Voices of the Returned: Life After Incarceration, a Digital Humanities Presentation

Please join us for a presentation of new research from the Digital Humanities Collaborative faculty fellow, Dr. Alesa Liles, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice on April 19, 11 a.m. to noon, in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room in Russell Library.

The act of storytelling provides an outlet to express experiences in a safe environment. The individual has autonomy over their personal narrative, which ultimately allows for understanding and healing. In creating a podcast, returning citizens can reclaim their fundamental rights to dignity and autonomy and continue the process of trauma recovery and healing. In addition, “Voices of the Returned: Life After Incarceration,” not only features justice impacted individuals, Season 2 features the incredible individuals and organizations assisting in reentry support, many of whom were once incarcerated themselves. Each episode explores the hard-fought journeys to reestablishing and reclaiming lives, the difficulties returning to society with little support, and the hope for a better future.  

These lived experiences are the things data cannot tell us. For students, this is what brings the textbook material to life. Students, as co-hosts, producers, writers, and research assistants, see and sometimes meet the person who was personally impacted by incarceration. They are also able to network with people and organizations doing the work they see themselves doing after graduation. Culminating Season 2 with the 2nd Annual Justice Week Reentry Simulation, students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to walk in the shoes of newly released individuals. Afterward they are asked to join an open dialogue with special guests from justice impacted organizations and people. Through this simulation and dialogue, not only has the textbook come to life, but now the ”Voices of the Returned” have faces and identities and real stories. 

Registration is requested.

Hosted by the Digital Humanities Collaborative. Co-organized by the Center for Teaching and Learning.