Democracy for All Week: Freedom of Expression—Journalism, Art, & Justice
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 to Sunday, September 21, 2025
This Constitution Day, and all week long, we celebrate and reflect on the role of the First Amendment in securing freedom and liberty for all. But does that include people who are incarcerated? Together, we’ll examine how freedom of expression is limited and fought for in the American criminal justice system and the role of natural rights in an incarcerated facility. What limits are in place in different states? Are they fair and just? How have journalism and art played powerful roles in preserving human dignity? Join us for a full week of special programming—mini tours, writing and art-making activities, fireside chats, panel discussions, and more—exploring prison journalism, art, and free expression for those who are not free.
Full schedule and additional details coming soon.
Events in this Series
Mini Tour: Making Headlines
Wednesday, September 17 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
All Day
Explore the powerful intersection of journalism, incarceration, and censorship — past and present. Through discussion, storytelling, and exploration of archival materials, this program examines the role of imprisoned writers and the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in prisons and jails. Reflect on who gets to speak, what stories are told, and how resistance takes shape through words.
Constitution Day: The Justice System in America Today
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
All Day
On Constitution Day, we celebrate and reflect on the role of the First Amendment in securing freedom and liberty for all. But does that include people who are incarcerated? Let’s examine how freedom of expression is limited and fought for in the American criminal justice system and the role of natural rights in an incarcerated facility.
Fireside Chat with Jy’Aire Smith-Pennick: Justice & Journalism
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
11:00am - 1:00pm
Free Online. Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Jy’Aire Smith-Pennick, a writer, justice advocate, and truth-teller. In this conversation, Jy’Aire reflects on the power of journalism as a tool for accountability and healing.
Drop-In Writing and Art-Making Activities
Wednesday, September 17 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
11:00am - 4:30pm
Inspired by prison newspapers and the power of self-expression, these hands-on activities invite you to explore, reflect, and create.
Justice 101: Freedom Behind Bars—The First Amendment & Incarceration in America
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
This Constitution Day, we’ll examine how freedom of expression is restricted and fought for within the American criminal justice system. We’ll explore how natural rights are upheld, or denied, in prisons across different states; the legal and ethical boundaries of speech, press, and religious expression for incarcerated individuals; and the transformative power of prison journalism and art in preserving human dignity and challenging injustice.
Mini Tour: Making Headlines
Wednesday, September 17 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
Explore the powerful intersection of journalism, incarceration, and censorship — past and present. Through discussion, storytelling, and exploration of archival materials, this program examines the role of imprisoned writers and the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in prisons and jails. Reflect on who gets to speak, what stories are told, and how resistance takes shape through words.
Constitution Day: The Justice System in America Today
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
On Constitution Day, we celebrate and reflect on the role of the First Amendment in securing freedom and liberty for all. But does that include people who are incarcerated? Let’s examine how freedom of expression is limited and fought for in the American criminal justice system and the role of natural rights in an incarcerated facility.
Fireside Chat with Jy’Aire Smith-Pennick: Justice & Journalism
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Free Online. Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Jy’Aire Smith-Pennick, a writer, justice advocate, and truth-teller. In this conversation, Jy’Aire reflects on the power of journalism as a tool for accountability and healing.
Drop-In Writing and Art-Making Activities
Wednesday, September 17 - Sunday, September 21, 2025
Inspired by prison newspapers and the power of self-expression, these hands-on activities invite you to explore, reflect, and create.
Justice 101: Freedom Behind Bars—The First Amendment & Incarceration in America
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
This Constitution Day, we’ll examine how freedom of expression is restricted and fought for within the American criminal justice system. We’ll explore how natural rights are upheld, or denied, in prisons across different states; the legal and ethical boundaries of speech, press, and religious expression for incarcerated individuals; and the transformative power of prison journalism and art in preserving human dignity and challenging injustice.