Our Story

In January of 2022, and housed in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures at Michigan State University, our team began with two graduate students, Roland Dumavor and Emma J. Harris. 

Emma and Roland started meeting to discuss their ideas for a program that would support incarcerated writers. During the spring of 2022, Emma then completed an independent study (under Dr. Joyce Meier), that examined prison writing programs, vis-a-vis interviews and relevant scholarship.

Roland and Emma then invited Rofiat Bello, a Ph.D. student, to join their efforts, and Dr. Kirk Astle, to serve as lead faculty member. Dr. Astle now offers ethical foundations and much-needed stability, while Joyce provides ongoing support.  

In the spring of 2024, our work continues. Kirk and Roland are currently teaching a course that guides MSU students through the ethical and rhetorical dimensions of prison education work. 

Through collaborations between MSU and the Michigan Department of Corrections, we plan to offer a one-credit-hour class in the fall of 2024. In this course, students will reflect on their personal biases and complete the required training for the three-hour spring 2025 writing course, through which MSU students will work with incarcerated writers.

We are beyond excited to continue this initiative and we look forward to seeing what comes next. Despite many hurdles, the program is here, and ready to serve and support incarcerated writers. 

Student Testimonial by Brooke Groce, Spring 2024 Course:

"Not only did this class shift my perspective, but it also influenced my future goals. Realizing the systemic and structural flaws in our justice system inspired me to contribute to reform through law and policy. . . . after this class, I felt compelled to engage in similar work—advocating for the incarcerated and challenging excessive punishments. This class expanded my mindset on how I can make the changes I want to see and pushed me to confront my own inherent biases regarding the justice system and incarceration. I often reflect on this course, as it has driven me to become a better advocate and to actively strive for change."