@yukarikane
CEO and Editor-in-Chief at Prison Journalism Project. I believe that we need to change the storytellers to change the story. Former tech reporter, author of Haunted Empire; WSJ and Reuters alum. Proud advisor of THE Endeavor prison newspaper in Fla.
Wali died of cancer six months after he came home even though he had been in remission, in large part because of the break in his medical care. Still gutted thinking about that.
My friend Jonathan Chiu's remembrance of the late great Marcus "Wali" Henderson, the former editor-in-chief of San Quentin News. Wali was a dear friend, and this piece brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. prisonjournalismproject.org/2025/10/28/i...
They pointed out that no woman in the free world would choose white underwear (so true!) and how they would take any other color, even brown. I still think about that conversation and am so glad that she's gotten this important perspective out. Co-published with @theguardian.com.
I met Kelsey last year when I visited her facility, and I still remember how she and the other women were talking about the white underwear they were issued, and the problems with it.
An excerpt: "Without easy access to sufficient period supplies, our natural bodily functions can transform previously pristine white underwear into a source of shame and embarrassment. For the incarcerated woman, the experience is very public."
This story blew me away when I read it. Periods are a pain regardless of where you are, but imagine only being given a limited supply every month.
One of my favorite stories of all time!
Very excited to be hosting a virtual event on 9/17 to share the latest on our work at PJP (@prisonjournalism.bsky.social). Hope you can join us!
Needed this reminder right now.
I remember being shocked when I first saw the tiny, low-res devices that people in prison refer to as tablets, but this is just... wow. I haven't thought about floppy disks in 30 years. Wonder how many people out there don't even know what it is.
Most days I still feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water, but I'd be delighted to have you take a listen, commiserate and share your thoughts!
As someone who started out not knowing anything about nonprofit fundraising five years ago, and was both a listener and a student of @rheawong.bsky.social's podcast "Nonprofit Lowdown," I feel like I unlocked a new level speaking about @prisonjournalism.bsky.social on it. 😁
Humbled to feel the support of this community. This work isn't always easy, and it's been a tough year, but moments like this make me realize how many people are standing with us. Thank you!!! 🫶
If anyone is able, and so inclined, I believe this to be worthy of support!
We'd be so grateful for your support if you are able to give. In these tough times, every penny counts.
Wali and PJP co-founder @yukarikane.bsky.social sky.social worked together, running San Quentin News' Journalism Guild, and he was one of she and @profpasha.bsky.social's biggest supporters and champions when they first launched the organization.
I was hesitant to post anything because I didn't want it to be about me, but I know he'd appreciate being remembered. His last words to me via text through his uncle was "Hello and keep in touch." I'd love for you to read one of his stories. They were always written from the heart (like this one).
Wali was also a dear friend. Even when he was still inside, he called to check in on me regularly with a cheerful "Hey Lady." He shared our vision and had even bigger ones of his own to start a media conglomerate that told stories exclusively from behind bars.
Thinking about this piece this morning. The author Marcus "Wali" Henderson passed away last Friday after a battle with cancer. He wrote this for @prisonjournalism.bsky.social in its earliest of days, and we had it on our "About Us" page for a long time, reminding us of why we do this work.
Who else has a combination of stories like that? 🙂
Sneak peek of the next issue: a story about one man's morning routine, another about the day in the life of a incarcerated biohazard worker, who had to use plastic bags and tape instead of a biohazard suit, and another about how one man stays on top of trendy music to bond with his niece.
Our writers work so hard on their craft to make sure their stories are meaningful and engaging to read. All writers appreciate their readers, but multiply that by 100 and you'll start to get a sense of how much our writers appreciate you.
People ask me all the time about the stories @prisonjournalism.bsky.social Prison Journalism Project publishes and how they can read them. If you haven't yet, please subscribe to "The Inside Story," our weekly newsletter. If you are already subscribed, grateful if you could share with your friends.
Appreciate this SO much!
Sooo excited about the 2025 Stillwater journalism awards Zoom ceremony honoring excellence in journalism in about an hour. @prisonjournalism.bsky.social is co-sponsors with @spj-posts.bsky.social. There's still time to sign up. Join us! :-)
I don't typically read law journals but this one by a formerly incarcerated scholar on double-double consciousness as a new way of thinking about the psychological impact of being a black prisoner was excellent and thought provoking. I can't remember ever reading an academic article so engrossing.
Reading this @prisonjournalism.bsky.social story reminded me of my visit to Mule Creek State Prison in Calif a few yrs ago when most of the people in the yard had walkers, canes or hearing/visual impaired warning vests. I remember feeling like I was at a senior center.
Really impressive reporting by @nytimes.com and @mississippitoday.org. The ironclad evidence they gathered is shocking and awful.
thank you so much! that means so much!
I talk about this story all the time because the idea that someone is serving as a neighborhood commissioner from behind bars blew my mind as did the challenges she has overcome. I never would’ve known about it if she hadn’t written the story.