Todd Mandoline is an incarcerated writer whose powerful op-ed sheds light on the medical neglect faced by individuals in custody. His piece is both a personal story and a call for humanity within the prison healthcare system.

Michael Deas, Assistant Professor at Medill, showcases op-eds by incarcerated students addressing issues like medical neglect, solitary confinement, and mass incarceration, offering powerful perspectives on justice and systemic inequalities.

William Peeples’ Forgiveness & Grace explores forgiveness and grace as tools for healing and transformation. He challenges society’s focus on punishment, highlighting that grace allows for growth and forgiveness fosters accountability, encouraging a world built on love and understanding rather than revenge.

Flynard Miller’s Paycheck to Paycheck explores the financial struggles of millions of Americans, like Nikki, a mail carrier, trapped in a cycle of low wages and rising living costs. Miller argues that systemic issues, rather than poor financial planning, drive this instability and calls for financial literacy and broader economic change.

Ramon “Ben Khayil” Montague reflects on the connection between historical slave patrols and modern policing, drawing from Dr. Joy DeGruy’s Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. He highlights how the dehumanization of Black people continues to fuel systemic violence, from the Virginia Slave Code to contemporary police brutality.

Dr. Marquis Bey’s teachings challenge rigid identities, encouraging students to embrace fluidity in gender, race, and self. His work deconstructs societal myths, celebrating Black and trans lives while inspiring a deeper understanding of human complexity.

Dr. Marquis Bey, a professor with an impactful teaching style, inspired students in Spring 2023 by bringing to life figures like Langston Hughes and bell hooks. He encourages deep discussions on race, oppression, and Black queer life, aiming to positively impact all lives through his teachings.

Rachel Ventura is the Illinois State Senator for the 43rd District, advocating for criminal justice reform and prison education. In 2022, she became the first Illinois legislator to hire an incarcerated intern, supporting juvenile justice reform and expanding access to education in prisons. Ventura is committed to giving incarcerated individuals a voice in policy decisions.

Monika Wnuk is a volunteer photographer with a passion for capturing the academic journeys of incarcerated students in NPEP. Since 2018, she has documented their experiences, providing students and their families with meaningful memories through her lens.

Cincere Knowledge (Jamal Jones) exposes the healthcare crisis in Illinois prisons, where systemic neglect leads to suffering and preventable deaths. Despite court orders, the IDOC fails to improve care, prompting Jones to call for federal intervention to ensure proper healthcare for incarcerated individuals.

Michael Jorgensen credits intermittent fasting (IF) with saving his life in prison, helping him lose 60+ pounds, improve his health, and regain control. IF gave him purpose, both physically and emotionally, transforming his outlook and well-being.

Craig Harvey shares his experience providing hospice care at Stateville Correctional Center, driven by personal trauma and a desire to heal. He recounts the story of Don B., an inmate who died due to lack of placement, highlighting the harsh realities of prison life and the importance of human connection in the final moments.

In Illinois prisons, inmates face contaminated water, including Legionella bacteria and harmful chemicals. Despite years of complaints, the Illinois Department of Corrections has failed to address the issue, leaving prisoners at risk and calling for independent oversight.

D.C. Crite, a former athlete, used sports to escape PTSD and depression until he could no longer ignore his mental health struggles. Confronting trauma from abuse and military experiences, he sought help and began healing. Crite emphasizes that facing mental illness is essential for growth, as running from it only prolongs the pain.

Elbonie Burnside is a writer and NPEP member who reflects on the struggles of grieving while incarcerated. After losing a friend to cancer, he explores how limited healthcare and the suppression of emotions in confinement make grief even more difficult to navigate.

Katrina Giles’ spirit continues to shine brightly through the memories of her friends, classmates, and mentors. Though her time with NPEP was brief, her impact was immeasurable. In the words that follow, her community honors Katrina’s legacy of strength, joy, and grace—each reflection a reminder of the love she shared and the light she leaves behind.

Katrina was a beloved member of the NPEP community whose spirit touched many, even those who never met her. Her strength, grace, and joy live on in the memories of her sisters at Logan and the heartfelt words of her NPEP brothers.

Katrina Giles was a courageous woman who, despite facing terminal illness and the harsh conditions of Logan Correctional’s healthcare unit, fought for her freedom and dignity. Her strength and resilience, especially in the face of adversity, inspired those around her.

Juan Garnica is the artist behind In Loving Memory of Katrina Giles, a tribute honoring Katrina’s lasting impact on the NPEP community. Through his artwork, Juan weaves together memories and words from those who knew her, ensuring her story continues to inspire and live on.

Katrina Giles was a radiant member of the NPEP community whose grace, joy, and passion for learning touched all who knew her. Though with NPEP for less than a year, her impact was profound. Her legacy lives on through those who carry her memory, and through a meditation garden being built in her honor at Logan Correctional Center.