Violence on the Inside, Mentorship From the Outside

Our season finale takes a closer look at Thomson penitentiary, a prison that became one of the most violent and dangerous in the federal system.

Inside Story host Lawrence Bartley also talks with actor, activist and entrepreneur La La Anthony to discuss her mentorship program in New York City’s Rikers Island and how she manages her emotional health while working with incarcerated people.

We hear the story of Bobby Bostic, who, at 16, was sentenced to 241 years. Bostic took up gardening in prison to help him find peace and betterment before his recent release.

In his final closing message, Bartley talks about the issue of prison violence and its harsh realities.

Reading list:

• How the Newest Federal Prison Became One of the Deadliest

• A Juvenile Lifer Finds Peace in the Prison Garden

• I Was Sentenced to Die in Prison. But After 27 Years, I’m Finally Free