“If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” --Audre Lorde
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Just finished reading Victoria Law's Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles Of Incarcerated Women and wanted to recommend it. Vikki's book is an inspiring read, a great work of activism, and a eye-opening archive of the life of women in prison.
Amazingly researched and accessibly written, Vikki's book is a testament to her dedication to exposing the issues that affect women in prison, and how women's resistance in prison is largely ignored (as compared their male counterparts). The suggested reading list is a gem, and her footnotes are an great read in themselves. I think a read will strengthen anyone's resolve to abolish the prison industrial complex!
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book was the portions focused on the work that female prisoners have done to organize services for themselves and to create their own media. There were numerous examples of projects that female prisoners worked to get off the ground-from college programs to HIV awareness campaigns to zines. Vikki has been working some time with female prisoners to circulate a zine, Tenacious: Art & Writings from Women in Prison. I'm excited to read more issues.
To get a copy, send $3 to V. Law, PO Box 20388, New York, NY 10009
Tenacious is also available through Microcosm Publishing