iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

No where else will you get stories about a field trip to Wal-Mart to prepare for re-entry, a pet spider in prison and one trans-woman's fight for her rights in prison.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Interested in what life behind bars is like? Sign up for @prisonjournalism.bsky.social's weekly newsletter! We're at the tail end of a campaign to increase our subscribers, so our writers' stories are read more widely.

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Join the #PJPCommunity. Subscribe to The Inside Story.

The Inside Story is Prison Journalism Project's free newsletter, sent every Sunday, featuring stories written by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated writers.

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Reposted by Yukari Kane

Prison Journalism Project @prisonjournalism.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The Library of Congress named PJP’s Journalism as Literacy initiative a 2026 Emerging Strategies Honoree. It comes with a $5,000 prize. We're challenging our readers to celebrate by matching it. Help us turn $5,000 into $10,000 for PJP Learning in the next 48 hours.

prisonjournalismproject.fundjournalism.org

Donate | Prison Journalism Project

Prison Journalism Project is supported by people like you. Support Prison Journalism Project today.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

I'm incredibly proud of the work we do. We're less than $5,000 away from our $15,000 fundraising goal, and for the final 48 hours, every donation will be tripled. If you can give, now is the perfect time.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

One of the greatest privileges of my career has been watching incarcerated writers discover journalism. Many of the writers we work with at @prisonjournalism.bsky.social never imagined they could be doing journalism. But once they do, they begin to see their own experiences in a bigger context.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

"The walls are made of tin, and condensation forms on the surface and runs like perspiration. The tin cell heats up like an electric oven," Shakeil wrote. "When the temperature outside is 90 degrees and it's 100 degrees inside my cell, those scoops of ice only last for a few minutes."

prisonjournalismproject.org

Summer Heat in Prison: Just How Hot Are Our Nation’s Prisons?

Prison writers from across the U.S. describe how hot their prisons get in the summer. One prison reached 117 degrees.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Two summers ago, 42 writers in 27 states told us what extreme heat is like inside. I'm reminded of what Shakeil Price in NJ and so many others said about how the walls in their cells start sweating when it's too hot.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I'm in Chicago and it is brutal outside. 90+ degrees, and it's supposed to get even hotter later this week. As I read about the record-breaking heat across the Midwest and East Coast, I think about everyone inside — most U.S. prisons have no AC.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

"America can do better because it's old enough to know better." — Vaughn Wright, Pennsylvania "It may seem like we're in a very dark time, but we've had darker times." — Kelsey Dodson, Oklahoma Twenty voices from prisons across the country, in their own words.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

This Fourth of July, the U.S. turns 250. @prisonjournalism.bsky.social asked incarcerated Americans what that means to them. Nearly 2 million people won't be celebrating with family or fireworks — but they have something to say. Check out our very first-ever audio piece!

prisonjournalismproject.org

Incarcerated Americans on the 250th Birthday of the United States — In Their Own Voices

The land of the free is also the land of mass incarceration. Hear from people inside on what this milestone means to them.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

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...

prisonjournalismproject.org

Mourning the Man Most Responsible for My Freedom

Marcus Henderson, the former editor in chief of San Quentin News, always saw the good in people.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

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."

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

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.

prisonjournalismproject.org

What It's Like to Have Your Period in Prison

Even at a women’s prison, your menstruation care needs may not be met.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

One of my favorite stories of all time!

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

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!

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

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. 😁

podcasts.apple.com

#346- How an Indie Newsroom Fights Big‑Money Media with Yukari Kane

Podcast Episode · Nonprofit Lowdown · 07/14/2025 · 33m

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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!!! 🫶

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Reposted by Yukari Kane

Robin Pens Nonsense #UseAltText 🇨🇦🏳️‍🌈🇬🇱🇵🇸🇺🇦 @robinpensnonsense.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

If anyone is able, and so inclined, I believe this to be worthy of support!

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

We'd be so grateful for your support if you are able to give. In these tough times, every penny counts.

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Reposted by Yukari Kane

Prison Journalism Project @prisonjournalism.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

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).

prisonjournalismproject.org

My Humanity

"You are not better than me, I fight hard for my humanity, You think you better than me, you look down on me, but I know my humanity..."

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

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.

prisonjournalismproject.org

The Pen

"They say the pen is mightier than the sword, True — the pen can kill you in the name of penance, The pen can pen ideas and dogma as the..."

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Who else has a combination of stories like that? 🙂

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

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.

prisonjournalismproject.org

Get The Inside Story

The Inside Story is Prison Journalism Project’s weekly newsletter, which highlights our writers’ best work. Get it right in your inbox.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

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! :-)

eventbrite.com

Stillwater Awards Ceremony

Celebrate the best stories of 2024 from behind prison walls and the courageous journalists behind them at the Stillwater Awards!

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

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.

yalelawjournal.org

Law, Prison, and Double-Double Consciousness: A Phenomenological View of the Black Prisoner’s Experience

This Essay introduces double-double consciousness as a new way of conceptualizing the psychological ramifications of being a black prisoner. Based on my own experience as a black prisoner, I conclude ...

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

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.

prisonjournalismproject.org

At My Alabama Prison, One Man Is Doing Time With His Grandson

One friend of mine has been in Alabama's prison system for so long, he’s now doing time with his grandson.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Really impressive reporting by @nytimes.com and @mississippitoday.org. The ironclad evidence they gathered is shocking and awful.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

thank you so much! that means so much!

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

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.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Belatedly sharing, but I'm so excited about this!

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

This piece has got to be one of the best expressions I've ever read on what prison trauma feels like and the struggle to keep one's empathy from a writer who has been in prison since he was 15 yrs old. It will be required reading for us at PJP @prisonjournalism.bsky.social.

prisonjournalismproject.org

Will There Be Anything Left of Me When I Leave This New Mexico Prison?

If you let it, the system will scrape away all that’s left of your empathy.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

"This is the same prison library that bans works by Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, bell hooks and other Black female intellectuals," she writes. "The selective censorship of Black feminist authors reflects the system’s fear of Black women who speak their truths."

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

I'm a huge fan of Kwaneta Harris and her sharp writing from inside her Texas prison cell. This latest by her on @opencampus.org is on point: "The “celebration” of Black History Month entails posters of MLK, George Washington Carver, and Rosa Parks plastered around the education building...

opencampus.org

First Person: 'They ban books by Black authors. Then they tell us to celebrate Black History Month.' - Open Campus

As state legislatures and boards of regents debate whose histories deserve telling, those of us behind bars have long faced explicit bans on texts that challenge dominant narratives or examine racial ...

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

27 PJP contributors in 17 states describe winter behind bars: people in wheelchairs in the snow, cold showers that feel like "being stabbed by a million icicles," and a layer of ice in the toilet. Lieyleen tells us how difficult winter in a Md prison has been even for someone from Siberia like her.

prisonjournalismproject.org

What Extreme Cold Feels Like in Prison

Prison writers from across the U.S. describe how cold their prisons get in the winter — and what small dignities could make it more bearable.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Writer Donna Hockman was allowed to have a bible even though it includes stories of incest, murder, sex and violence, but she was denied "The Battered Woman Syndrome" and "Counseling for Women," two important resources. She wrote it two years ago but feels very relevant in these times.

prisonjournalismproject.org

By My Prison’s Standards, the Bible Would Be a Banned Book

Today, more than 50,000 books are banned in prison. At Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, the book ban is getting to be ridiculous.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

As a Japanese woman who straddles two countries myself (and never felt like I fit in completely in Japan), I am so so proud of what Naomi Osaka has overcome and accomplished.

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Yukari Kane @yukarikane.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

If anyone is looking for the positive right now, and books to add to your list, check the shortlisted books for the Inside Literary Prize. 25 incarcerated judges from 12 prisons will be selecting the winner. Love this program so much!

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