We are kicking off 2026 with a special conversation with our neighbor in Illinois, Jane Beachy. Co-hosts Jen Rubin and Jessica Becker talk with Beachy about a program called Envisioning Justice from Illinois Humanities and her work convening people from other state and territorial organizations funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities with a commitment to programming in prisons, working alongside people impacted by the justice system, and framing conversations about incarceration in America. We learn that some states have doubled down on their efforts despite federal funding cuts, how project leaders from Wisconsin are learning from different models and working with community partners, and why this may be some of the most important work for public humanities agencies. 

Additional Links to check out:

→ Since 2017, Illinois Humanities program, Envisioning Justice, has created free public arts and humanities programs in partnership with communities and people affected by the carceral system and provided grant funding for individuals, nonprofits, and collectives. Learn more here. 

→ Humanities Unlocked is a series of six podcast episodes about the humanities in Wisconsin prisons, produced by Wisconsin Humanities and Field Noise Soundworks, co-hosted by Adam Carr and Dasha Kelly Hamilton. Listen here. 

This episode of Human Powered was produced and edited by Chrissy Widmayer. All rights reserved.