Category Archives: Justice Chronicles

Writings about crime and punishment, and more punishment.

Journey Through Crime, Justice & Literature, Part III

Continued… (If you missed the second installment, then click here: Journey Through Crime, Justice & Literature, Part II) The modern War on Crime, as we know it, was inaugurated with Richard Nixon’s campaign for the presidency in 1968. Nixon declared … Continue reading

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Journey Through Crime, Justice & Literature, Part II

…Continued (If you missed the first installment, then click here: Journey Through Crime and Punishment, Part I.) Crime and Punishment was first published in The Russian Messenger, a literary journal, in twelve monthly installments in 1866. I reread passages of … Continue reading

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Journey Through Crime, Justice & Literature

I first became interested in the story of crime and punishment, how we tell those stories, at 16 years of age. Then, three childhood friends were arrested for two homicides. Two were immediately arrested, one was on the run for … Continue reading

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Leadership Mini-Series: Joseph, Ethics, and Leading with Conviction – Transforming Lives

From Prison to Purpose: Leading with Conviction Joseph in Prison in Egypt and his remarkable story of return mirror that of modern “leaders with conviction”—formerly incarcerated leaders who transform their lived experience into advocacy and change. In the last 20 … Continue reading

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I Know Why the Caged Poet Sings

Some of my favorite poets happen to be named William – William Shakespeare, William Blake, William Wordsworth, and William Carlos Williams. When I meet most people, I often ask them what their names mean or the backstory of their names. … Continue reading

Posted in Black Shadows and Through the White Looking Glass, crime, ezwwaters, Growing Up, Justice Chronicles, juveniles, NYPD, race, raising black boys, Sometimes Blue Knights Wear Black Hats, Streets of Rage, Urban Impact | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Teaching” Alice Walker

In preparation for a lecture in the course I teach, African American Literature in the 20th Century, I am re-reading excerpts from Alice Walker’s In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose. In her prose, Walker makes nearly perfect sense. … Continue reading

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Strategies for Effective Advocacy in Criminal Justice Reform

The four-part series on a successful advocacy campaign led by formerly incarcerated people, and the accompanying research blogs, in one place. Continue reading

Posted in crime, ezwwaters, Justice Chronicles, Life Sentences, Murder, Osborne Association, Parole, parole board, Politics, Reentry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Leadership Mini-Series: Joseph, Ethics, and Leading with Conviction – The Leadership Challenge of Remembering

Joseph exemplifies leadership through integrity and resilience, even in his imprisonment. Kouzes and Posner emphasize the importance of modeling and inspiring vision. Joseph’s story serves as a reminder that leadership involves community memory and recognition of others’ strengths, prompting reflection on how leaders ensure their followers are acknowledged. Continue reading

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Leadership Mini-Series: Joseph, Ethics, and Leading with Conviction – Joseph, Cupbearers, and Ethical Memory

This series explores the intersections of biblical wisdom (Joseph and the cupbearer), ethical leadership, and modern research on justice-centered leadership. Continue reading

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Participatory Research: A How‑To Blueprint

A practical guide to co‑designing, conducting, and deploying participatory research in criminal legal system advocacy—grounded in the 2025 white paper on incorporating lived expertise. Continue reading

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