For almost a decade, I didn’t believe real friendship could exist in prison—until Joshua proved me wrong. This is my letter to him as he prepares to leave, and a reflection on the kind of impact that never disappears.
By Kai Bannon No, it’s not Christmas. We are mostly locked down on holidays, and they are often a cruel mirror –reflecting all the joy we miss. The day I’m speaking of is the free book giveaway for children of incarcerated people that takes place in the library. It’s an event I created (with Kristy …
In one of life’s many bitter ironies, I’m serving life but I have no time. So I claw it from the small hours. By day the cell block is a thundering cacophony of noise but by this time it’s quiet enough to hear the faint tick of my watch.
To many, the skunk is just a smelly nuisance, but to us, it’s a reflection of our own stories. Like the skunk, we know what it’s like to be judged
By Kai Bannon If the bones of a prison are its walls and structures, a well-functioning library is its heart and soul, pumping knowledge, inspiration, and creativity throughout the institution. In a place that primarily subsists on blood and canard, the library is an often tiny oasis. In a world completely without the internet or …
Continue reading “On Prison Libraries, Book Thieves, and Everyday Courage”
Here is the speech Kai gave at sentencing just prior to being sentenced to 70 years to life. Words cannot express how sorry I am for the damage and pain that I have caused to River, Crystal, Megan, and Carolyn. I would like to offer you my heartfelt and sincere apologies. I honestly didn’t know …