"Lettuce Grow" Brings Gardens, Classes to Oregon Prisons
In seven Oregon state prisons, one job assignment has become especially sought-after; at one, you have to be all but a lifer to get on the team. The prison garden, according to a number of program administrators around the state, has become a way for inmates to learn new skills, cooperate on a project and help feed themselves and their communities. While there haven't been any studies completed on the effect the program has on recidivism or aggression, administrators say they see a difference in the attitudes of the inmate gardeners. "It's been very positive" … To read the whole story click here
90 years ago, Boxer Johnson Sought His Own Pardon
Congressional backers of a pardon for Jack Johnson, the world's first black heavyweight champion who was imprisoned nearly a century ago for his romantic relationships with white women, say his prosecution was racially motivated. Johnson made the same argument 90 years ago while in prison, records at the National Archives show. Johnson said the prosecutor in his trial made "flagrant appeals to passion, race hatred and moral infamies … To read all about it click here
Crack Prisoners Could Get Break on Sentences
One in every 20 federal prisoners could be eligible for early release under a potential sentencing change for inmates convicted of crack cocaine offenses that will be voted on Thursday. Congress passed a law last year substantially lowering recommended sentences for people convicted of crack cocaine crimes, ranging from possession to trafficking … Now it is up to the six-member U.S. Sentencing Commission to decide whether offenders locked up for crack offenses before the new law took effect should also benefit and get out earlier … To check the details click here
Giving Black Boys a Strong Start
When Shawn Dove was in sixth grade, the students at his New York City school were asked to decide which academic track they wanted to follow for the next two years. He decided to choose "major gym," just like the rest of his friends. But when he brought the form home to his single mother and said "Hey, Mom—can you sign this for me?," his mother said, "No—you're not going to major in gym! There's no future in gym … To read the whole story click here
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