THIS IS REVOLUTION >podcast cover image

THIS IS REVOLUTION >podcast

THE MAU MAU HOUR: WRITING FROM THE PARCHMAN PRISON ft. LOUIS BOURGEOIS

Mar 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Louis Bourgeois, an author and educator who leads writing workshops in prisons, shares insights from his book 'Unit 29,' featuring the voices of incarcerated men at Parchman Prison. He delves into the power of storytelling as a form of resilience amid systemic oppression. The conversation highlights the challenges of teaching writing in prisons, the limited support available for inmates in Mississippi, and the significant impact of literature in fostering connection and facilitating anti-prison activism.
01:07:55

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Creative writing programs at Parchman Prison empower inmates to express their vulnerabilities and challenge societal views on incarceration.
  • The chaotic teaching environment in Mississippi prisons underscores the stark need for educational resources while highlighting inmates' eagerness for self-expression.

Deep dives

The Impact of Creative Writing in Prisons

Creative writing programs in prisons, particularly in Parchman Prison Unit 29, serve as a vital outlet for inmates to express their emotions and experiences. The podcast discusses how Lou Bourgeois worked with inmates post-2019 riots to help them articulate their feelings about their harsh realities. These writing workshops provided a way to convey their stories amidst chaotic conditions, demonstrating the power of literature to amplify marginalized voices. This initiative ultimately aimed to release their narratives into the world, showcasing their vulnerability and fostering a sense of agency within an oppressive environment.

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