Ivanov reflects on the liberating and isolating power of education in prison, exploring how knowledge—through Shakespeare and critical inquiry—becomes both a burden and a path to self-reclamation.

In this JSTOR’s Second Chance Month essay, Shane Moffat reflects on early school experiences, the sensory memories of his bus rides, and his enduring love for education. Through vivid storytelling, he challenges readers to consider access, equity, and the power of memory—even behind prison walls.

Vy Thang’s reflection on education challenges idealized notions of utopia shaped by historical trauma and incarceration. His story illustrates how liberal arts learning becomes a powerful act of self-discovery, resistance, and community building.

This is JSTOR’s third year of publishing essays, poetry, and artwork from people impacted by incarceration. These stories are as diverse as America itself, yet the humanity explored by these writers remind us of the dreams, aspirations, and connectedness we all share.

Amplifying marginalized voices through crowdfunding and crowdsourcing in digital archives and libraries. Learn how Reveal Digital's initiative uncovers underrepresented histories with open access collections hosted on JSTOR.

Discover a summary of the "Second Chance Mentality: First Chance Reality" series by JSTOR Access in Prison, which amplifies the voices of individuals with incarceration histories.

Explore Phillip Vance Smith II's journey through the carceral system, shedding light on the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing and the challenges faced upon reentry into society.

Discover one woman's inspiring journey from prison to college graduation, highlighting the impact of mentorship and the challenges faced by individuals with convictions on-campus.

Striving to overcome a challenging past, Elisha shares her journey from a jail cell to pursuing a dream of becoming a pilot. Embracing hope and resilience, this story sheds light on the transformative power of second chances.

Struggles of reintegration post-incarceration are examined through personal experiences in this essay, highlighting challenges in navigating systemic barriers, including conflicts faced in a work release program. An individual shares insights on leveraging prison education amidst the complexities of reentry.