Incarceration Nations Network

Michael McCusker, activist and advocate from the Turnaround Project in Belfast and The Lived Experience Podcast.

In this conversation, James Leonard and Michael J Mc Cusker share their experiences in South Africa, focusing on the stark contrasts between poverty and joy in schools, the impact of crime on youth, and reflections on the historical significance of Robben Island. They discuss the resilience of the South African people, the importance of education, and the ongoing legacy of Nelson Mandela. Their insights highlight the complexities of life in South Africa, the role of community, and the transformative power of personal experiences. In this conversation, James Leonard and Michael J Mc Cusker explore the complex dynamics of oppression and privilege, particularly in the context of South Africa and Northern Ireland. They discuss their experiences in various communities, the historical parallels between apartheid and the Troubles, and the vibrant cultural expressions that emerge amidst adversity. The conversation highlights the stark contrasts in societal structures and the personal reflections that arise from navigating these environments.

In this conversation, Tricia Walsh shares her experiences as a Maori woman, discussing her ancestry, the significance of Maori tattoos, and the impact of colonization on indigenous communities. She highlights the cycle of trauma and incarceration faced by Maori and Pacifica peoples, the importance of reclaiming language and culture, and the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition. Tricia emphasizes the need for unity among indigenous populations to combat oppression and build a better future for their communities. In this conversation, Tricia Walsh shares her experiences with government policies affecting workforce migration, the implications of immigration on society, and her personal journey through incarceration and addiction. She emphasizes the importance of family support, education, and empowerment in overcoming life's challenges. Tricia offers words of encouragement to those struggling, highlighting that change is possible and that individuals have the strength to reclaim their lives.

This conversation explores the transformative power of perspective and gratitude, particularly in the context of personal struggles and systemic challenges. The speakers discuss life in the Virgin Islands, the impact of gentrification, and the importance of community initiatives like the Choices program aimed at empowering youth. They delve into the complexities of freedom, success, and the disparities within the criminal justice system, particularly in relation to the crack epidemic and immigration issues. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and the potential for change through personal growth and community support.

Summary

In this conversation, James Leonard and Katrian Clarke explore the shared historical ties between Ireland and Jamaica, delve into Clarke's personal experiences with incarceration, and discuss the transformative power of education within correctional facilities. Clarke shares her journey from being incarcerated to becoming an advocate for education and rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of teaching and providing opportunities for those behind bars. The discussion also addresses the challenges of security and access to education in prisons, as well as the collaborative efforts between inmates and correctional officers to foster a supportive learning environment. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for entrepreneurship education to aid reintegration into society. In this conversation, Katrian Clarke and James Leonard discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding entrepreneurship, criminal records, and the conditions within prisons in Jamaica. They explore the tedious process of expunging criminal records, the impact of legislation on employment opportunities, and the dire state of prison conditions, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and reintegration programs to reduce recidivism. The discussion highlights the importance of education and support systems in helping individuals transition back into society after incarceration.

In this conversation, myself and Jazz Singh explore themes of football fandom, personal experiences with racism, and the historical context of immigration and institutional racism. We discuss the impact of colonial history on current societal dynamics, the complexities of historical narratives, and the ongoing struggles related to power and class. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we highlight the interconnectedness of these issues and the importance of understanding history from multiple perspectives. This conversation explores the profound impact of historical narratives, particularly regarding colonisation and partition, and how these events shape contemporary conflicts. Jazz Singh shares his personal journey from facing systemic racism in the legal profession to experiencing a transformative period in prison, where he found purpose through service and community. The discussion emphasises the importance of acknowledging both light and dark aspects of history and personal identity, and how shifting perspectives can lead to profound change and opportunities. In this conversation, Jazz Singh and I explore themes of love, transformation, and empowerment through adversity. We discuss the importance of shifting perspectives from victimhood to empowerment, the role of forgiveness in personal growth, and the significance of sharing stories to highlight the realities of prison life. The dialogue also touches on the global disparities in human rights and the necessity of independent media to amplify marginalised voices. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we emphasise the potential for redemption and the importance of recognising privilege in the context of social justice.

Jhody Polk is the founder of the Jailhouse Lawyers Initiative (JLI) and CEO of A Light In The Valley, LLC. She is the Pathways to Research and Advocacy Fellow with the Fortune Society and Center for Justice Innovation, and is the creator of the Legal Empowerment & Advocacy Hub (LEAH), an online space dedicated to people Knowing the Law. She is the recipient of the 2019 Peacebuilder of the Year Award and the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King’s Jr. Legacy award, and was named a Soros Justice Fellow in 2018. She currently serves on the board of Namati. 

Jhody is known for her work as a central Florida Organizer on Amendment 4, a campaign to restore voting rights to over 1.5 million Floridians with felony convictions. She is the formal Director of Community Justice at the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding and served as the Director of the Alachua County Reentry Coalition 2017-2020. Jhody is a rising Tarot Reader, Astrologer and Energy Healer. She unapologetically lives for the liberation of Black People, Power, Peace Human Rights, Participatory Action Research (PAR), Legal Empowerment, Community Peacebuilding and Justice For All. 

Darion Stick Herrera Hernández, 28 years old, is a a  charismatic person who likes to help other people without expecting something in return, always with the intention of making them smile. He is also the father of a 9-year-old girl, Emily. For 13 years he has worked at the Tiempo de Juego Foundation, based in Bogota, as a community leader. Since 2015 he has been a national trainer in criminal responsibility centers for adolescents, supporting the restoration of rights for people impacted by the justice system, developing alternatives to incarceration centers and promoting mental health.

Waldemar Cubilla is a sociologist and Director of the Justice and Human Rights program at the National University of San Martín in Argentina. He is also a member of Mutual Mario Cafiero, an organization created by formerly incarcerated people who defend the rights of incarcerated people and their families.

a teacher and popular educator, he works in defense of the right to education in prisons and in juvenile centers. A promoter of reading, he is also a creator of libraries, including the Juan Gelman library, which operates within the Buenos Aires prison system and gave rise to the birth of CUSAM, a prison university program, and the la carcova popular library, an educational organization in villa carcova, where waldemar was born.

Both libraries constitute a bridge between “inside” and “outside," promoting education, work and reading--which preserves the freedom of those who have survived confinement because the word is an effective weapon for marginalized people to assert themselves; firearms become "translated" into language that allows people to imagine, shape and design a new educational territory governed by knowledge of management, organization and common sense.

Julie Legrand, 35 years old, was born in the Paris suburbs, where she grew up with her parents and older brother. In 2019 she was incarcerated for 18 months in a French jail, which led to her advocacy work with the French Observatory of Prisons. A single mother of three wonderful children with whom she is very close, Julie enjoys going out with friends, having meals with family, and helping people around her. She is passionate about boxing and computer training work.