Author: Pamela Walker
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Incarcerated persons can now read all about what is happening in institutions across the state. The bonus is that it is from the perspective of their peers and is easily accessible on their tablets.
The introductory edition of the new statewide publication, North Carolina Prison News Today (NCPNT), was first available on offender tablets in late October. NCPNT includes articles, written mostly by incarcerated persons, about news, programs, and events happening in prison facilities. The name NCPNT was born from a historical publication called The Prison News produced at Central Prison in the early 1900s. The last known edition of The Prison News was published in the mid-1930s.
Offender-driven publications are nothing new, except that most focus on one topic or one facility. There are several prisons now producing newsletters, and there have been others that started and later waned. The one publication known to last and to grow in popularity has been the Nash News, which primarily covers Nash Correctional Institution. However, the Nash News often includes articles with statewide appeal. There has not been a dedicated statewide publication since the one started at Central Prison.
“North Carolina’s correctional system has a long and proud history of offender produced publications that provide information and opportunities for creative expression," said Adult Correction Secretary Todd Ishee. “The Nash News has been a feather in the cap of Nash Correctional for almost 20 years, and I am excited for the return of a system-wide publication with NC Prison News Today."
The new publication will help expand creative content opportunities to other corrections facilities throughout the state. Plus, it will serve to promote education and awareness of the numerous programs available to our offenders, said Ishee.
Nash CI’s warden Talena Lee agreed for the Nash News team to publish NCPNT’s introductory issue . Their experience creating the Nash News provided for the perfect scenario and a high-quality product. A few of the articles in NCPNT’s first issue are written by others not on the Nash News team. A separate editorial team will produce future editions of NCPNT. A committee will identify four males to be on the statewide publication team with Nash CI being the host facility. At least two females will also be selected to provide their input and to virtually be a part of the new publication team.
Each facility has at least one designated staff liaison for the publication. The liaisons will work with the warden’s leadership team to select an offender reporter to represent each prison and custody level. Incarcerated persons from across the state have already submitted dozens of articles, short stories, poetry and recipes for inclusion in upcoming issues.