In last week’s episode, we introduced Johdy Polk, who spoke to us about her time behind the prison walls, and urged audiences to see the other ways that people are confined by society. Now, we continue to hear more of Johdy’s story- about the relationships she built while on the inside, her transition to daily life after her release, and the organizing she’s currently engaged in.
Johdy was a law clerk during her time in prison, and she speaks to the way that impacted her time inside, including how it informed her relationship with other women prisoners. These days, she works with the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, which seeks to end the incarceration of women and girls. As we lead up to the National Prison Strike on August 21, it’s important to see the outside support systems that are in place for those on the inside, and the ways that incarcerated & formerly incarcerated people and their allies are trying to make a difference.