In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

Imani Perry Wins Inaugural Inside iterary Prize
Kirkus Reviews by Michael Schaub August 2, 2024

Imani Perry won the inaugural Inside Literary Prize, the first ever US-based book award judged exclusively by incarcerated people.

The first US Book Prize judged entirely by incarcerated people has announced a winner.
Lit Hub by Brittany Allen August 2, 2024

Author Imani Perry won the inaugural Inside Literary Prize, an effort launched by Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, the Center for Justice Innovation, and Dallas bookstore owner Lori Feathers, at a ceremony at The New York Public Library.

First annual 'Inside Literary Prize' judged by incarcerated people
Spectrum News NY1 by Annika Pergament August 1, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts spoke with Annika Pergament, host of NY1's The Rush Hour, about the Inside Literary Prize, the first major US-based book award judged exclusively by incarcerated people, and the upcoming award ceremony.

Library of Virginia names finalists for 2024 Literary Awards
Richmond Free Press August 1, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts will receive the Library of Virginia's honorary Patron of Letters degree this fall.

Inside Literary Prize: Shakopee Women's Prison
New Thinking, from the Center for Justice Innovation by Matt Watkins August 1, 2024

The Center for Justice Innovation's Matt Watkins sat in on the Inside Literary Prize book discussion with the Inside Literary Prize judges incarcerated at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Shakopee.

Inside Literary Prize: First major book award judged by incarcerated people
Brooklyn Daily Eagle by Robert Abruzzese July 15, 2024

On August 1, Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation, with support from Lori Feathers, will announce the winner of the inaugural Inside Literary Prize.

Freedom Reads founder Betts to receive top honor from Library of Virginia
Richmond Free Press July 11, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts is slated to receive the Library of Virginia's honorary Patron of Letters degree, the institution's highest honor, this September.

Inside America’s Least Probable Prison Experiment
Financial Times by Madison Darbyshire June 29, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts is quoted in the Financial Times' deep dive on the implementation of the Puppies Behind Bars program at Green Haven Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in New York.

Incarcerated Colorado women first to judge national book writing contest
9 News Denver by Evan Kruegel June 22, 2024

Hear from Inside Literary Prize judge Shantel at La Vista Correctional Facility in Colorado and Freedom Reads Communications Manager Steven Parkhurst about the power of reading and books inside prison.

Poet Dwayne Betts reflects on Juneteenth
Spectrum News NY1 by Annika Pergament June 18, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts joined Annika Pergament on Spectrum News NY1's Rush Hour to reflect on Juneteenth.

Injustice and the "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (with Dwayne Betts)
EconTalk June 3, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts speaks about the time he read Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" from prison, and his upcoming introduction to a new volume of King's letter.

Justice Department official visits Connecticut promoting expanded access-to-justice initiatives
Legal Newsline May 31, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts met with Director Rachel Rossi of the Justice Department's Office for Access to Justice to discuss initiatives for reentry and access to counsel.