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National Memorial for Peace and Justice, a new memorial in Montgomery, Ala., honors thousands of people killed in racist lynchings.

Racism

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press
Closing Argument
Why the Way We Understand the South Matters — Especially in Criminal Justice
In a special edition of Closing Argument, Jamiles Lartey reflects on the region as the nation’s 250th celebration approaches.
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A photo shows the silhouette of a person with long hair, standing in front of a U.S. flag.
Redemption Songs June 7
The San Quentin Prison Album That Should Have Been a Classic
Ike White’s “Changin’ Times” spans soul, rock, pop and jazz. On its 50th anniversary, it’s finally getting its due.
By
Redemption Songs May 31
How Rapper G. Dep Went From Incarcerated to ‘Influential’
The Harlem MC explains how prison gave him the freedom to rap about more than material things.
By
Redemption Songs May 24
Meet One of the Most Prolific Artists From Prison Music’s Golden Age
Singer, songwriter, drummer and pianist Morgan White appeared on five albums inside Texas prisons. Outside, he said no to the music industry.
By
A photo shows a tree in front of a college athletic field and building. Blue flowers, candles and memorial notes for Trey Reed surround the bottom of the tree.
Jackson November 4, 2025
Tree Hanging Death at Delta State University Raises Dread of Mississippi’s Past Lynchings
A Black freshman’s apparent suicide on campus is one of at least nine Black men who have been found hanging from trees since 2000.
By Lici Beveridge
A photo shows a group of Black men and women holding hands, closing their eyes, and bowing their heads in prayer in a forest.
Life Inside October 24, 2025
Finding the Racist Roots of Maryland’s Juvenile Justice System
As Maryland’s secretary of juvenile services, Vincent Schiraldi exposed a history of torture, neglect and Black boys buried in unmarked graves.
By Vincent Schiraldi
A black-and-white photograph shows a large group of men in prison uniforms, a majority of whom are Black, with their fists up as they stand in a yard in front of a prison facility.
Life Inside September 12, 2025
‘Attica Day’ Is Fading Fast. Here’s Why This 53-Year-Old Tradition Still Matters.
For decades, New York prisoners have refused meals on Sept. 13 to mark the end of the 1971 Attica prison uprising. Inside a ritual in decline.
By Joseph Wilson
A man wearing blue pants and a white T-shirt dangles from and holds onto the threads of an American flag against a city skyline.
Life Inside July 4, 2025
What, to the American Incarcerated Person, Is Your Fourth of July?
In the spirit of Frederick Douglass’ historic speech, 20 currently and formerly incarcerated Americans explain what Independence Day means to them.
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A black-and-white photograph shows two White men in suits looking out a shattered window, while a Black man in a T-shirt gestures downward. The parts of the building around the window are covered in bullet holes.
Jackson May 14, 2025
DOJ Shakeup May Put Civil Rights Probe of 1970 Jackson State, Mississippi, Killings At Risk
The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Act made way for investigations of racially motivated killings. The federal agency enforcing it is in disarray.
By
Volunteer Ayanna Elliott-Green, left, All of Us or None cofounder Dorsey Nunn, second from right, and two bike recipients at the organization’s 23rd Annual Community Giveback in 2022.
Life Inside December 20, 2024
Cops Took My Christmas Bike. Now I Give Kids the Freedom to Ride.
For formerly incarcerated activist Dorsey Nunn, the most wonderful time of the year is a holiday bicycle giveaway for kids with parents in prison.
By Dorsey Nunn
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