In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

A letter to a CT journalist helped set a prisoner free. The Prison Letters Project could benefit many more inmates.
Hartford Courant by Ed Stannard February 21, 2023

Freedom Reads hosts the database for the Yale Law School Prison Letters Project which aims to read and respond to all letters received from incarcerated individuals.

6 New Books You Should Read This February
Vulture by J. Howard Rosier February 20, 2023

Redaction, a book of poetry created by Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts in collaboration with artist Titus Kaphar, was featured on Vulture’s books to read list.

The Mellon Foundation Is Giving Out $125 Million in Grants for Creative Projects Addressing the 'Dehumanization' of U.S. Criminal Justice
ArtNet by Taylor Dafoe February 16, 2023

Freedom Reads is one of several recipients of the Mellon Foundation’s new grant that seeks to address the U.S. criminal legal system’s “dehumanization, stereotyping, and silencing.”

'Imagining Freedom' will give $125 million to art projects focused on incarceration
NPR by Anastasia Tsioulcas February 9, 2023

Freedom Reads is a recipient of the Mellon Foundation’s new “Imagining Freedom” grant which supports projects addressing the systemic dehumanization of incarcerated people.

On John Edgar Wideman
The New York Review by Reginald Dwayne Betts February 9, 2023

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts responds to the article "A Dream of a Great Burning," a retrospective on John Edgar Wideman.

Freedom Libraries empower prison residents
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation January 24, 2023

Freedom Reads will open 17 Freedom Libraries inside Valley State Prison and Central California Women's Facility, bringing books and beauty to both incarcerated people and staff.

Dwayne Betts on Beauty, Prison, and Redaction
EconTalk by Russ Roberts January 23, 2023

Reginald Dwayne Betts discusses the mission of Freedom Reads and Redaction, his latest book of poetry in collaboration with artist Titus Kaphar.

Las nuevas 'Bibliotecas de la Libertad' en instituciones de California pretenden empoderar a las personas encarceladas
Universo Abierto by Jeff Macomber January 18, 2023

La organización Freedom Reads abrió minibibliotecas en la prisión estatal de Valley (VSP) y en centro para mujeres de California Central (CCWF), llevando libros y belleza a las personas que estaban dentro. (The Freedom Reads organization opened mini libraries at Valley State Prison (VSP) and the Central California Women's Facility (CCWF), bringing books and beauty to the people inside.)

Reginald Dwayne Betts on Politics, Poetry, and the MacArthur Fellowship
Library Journal by Reginald Dwayne Betts January 12, 2023

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts discusses his approach to poetry, politics, and his MacArthur Fellowship.

New Haven-based program is helping to empower inmates through literature
WSHU by Molly Ingram December 19, 2022

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts discusses the inspiration for Freedom Reads, the literature featured in Freedom Libraries, and what’s next for the organization.

John Legend is Helping Build A Library In Louisiana State Penitentiary: Here Is How You Can Help
Moguldom by Isheka N. Harrison November 30, 2022

John Legend supports Freedom Reads and a Freedom Library opening at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

The Search for Beauty in a Prison Cell
The New York Times by Reginald Dwayne Betts November 25, 2022

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts writes on regaining his freedom after eight years of incarceration and why he feels an urgency to bring beauty to those left behind.