Beyond prison writing: grassroots literature for justice in Mexico

Proving the power of writing to create community and tackle injustice

Previous research by the School of Modern Languages (Prison Writing of Latin America) demonstrates the value of prison writing, both for those directly involved and also the wider community and justice system. As well developing confidence and literacy skills and providing meaningful contact with the outside world, prison writing can also be seen as an important source of knowledge and thinking on issues such as prison abolitionism and alternative forms of justice.

This project built on earlier research findings by developing workshops delivered by local grassroots publishers experienced in working with prison populations and communities affected by criminal justice issues:

• ‘Cartonero El Viento and La Rueda Cartonera’ (two cardboard publishers in Guadalajara): Distributing existing prison writing from Jalisco state, establishing an editorial led by former prisoners and facilitating debate on prison abolition with formerly imprisoned people in the city of Guadalajara.
• ‘La Colectiva Editorial Hermanas en la Sombra’ (The Editorial Collective of Sisters in the Shadows): Led by formerly imprisoned women to collect the stories of the mothers of ‘disappeared’ people in Morelos state.

As a result of these activities, collaborative books have been published and showcased at festivals such as the Guadalajara International Book Fair, contributing to important debate around criminal justice issues in Mexico. The positive impact of the process on those involved has been evidenced through ‘before and after’ testimonies and questionnaires, both with workshop participants and also workshop leaders, publishers and employees of the prison system.

Importantly, the project has also had an impact on rehabilitation policies in the Jalisco prison system, particularly through a policy initiative ‘Segunda Oportunidad’ (a second chance) which uses arts-based activities as part of a programme of social re-integration whereby prisoners can receive reduced sentences through their involvement.