Every Sentence Has a Story
When you learn someone has spent decades—or longer—in prison, it’s tempting to judge them. But, each one of the 13,000 people in Michigan serving life or long-term sentences shares with us a common humanity.
How Prison Harms
Michigan’s prisoners serve longer sentences, on average, than all other prisoners across the nation. They are living proof that extreme punishment doesn’t work.
People serving life and long-term prison sentences are proven to age out of crime, but they’re trapped in a merciless system that doesn’t recognize growth. Meanwhile their families and communities suffer, robbed of vital connections and resources.
Healing is possible, even in the hardest circumstances. Redemption is possible for every person.
Let Me Tell You is a collection of first-person stories about the experience and impact of long imprisonment in Michigan.
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Featured
Beyond the Destructive Mistake by Henry Harper
My name is Henry N. Harper Jr. I am a prisoner serving a parolable second-degree life sentence in the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). I’m a 71-year-old man who has been incarcerated in excess of 43 years. I’m writing this letter to shine some light on...
The Miraculous Season of Christmas by Dennis Vertin
In my hierarchy of favorite holidays, there is not even a close second. My all-time favorite holiday, more favorite than all the other holidays put together with a birthday thrown in on top, is Christmas. I am a true fan of the season. I love shopping for gifts. I...
Proud of the Man I’ve Become by Brandon Marsh
Eighteen years ago, I was sentenced to 32 years in prison for a crime committed at the age of 15. It has been a long, difficult road at times, but I haven't allowed the circumstances of my life to defeat me. I may not have gotten everything right, but I can say...
A Dream For Freedom by Mr. Kim Moss
BEFORE PRISON I was a young man growing up in inner-city Detroit, and like any other young man, I had dreams and ambitions of being successful in life. Making my Mom and Dad proud to call me their son. Life was good for me. I grew up in a loving home, raised by my...
A Day in the Life by Cynthia McDonnell
I’m deaf. Nearly 70. Most days are the same: Wake up, take care of hygiene, check JPay, get hot water for a cup of tea. Make my bed, if I haven’t already, wait for medicines. I am in a unique position: I am a mentor in the DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)...