Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Northwestern Insider, the first magazine dedicated to showcasing the work of students from the Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP)!

By Jennifer Lackey

A recent graduate from the Northwestern Prison Education Program reflects on the importance of education in carceral settings.

Facing two life sentences, NPEP student Tony Triplett found himself trapped in hopelessness—until an education reawakened his sense of self.

Stripped of her voice by a language barrier, NPEP student Blanca Solis woman took it upon herself to learn English while incarcerated—proving that education can be a powerful tool of self-empowerment and a lifeline for the many voiceless Latinas within the prison system.

Introducing the first edition of the Northwestern Insider Restorative Justice Column—a platform where incarcerated voices unite to heal, reconcile, and build a stronger community through shared stories and collective empathy.

NPEP student Patty Ouska reflects on finding hope and faith through the simple act of watching the sunrise—reminding us all of the power of perspective and the strength found in collective resilience.

Members of the NPEP community share what fuels their optimism and resilience, from faith and family to education and the possibility of a brighter future.

To celebrate the release of NPEP student Erika Ray’s new collection of poetry, 42 and Freedom, the Northwestern Insider has published four of her poems.

What I Choose captures the struggle of choosing life in an unsteady world. NPEP graduate Dré Patterson provides a reflective response.

A powerful reflection on the tension between silence and expression, particularly for women who are often overlooked. NPEP student Broderick Hollins responds.

Erika Ray explores the tension between vulnerability and strength and reflects on identity's complexities, particularly as a Black woman and poet. NPEP graduate Dré Patterson responds.

Erika Ray reflects on Stokely Carmichael's infamous quote about women in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), in which he suggested that their only position was "prone." NPEP graduate Dré Patterson responds.

In her recent book, Criminal Testimonial Injustice, NPEP Founding Director and Northwestern Professor of Philosophy Jennifer Lackey touches on a subject most choose to overlook.

On Sept. 29, 2023, Northwestern students, alumni, and professors gathered at Stateville Correctional Center to discuss Jennifer Lackey’s new book, Criminal Testimonial Injustice.

The Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP) is proud to announce the winners and honorable mentions from the inaugural Janice Nora Lackey Award for Academic Excellence.

This essay, Bill’s House, was one of the winning submissions for the Janice Nora Lackey Award for Academic Excellence. It captures the intense, personal journey of the author growing up in a trap house, navigating the chaos of street life, and finding moments of resilience amidst the harsh realities of survival.

One of the winning essays for the Janice Nora Lackey Award for Academic Excellence. The essay presents an imaginative conversation between Karl Marx and Kimberle Crenshaw, set in a Bronzeville coffee shop.

Reflecting on the unexpected meeting between an incarcerated student and Ian Gershengorn, a former acting U.S. Solicitor General.

James wrote this poem for a final chemistry presentation, in which he chose to present about chemistry that deals with our emotions. It just so happened that at the time he learned about these chemicals, he experienced something that forever changed his life.

A raw and emotional exploration of the struggles faced by someone who feels trapped by an unjust system.