Voices from Inside
Part of the mission of Critical Resistance is to uplift and amplify the resistance and perspectives of those most targeted by the prison industrial complex (PIC). We regularly integrate this analysis into our projects and campaigns for abolition and towards building alternative community structures of support and accountability. From imprisoned contacts we have gathered (and then publicly shared) guidance, research, analysis, and testimony that has propelled our campaigns forward.
Knowing that we are entering an era of potentially greater political repression, isolation, and silencing of dissent, it is imperative that we do what we can to share even more of the experiences and analysis of imprisoned people speaking out against the prison industrial complex. We will post relevant reports and correspondence to this site as a part of our campaigns, projects, and political education.
Prisons Are Poison by Steve Brooks
Steve Brooks, Ella Baker Center Fellow, San Quentin State Prison Greetings to all brothers, sisters and comrades out there fighting for our freedom and the closure of all CA prisons…
Close CA Prisons by Duane Palm
Duane Palm, recently transferred to High Desert State Prison after working to close down California Correctional Center (CCC) in Susanville Good afternoon! — as we move forward with the work…
We Are Not Property: Public Statement by CA Prisoners at CCC, Amicus Brief Petitioners in the CA Prison Closure Fight
August 23, 2022 Fellow California Residents and Community Members, As reported in an LA Times article on 8/20/22, visiting Lassen County Judge Robert F. Moody’sdecision to reject the amicus brief…
COVID Update: Pennsylvania, December 10, 2020
Name of Creator
“From Sunday until this morning (Thursday), we were on lockdown. Due to an uptick in COVID19 cases among staff and prisoners, the prison went through a “deep cleaning” period. What…
On the Defund Policing & George Floyd Rebellions, June 2020
Asar Amen, imprisoned in CA
“What’s happening in this moment is inspiring. I’ve been so tired of the word ‘reform.’ Things need to change. As James Baldwin said, ‘Do I really want to be integrated…
Voices from Inside SF County Jails
Prisoners in San Francisco Jails
As part of our work to in the No New SF Jail Coalition, Critical Resistance has worked to fight jail expansion and criminalization in the San Francisco Bay Area since…
Kites to the Editors of The Abolitionist Newspaper
The Prison Abolitionist Imagination This reminds me of the power of thought. Once the thought is processed it can be brought into existence. It manifests in the darkness of mind…
Political Prisoners Against State Repression
June 2017: Critical Resistance is taking up some work this year to highlight the use of state repression as related to the prison industrial complex. In so doing, it is…
Resist Visiting Restrictions: Testimony from People Imprisoned in New York State Maximum Security Prisons
People’s Victory! A broad and vibrant effort by New Yorkers defeated Governor Cuomo’s plans to reduce visiting hours at New York’s maximum security prisons. Artwork by Innosanto Nagara for MamasDay.org…
Prisoner Analysis: Trump
At the start of the Trump presidency, we solicited written responses from imprisoned comrades. We are still receiving responses to this set of questions. What follows are excerpts from individual…
Commemorate Black August Support Prisoner Led Organizing
August 12, 2016 Critical Resistance joins the many fighting against the prison industrial complex in commemorating this month as Black August. In a month dedicated to prisoners’ reflection, education, struggle,…
Abolish! Surveillance and Repression Units
From the Prison Blues Art series by imprisoned artist Larry James DeRossett (write to him at Larry James DeRossett, #635046, California Correction Institution, PO Box 608, Tehachapi, CA 95381). We’ll…
Day 3 of CA Prisoner Hunger Strikes, 2011: A Letter from Paul Redd, Short Corridor Collective
Greetings to Our Supporters I would like to thank you all on behalf of myself and other prisoners here for your hard work and support of us. Thank you…