The podcast team ventures into a Michigan prison to celebrate Pi Day with the Prison Mathematics Project. Reflecting on their emotional turmoil before the visit, they explore the transformative power of math in unlikely places. They share heartwarming moments from their visit, highlighting the impact of math education on inmates. The episode showcases the therapeutic and empowering benefits of math in a non-judgmental setting.
Inmates at Bellamy Creek engaged in complex math problems, showcasing their willingness to learn and grow.
Prison Mathematics Project offers inmates a unique chance for rehabilitation through math therapy.
Math therapy in prison focuses on instilling confidence, challenging preconceived notions, and fostering growth mindset.
Deep dives
Christopher Havens' Journey to Rehabilitation with Math
Christopher Havens, a convicted felon serving a 25-year murder sentence, found a new purpose through math puzzles slipped under his door in solitary confinement. This experience led him to establish the Prison Mathematics Project to aid inmates' rehabilitation through math. Despite facing obstacles like COVID-19 and prison limitations on education, Havens and a team managed to organize a Pi Day celebration for inmates at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Michigan, aiming to bring math therapy to inmates.
Overcoming Barriers for Educational Programs in Prisons
The challenges of conducting educational initiatives within correctional facilities were highlighted, with most prisons reluctant to provide inmates with opportunities beyond the basic education. Bellamy Creek stood out as a rare facility allowing educational events. The podcast team joined Havens' initiative, offering inmates a unique chance for mathematical growth and rehabilitation despite the institutional constraints.
Preparing for the Unfamiliar: Nervousness and Excitement
The podcast team shared their mixed feelings and apprehensions before the event, including concerns about entering a prison environment and uncertainties about engaging with inmates. Despite initial reservations, they acknowledged the significance of stepping into this unfamiliar territory to support the Prison Mathematics Project.
Inmate Engagement and Encouragement Through Math Exercises
During the event, inmates actively participated in complex math problems and discussions, showcasing their willingness to engage with challenging mathematical concepts. The exercise demonstrated the inmates' capacity for problem-solving and creativity, emphasizing the therapeutic and empowering nature of mathematical exploration within the prison setting.
Reflections and Insights on Math Therapy and Inmate Rehabilitation
The podcast host shared reflections on the transformative power of math therapy within the prison context. The focus shifted from merely solving math problems to fostering growth mindset, instilling confidence, and challenging preconceived notions about mathematical ability. The experience underscored the importance of humanizing inmates, offering support, and creating educational opportunities for personal growth and rehabilitation.
There's no other way to say this: we went to prison for Pi Day this year. Longtime listeners will remembers Vanessa's fascinating and inspiring interview with Christopher Havens, an inmate serving a 25-year sentence for murder who has rehabilitated himself with math and founded the Prison Mathematics Project (Season 3, Episode 10). Vanessa helped with the virtual Pi Day celebration last year, but this year was a first: PMP was able to host an in-person event at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Michigan, and Christopher asked Vanessa to MC!
She brought along the OG Math Therapy team, producers Sabina and David, and they recorded their thoughts from the road both en route and immediately after leaving the unforgettable event. Vanessa also unpacks some of the many complex reflections she's had since the trip, and shares the ways Pi Day in prison was ultimately no different from the math events she's facilitated at countless schools and conferences - further proof that the capacity to embrace math is truly universal.