Doran Larson discusses the American Prison Writing Archive and its role in amplifying incarcerated voices
On September 18, 2024, the University of Maryland community came together for an insightful session of the CAFe Speaker Series. The event featured Doran Larson, a professor at Hamilton College and co-director of the American Prison Writing Archive (APWA). Larson shared the powerful story behind the APWA, which serves as a vital repository of nearly 4,000 first-person essays and poems by incarcerated individuals across the U.S. since 2009. The archive offers an important platform for those affected by state-sponsored violence, neglect, and abuse to voice their experiences and advocate for change.
In his talk, Larson emphasized the ethical and timely dissemination of these prison witness testimonials, comparing the urgency of their publication to that of accounts from war zones. Highlighting the archive’s potential to influence public opinion and prompt action, Larson emphasized the importance of bringing these voices to public venues carefully and responsibly. To hear the depth of Larson’s insights, watch the full presentation here.