In an effort to address the restrictive mailing policies of various prisons, Chicago Books to Women in Prison (CBWP) has unveiled a new publication titled Prism/Prison. This initiative aims to not only provide incarcerated women with the opportunity to share their experiences but also to engage with the broader community outside prison walls.
Founded in 2002 by a dedicated group of book lovers and archivists, CBWP has maintained a clear focus on sending books to women in prisons. Their mission has evolved over the years to also include trans individuals in men’s prisons, expanding their reach and impact.
The creation of Prism/Prison emerged partially as a response to the numerous mail restrictions faced by prisons, such as bans on maps, coloring books, and certain topics related to gender, sexuality, and violence. The publication features contributions from both local artists and incarcerated women, fostering solidarity through shared creativity.
Editors Stephanie Clemson, Grace Ebert, and Colin Palombi collaborated on this project, each bringing unique perspectives and goals. Palombi aimed to incorporate local artists’ work, while Ebert emphasized the importance of compensating contributors and ensuring their voices were heard. Meanwhile, Clemson focused on designing a publication that would navigate the various restrictions of prison mail systems. This fusion of ideas ultimately culminated in a publication that transcends its individual components.
The process of crafting Prism/Prison was completed in under a year. Local artists, including Sarita Hernández, Selina Trepp, and Monica Trinidad, contributed illustrations, while an open call for submissions encouraged incarcerated individuals to share their work. This open call was ingeniously presented on a single sheet of paper, with instructions on one side and a coloring page on the flip side. The team received over 60 submissions encompassing a variety of forms, from art and poetry to narrative pieces.
While many submissions grappled with themes of trauma and abuse, Ebert noted the presence of joy and resilience in the narratives shared. This diverse range of submissions aims to give a fuller depiction of life behind bars, and the editors deliberately chose a name that encompasses this breadth of experiences.
The inaugural issue, launched in May at the National Museum of Mexican Art, is now available for purchase on CBWP’s website and at Women & Children First, a local bookstore. The team is enthusiastic about the possibility of producing future editions but is mindful of the timeline, as their focus continues to be on raising awareness about censorship within the prison system.
As they navigate the complexities of prison mail restrictions, the contributors’ copies are still being distributed within the prison network, and the team has received numerous letters expressing gratitude for the honoraria offered to the contributors. Although the payment of $150 may seem modest outside prison walls, the editors recognize its significance given that many incarcerated individuals earn only a few dollars an hour.
Ebert reflected on the importance of publishing the voices of these women, who often feel marginalized and forgotten. She expressed hope that Prism/Prison could serve as a conduit for connection, allowing incarcerated individuals to share their stories and find community support beyond their immediate circumstances.
The effort to produce Prism/Prison illustrates not only the power of literature to bridge divides but also highlights the ongoing issues related to censorship in institutional settings. The team at CBWP is determined to continue their work, bringing attention to the voices and stories of incarcerated women, and advocating for greater understanding and support from society at large.
image source from：https://chicagoreader.com/books/lit-feature/prism-prison-chicago-books-women/
