Stephon Whitley, who served time at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton and is now a Metro IAF organizer, says solitary confinement had a lasting impact on him.

The 8th amendment bans cruel and unusual punishment.  However, here in America we don't have to look far to find examples of such. Unfortunately, some forms are hidden, such as what happens behind prison walls. As organizers we aim to gain power to make changes against injustices. In my op ed I shared my experience in solitary confinement, which helped towards forcing changes in the use and conditions of solitary confinement in New Jersey. This is just an example of power that can be gained from storytelling.

Read Stephon's Opinion Piece HERE.