Johnny Page has come a long way since he enrolled in classes at Cook County Jail just to get off the deck. Locked up at eighteen, he had always enjoyed reading and was an exemplary student when younger. However, in high school he got caught up in street life and dropped out. Once he started…
As a father of three, Robert Reed recognized while in prison that he needed to be a strong example for his children, Anthony, Diamond and Justin. Robert knew, as soon as he heard about EJP, therefore, that he wanted to join. Along with his wife, Arlinda, he has been connected with the program for more…
David Todd is a fervent advocate for education-in-prison programs. He credits such programs, including his time taking courses with EJP, with helping him find his two passions: cosmetology and mentorship. David was released from prison at age 41 in 2017, after serving 21 years. He decided while in prison that he needed to change his…
I was born and raised in the colonized archipelago of Puerto Rico that has been under US rule since 1898. The struggle for independence and socialism back home has led thousands of Puerto Ricans to become political prisoners. One that marked my early teenage years was Oscar López Rivera who spent 36 years behind bars….
Linda Larsen became Research Coordinator of EJP’s Reentry Guide Initiative (RGI) in January 2021, but has been working as a member of RGI since 2017. Linda’s background is in writing and teaching about writing. In addition to her work at EJP, she works as Publications Coordinator for SEDAC, an applied research center at the University of Illinois…
Before moving to Illinois for graduate school, Logan had wanted to work with incarcerated folks where he lived in Madison, Wisconsin. A few of his friends had wonderful things to say about their experiences participating in a literature reading group with individuals at a local jail. And given his interest in learning more about community…
When I entered EJP I was coming from a dark place. I was searching for the power within knowledge to harness it for destructive purposes. I was angry at the institutions that cause harm to my community and I was searching for retribution. I could not fathom that I was the greatest cancer to my…
Welcome to EJP’s new website! We’re so excited to launch this new home for EJP’s online presence, and to have you here with us. This has been a long time in the making, and we hope you take a few minutes to explore. EJP’s previous website launched in 2012. It greatly improved access to information…