The WVU Higher Education in Prison Initiative (HEPI) offers a pathway to an associate degree at State Correctional InstitutionGreene, helps develop programming at the prison, supports previously incarcerated people in their education and career goals, and generates discussions about personal and cultural transformation. We aim to build an intellectual and creative community that bridges the divide of prison walls. This newsletter shares updates on the initiative and our members.
This newsletter was developed with the help of students taking ENGL 102 this past fall semester. Students collected updates on HEPI programming, created artwork that you will find throughout the newsletter, and shared other creative work and contributions relevant to the Initiative. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Please contact Destinee at ddh00012@mix.wvu.edu if you’d like to contribute to future newsletters.
HEPI has a new emergency fund for released people who have taken a WVU course inside prison. If you or someone you know would benefit from HEPI emergency funding, please be in touch.
HEPI members have been attending a series of reentry guide workshops with the University of Illinois Education Justice Project in preparation for creating a WV and southwestern PA reentry guide. Please feel welcome to share resources that would be helpful to you in overcoming reentry barriers.
We will be hiring a graduate student to assist with developing reentry support. Please let us know if you’re interested.
On November 24, HEPI members gathered at SCI Greene for a volunteer banquet that recognized Ann Pancake as Volunteer of the Year. Congratulations, Ann! You can see a report of the event by inaugural cohort member Sean below and a speech read by inaugural cohort member Boymah in this newsletter.
A peer mentorship program, piloted by Boymah with the help of outside facilitators, is in full swing at SCI Greene. Participants have almost completed their first class.
Bones and Melvin, members of Ann’s creative writing course,organized a poetry slam this past fall, which was followed by a second poetry slam hosted by DE/C block. Both poetry slams were filmed and broadcast to the prison.
Leslie facilitated a graphic novel workshop in January.
Dr. Jim Nolan is teaching a Criminology Inside-Out course at FPC Morgantown.
We now have a writing studio to help people revise their writing. The studio is available to A and C Blocks, andGreene Writing Consultants have started to host writing workshops for their peers. Contact Ms. Gansor for more information on participating.
COURSE UPDATES
Inside-Out students completed CRIM 433 this past fall, a course that offered students the opportunity to exchange ideas and perceptions about crime and justice with Dr. Jim Nolan.
Students also completed ENGL 102 with Professor Destinee Harper and learned about research practices. Kyle, a student in the course, reflected on his experience this semester.
“It was not that long ago that we were learning with Destinee.Now, we have been fortunate enough to learn from Destinee.This semester has highlighted how special HEPI has been for everyone involved.”
Students are now enrolled in HIST 261, a course on 20th- century American history, with Dr. Jessie Wilkerson.
HEPI REPPED HARD AT SCI GREENE VOLUNTEER BANQUET
Report by Inaugural Cohort Member Sean
The 2024 SCI Greene volunteer of the year was none other than Ann Pancake. Dr. Pancake was honored for her diligence and dedication to the creative writing workshop and book club at the prison. Boymah gave a tasteful speech on behalf of HEPI and the work done by all involved, especially Dr. Rayna Momen and Dr. Katy Ryan who sadly could not attend the affair. Despite the absence of the pair, WVU maintained a strong representation from past instructors and present volunteers. The banquet was an evening of good vibes, which according to the inside students made them feel like they were people again. All in all, the event proved why HEPI is an important endeavor that positively impacts the lives of all that it reaches.
END OF LIFE ADVOCACY
Many might not be aware of this, but people in prison suffer from higher rates of chronic illness than those on the outside, and the sad truth is that people suffer and die while they are incarcerated. For our final project in CRIM 433 with Dr. Jim Nolan, my peers and I are putting together a framework to create an End of Life Advocacy (E.L.A.) program that will help to make that transition more comfortable.
Currently, chronically ill patients are moved to a medical cell where they are alone and are expected to pass. We’re looking to have it set up at the institution so that we can train and prepare people to act as “advocates” for those who are transitioning into the afterlife. With the support of the administration and the assistance of the outside students (Makenzie, Victoria, and Samantha), Justin, Phil, Rudy, and I are putting together E.L.A. with the hope that we will create something that gives a more human aspect to an otherwise devastating situation and that prevents our brothers from dying alone. We envision becoming voices for those who are suffering and hope that we can help to make the end of their lives more comfortable. Thanks to the platform of the Inside-Out program and the support of WVU, our vision has a great chance of becoming a reality....
ART BY INAUGURAL COHORT MEMBER RAY
To give an update on my involvement with HEPI, I had a phenomenal time participating in the Book Club and Creative Writing Course. I was fortunate to have instructors and classmates who were very engaging. The classes not only gave me the power to enhance my writing capabilities, but also boosted my active reading skills as well.
Hands down, my favorite memories are of the debates we held during class. The quips, the wit, the thought put into the argument, the thinking under pressure, and the patience. It was all exhilarating. A great experience, and an enduring memory.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens was by favorite book from Book Club. I was surprised by how good it was. The story was captivatingly told in a manner that allowed you to experience the protagonist’s struggles. Her awkwardness in dealing with others and her tenacity and fortitude, which were the foundational cornerstones of her character, paled only to the vivaciousness in which she took to acquiring knowledge through the two most alluring resources we have at our disposal: learning and reading. It was a really good read and an exquisite tutorial on how to build an endearing character.
To reiterate in closing, great experiences don’t occur often, especially in here, so take advantage of every opportunity to educate yourself when and wherever you can. Stay strong, stay safe, and be smart.
Until the sun pales,
Melvin
The creative writing workshop hosted by Ann Pancake, which is not for credit but has produced phenomenal pieces of art, took place on AB block this past fall. The workshop has since rotated to DE in January. The following update on the workshop comes from one of the participants.
CREATIVE WRITING COURSE UPDATECourtesy of WVU and HEPI, Professor Ann Pancake has made a revolutionary inception on the education department here at SCI Greene. At first, it started with a book club, then turned into a vibrant creative writing community.
Creative writing has given me positive experiences and a therapeutic release of creative energy. I have learned through Professor Ann’s pedagogy that with the stroke of a writer’s pen, a writer breathes life into fantasy, imagination, truth, empathy, and lies. The class gives a first time writer/amateur a sense of motivation and purpose. The feedback received gives one a clear understanding of how to become a magnified voice in the art of writing. The stage set by West Virginia University professors and HEPI has given many inmates hope, purpose, and a sense of being by learning creative writing.
And, I speak on behalf of all of my fellow writers at SCI Greene by saying that we all extend our sincerest gratitude to all parties involved with the Higher Education in Prison Initiative and WVU.
Thank you!
"Q"
SPEECH GIVEN AT VOLUNTEER BANQUET AT SCI GREENE
I would like to begin by thanking each and every volunteer sitting here this afternoon. It's your selfless sacrifice–the giving of your most precious resource–that has brought you all here and that you are being recognized for. That precious resource is your time. Thank you.
On behalf of the Inside students, we would like to thank the Higher Education in Prison Initiative, also known as HEPI, for partnering with SCI Greene to create the program which helps us not only achieve an associate degree, but also gives us the opportunity to learn new things alongside a new generation of students and teachers.
I have witnessed both abstract and concrete growth in myself and my peers. We learned how to interact with each other in creative and productive ways. I have also witnessed guys who were anxious about being able to reach a five-page minimum writing assignment now being anxious about exceeding a ten-page max. The growth and effect of this program has been immeasurable, and none of it would be possible without its volunteers.
I'd like to specifically thank:
Dr. Katy Ryan, who has been there every step of the way and done everything from teaching our first Drama class, where I learned the term “Dynamic Spectacle,” to securing funding for the program.
Dr. Nolan, who gave us topics that not only led to thoughtful insights, but also spirited discussions.
Dr. Rayna, who is the troubleshooter in the background working out all the kinks to ensure the program’s stability and success.
Dr. Di, who taught us how to dissect scholarly articles and clarify the use of the word ‘this.’ Touring lighthearted vampirical texts showed us the heaviness of society's issues. Juxtapose the levity of that class with the Holocaust class, and your versatility as a teacher was on full display. We all miss you severely.
Kately, who was a great T.A. to Dr. Di and a great addition to our classes and discussions.
Dr. Laura, who is undoubtedly the catalyst for all of our leaps in writing. You give the best and most in-depth feedback specifically on our organization, transitions, and the rhetorical moves we make.
And finally, Destinee. You sat next to us as a student for one of our first Inside-Out classes. You and Neil disturbing the entire class with your chatter–and now you sit across from us as a teacher scolding Neil for being too chatty and witty. It has been an honor to learn side by side with you, and now years later, to learn from you.
Thank you all for coming in here to give us your time... Every class is truly Life Changing...
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Emily from the Inside-Out Drama Class
- Station 11 by Emily St. John Mer
Stephen
- Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks
- A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
- House of the Dead by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Ann Pancake
- The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher
- Deer Man by Geoffrey Delorme
Dominic
- Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
Dakota from the Inside-Out drama class was named a Mountaineer of Distinction in November, which recognized her “superior academic standing” and “spirit of volunteerism and service to others.” In a WVU Today article reporting on the award, Dakota noted her experience in the Inside-Out drama course as one of her most rewarding experiences as a student, sharing that she was inspired to declare an English minor following the class.
Danielle was awarded the WV Can’t Wait Award in January for her dedication to community care and local activism, including her work at Morgantown’s warming shelter, the Appalachian Prison Book Project, Morgantown’s domestic violence support shelter, and the Morgantown mutual aid fair. The award this year focused on recognizing impactful young organizers.
Since coming home in September 2023, Carl Lee has received his barber's manager license and 501c3 status for a nonprofit he created, Entertainment Technology MultiMedia, Inc. The organization's mission is to provide media workshops to young people and help them build critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Carl Lee reports, "I have been giving back to the community by engaging with the youth."
One of Dr. Rayna’s students and WVU star basketball player Janaiya “JJ” Quinerly named Dr. Rayna as the person who influenced her the most during her time as a Mountaineer. Dr. Rayna and other faculty were recognized on Senior Night during half-time of a women’s basketball game in the Coliseum.
Congratulations to our current members and alumni on their incredible achievements!
“WOMAN IN WAITING”
The following is an excerpt from “Woman in Waiting,” which was recently published in Every Day Fiction. This piece is fiction.
When I arrive, the gray-haired woman is pacing the lobby, her cowboy boots falling heavy on ceramic tile. Long, frizzy waves trail the length of her spine. I take my usual seat in the corner — a red, armless chair, bolted to the floor — and the gray-haired woman sits down with one chair between us. Close enough that I can smell her rose perfume. On her left ring finger, I see a simple, golden band. She asks who I’m here for in a voice so gravelly, it’s like she’s spent the last fifty years sucking down tobacco. I hesitate, then say, “My brother. His twenty-eighth birthday was yesterday.” I never tell people that he’s here. Nobody understands, even when I explain everything. But this lady must get it.
I’ve been doing this every month for seven years. Eighty-eight times. And every time, I think I’ll get used to it, like it’ll feel normal eventually. It never does. This place is many things, but normal isn’t one. The gray-haired woman clears her throat, then she’s silent for so long that I wonder if she’ll respond. Finally, she says, “My man was twenty-four when they locked him up. Spent more of our marriage in than out.” She laughs, but I can tell she doesn’t find this amusing.
“I’m sorry,” I say, because what else is there? I can’t ask the question I truly want answered. The one everybody wants to ask — What’d he do? I know it’s not easy to explain. And what does it matter, really? The woman nods, examining her red fingernails and that lonesome, golden band. “Sorry thing, for sure.” There’s a loud buzz and a steel clang as the door next to the check-in window opens. A young, blonde officer steps out, calls a name. The gray-haired woman stands, slapping her thighs. “That’s my date. And hey—tell your brother happy birthday.” The woman and her clomping cowboy boots follow the uniformed guard into the next room, and the steel door slams shut, buzzing as it locks behind them.
ART BY INAUGURAL COHORT MEMBER RAY
Some reading recommendations from Static:
- Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
- The Thoughts I Keep to Myself by Static
- Educated by Tara Westover
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
It never ceases to surprise me, the courage of the volunteers. Those aren’t my words, I stole them from Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” I can’t think of a better speech to describe the WVU volunteers who willingly came into the prison for book club this fall/winter. I was always reinvigorated during and after discussions, not only from the volunteers, but from the residents here at SCI Greene as well. Everyone’s opinions on the books were constantly insightful, despite my best effort to take us humorously off track. (Well, I thought it was funny at least). In a place as cold as prison, I was greeted with warm welcomes and smiles when we parted that said, “Looking forward to next time.” Gwen once told me, “I get more out of this than you do.” I strongly disagree. The commending feelings of fellowship and being treated like a person, even it if was only for a few hours. Although these conventions are common on the outside of prison, it is a rare occurrence inside prison.
Meeting with people who are happy to see you and are interested in what you have to say doesn’t happen every day. For me, it happened every other Thursday in book club. As soon as the session started, it seemed like it was time to go, along with the feelings of companionship. It’s the emotions you feel when you know something is missing, and I’ll miss book club. It was a place where you could consistently find something to laugh about with the people in that small circle of plastic chairs. That’s what I’ll remember. I was lucky enough to be allowed in this book club, for it was my second time I completed this experience. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I’m lucky enough for a third go around. I’m thankful for everyone who participated, but saying goodbye is a part of every story. The good ones bring you “there and back again.” I knew I could end this with another stolen Tolkien quote! Farewell, friends, well wishes, and best of luck on all your future adventures.