“This device? Yes, indeed. It is a camera capable of capturing images, and it also has the capability to use film. Oh, I see, okay. Additionally, it is a digital camera, providing advanced features for capturing high-quality photographs. Yes, that’s correct. And this here is a microphone. Ah, I understand now. You see, I have been incarcerated for over four decades, so I had no knowledge of such technology or advancements. Returning to the days before my imprisonment, I must admit, it feels like a different world altogether. What is this peculiar drink you have here? Peach-flavored sparkling water? They never sold anything like this during my time. It’s quite fascinating to see how things have changed.”
“When I was first incarcerated, my twins were only eight months old. That was the last time I saw them. However, I diligently wrote them letters every week for the first 20 years of my imprisonment. Now, they are grown adults. I believe it is time for me to stop trying, as my efforts seem futile.”
“Isn’t it unjust to hold an individual accountable for the worst decision they made as a 19-year-old and condemn them for it their entire life without considering the possibility of change? That thug who roamed the streets 25 years ago, we are angry at him, failing to recognize that he no longer exists. In reality, he has been absent for more than two decades.”
These men are serving sentences of life without parole at Angola prison in Louisiana, reflecting on their past actions. While they acknowledge the importance of accountability for crimes committed, they raise the question of whether there is an appropriate limit to punishment for justice. As you listen to their stories, ask yourself: Do they deserve an opportunity for redemption?
“After contemplating my own life and realizing the potential of being trapped here forever, I began to notice the need for education among illiterate individuals. This realization led me to start tutoring fellow inmates and discovering a sense of self-worth. I felt that I could contribute positively by helping others, all while grappling with the knowledge that I had taken an innocent life.”
“If, unfortunately, I were to die in this prison, I can’t say that it would be my preferred outcome. However, I must consider that I took another human’s life, Damian, a young man with his own story. We attended school together. If I had the chance to go back in time, I would ensure that tragedy never occurred. It should never have happened.”
In the United States, there are more than 50,000 individuals serving life sentences without parole, with 70% of them being Black. While it is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions, the question arises: Is there room for personal growth and redemption?
“If you enter this place at a young age, prison provides for your basic needs, relieving you of the responsibility to mature. It is challenging to develop within these walls as they do not nurture personal growth and responsibility. Thus, you must actively seek self-improvement.”
As the number of long sentences increases, America’s prison population continues to age. Taxpayers spend approximately $70,000 per year to maintain elderly prisoners. To address this, Angola prison implemented a hospice program, where inmates volunteer to care for fellow prisoners who are terminally ill. Essentially, this means that those convicted of murder are tending to the dying.
“This opportunity gave my life newfound purpose and revealed a compassionate side of me. I have sat with over 50 individuals during their final moments. It’s a profound experience.”
“Although I have never experienced anything like this, my first patient was a man dying of AIDS. Observing his frailty, weighing only 60-something pounds, made me realize the value of helping others. I had to assist him in various tasks, from moving him to a wheelchair to assisting in his personal care. The feeling of being able to help someone made me feel transformed.”
“Excuse the blunt language, but we assist with tasks that involve intimate care, regardless of someone’s race or nationality. Has that man changed? Could he be faking it? He may have arrived as a character, but he has developed character over time, along with empathy. It’s not solely about his past actions; it’s about who he has become.”
Through volunteering, mentoring, education, and exposure to new experiences, these individuals have found a renewed sense of purpose. One of them has earned a diploma in Culinary Arts and three certifications in construction. Even though they may never have the opportunity to leave prison, they strive to be assets to society rather than liabilities. They prepare as if they could be released tomorrow, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.
Is it morally justifiable to refuse someone the chance to leave prison, even though they have shown personal growth and transformation? Does our society advocate for endless punishment without considering the possibility of mercy?
“That’s the most challenging part: knowing that I have transformed, having the skills to become a better person in society, and an intense desire to contribute positively. Yet, I am imprisoned with a life sentence without parole. It’s immensely difficult.”
Fortunately, there is a solution. Second-look reforms provide an opportunity for parole to those who have demonstrated significant personal growth and have served a substantial portion of their sentence. While it is crucial to acknowledge that not all lifers have reformed, many have, and they deserve a second chance.
“Think back to when you were 16 or 17 years old. Are you the same person? Do you have the same thoughts and perspectives as you did back then? No, it’s human nature to evolve and change.”
“If rehabilitation is an ongoing process, then there should be an end to it. It cannot be a stagnant journey. It’s not like completing different educational levels, from high school to college and beyond. Sadly, that structure does not exist in prison; it’s simply a life sentence.”
Some states have implemented changes in their criminal justice systems, including second-look reforms, resulting in the release of some individuals. However, this is only a small fraction of those serving life without parole. Concerns about reoffending are often unfounded, as less than 3% of released lifers are rearrested, typically for technical violations rather than violent crimes. In essence, long prison sentences do not necessarily enhance public safety. Releasing older, reformed individuals could save billions of dollars for the country in the long run.
“I have been separated from my family for longer than I have been with them. Sometimes, I question where I truly belong. At times, I consider writing to my mother and telling her that if I were to die, she should leave me here. I don’t recognize the people I once knew. Bury me alongside my friends.”
“I firmly believe that I will eventually go home. Whether it happens tomorrow or, God forbid, 25 years from now, my body will not remain at Angola prison. I refuse to be buried here. Someone who says they want to be buried at Angola showcases the devastating impact a life sentence has on a person.”
“I strive to live a purposeful life. Every time I invest in someone else’s well-being, I free a part of myself. A part of me will always exist beyond the confines of this prison. I will continue to love people with great passion, ensuring that a part of me remains outside the gates of Angola.”
“I have experienced immense challenges in this penitentiary.” [Laughs] “Despite everything, I hope that I am fortunate enough to be released someday. I would start fresh, rebuilding my life and making an honest living. Yes, I would gladly work hard once again. They say you learn more as you grow older, and I have undoubtedly learned many valuable lessons.”
Our country must consider whether we want to be a society that denies any possibility of personal growth leading to a chance for release from prison. Must we accept endless punishment without room for mercy? Thankfully, second-look reforms offer a solution, providing an opportunity for parole to those who have truly transformed themselves. This ensures fairness while acknowledging that growth and change are inherent to human nature. While some individuals may never change, many deserve a second chance.
A few states have already taken steps to reform their criminal justice systems, implementing second-look policies, resulting in the release of some lifers. However, this represents only a small fraction of those serving life without parole. Concerns about re-offending are unfounded, as less than 3% of released lifers are rearrested, often for minor infractions rather than violent crimes. In essence, long prison sentences do not contribute significantly to public safety. Releasing reformed older individuals could lead to substantial cost savings for the country in the long term.
“I have been separated from my family longer than I have been with them. Sometimes, I question my place of origin. I am tempted to write to my mother and explain that if I were to die, she should leave me here. I no longer recognize them; they feel like strangers. Bury me alongside my friends.”
“I firmly believe that I will return home someday. Whether it happens tomorrow or, God forbid, 25 years from now, my body will not rest within these walls. I refuse to spend eternity at Angola prison. The notion of someone wanting to be buried here showcases the profound impact a life sentence has on an individual.”
“I strive to live a purposeful life. Every time I invest in someone else’s well-being, I free a part of myself. A part of me will always exist beyond these prison gates. I will continue to passionately love others, ensuring that a piece of me lives outside Angola.”
“I have faced countless trials during my time in this penitentiary.” [Laughs] “Regardless of whether I am fortunate enough to be released, I would start anew, building a life and making an honest living. Yes, I would eagerly work hard once more. They say we learn more as we age, and I have undoubtedly gained wisdom through my experiences.”
It is vital for our country to reflect on whether we want to be a society that denies the possibility of personal growth leading to an opportunity for release from prison. Should we settle for endless punishment without considering mercy? Thankfully, second-look reforms provide a solution, granting parole to those who have genuinely transformed themselves. This approach ensures fairness while recognizing that growth and change are fundamental aspects of human nature. While not everyone may change, those who have deserve a second chance.
Some states have already taken steps to reform their criminal justice systems, implementing second-look policies that have resulted in the release of some lifers. However, this represents only a small portion of those serving life without parole. Concerns about re-offending are largely unfounded, as less than 3% of released lifers are rearrested, and when they are, it is often for minor offenses rather than violent crimes. In essence, long prison sentences do not significantly enhance public safety. By releasing reformed older individuals, the United States could save billions of dollars over time.
“I have spent more time separated from my family than in their presence. At times, I question my true place of belonging. I have been tempted to write to my mother, urging her not to
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