This week we share the first of two episodes on Jay Smith’s story, also known as Abu Faheem Shabaz, who was recently released from the Indiana Department of Corrections after spending years inside. As he states, Shabaz was part of the carceral system since childhood, and he describes coming of age within the walls of detention facilities. He shares with us some of the medical issues he faced while inside, and describes the system of punitive write-ups commonly used by prison authorities. Faheem also emphasizes how the influence of families and supporters outside the prison walls is crucial in getting prisoners’ needs met and grievances addressed.