Security Housing Unit Archives

Security Housing Unit

The following piece, co-published with Davis Vanguard, is written by incarcerated journalist Kevin D. Sawyer. For 24 out of his 28 years in prison, Sawyer has observed Black August, a month that commemorates the legacy of Black liberation fighters, political prisoners, and revolutionary leaders. Black August originated in 1979 to pay homage to George Jackson, […]

News & Features Voices from Solitary

Security Housing Unit

Voices from Solitary: The Legacy of Black August at San Quentin Prison

Voices from Solitary: The “Life Negating Emptiness” of the Pelican Bay SHU

Voices from Solitary: “There Must Never Be A Time When We Fail To Protest”

Voices from Solitary: This Place Is Nothing More Than a Torture Chamber

Voices from Solitary: Returned to the SHU in California

Seven Days in Solitary [5/4/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [5/12/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [7/28/13]

A Month in Solitary [8/31/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [10/20/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [7/14/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [7/21/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [12/29/13]

“As Long As Solitary Exists, They Will Find a Way to Use It”: Five Years After California’s Prison Hunger Strike

“Suicide Checks” Lead to Extreme Sleep Deprivation at Pelican Bay Prison

Pelican Bay Prisoners File Lawsuit Against Long-Term Isolation

One Year After Historic Hunger Strike, Isolated California Prisoners Report Little Change

Political or Gang Activity? “New Afrikan” Prisoners in Solitary Confinement

The Odyssey to Pelican Bay: Families Journey to California’s Notorious Supermax Prison

Videos Show Abuse of Mentally Ill in California Prisons

Pat Nolan’s Evangelical Prison Reform

The Truth About Solitary Confinement in California

California Bill Would Increase Media Access to Prisoners

California Department of Corrections Threatens Prison Hunger Strikers, Bans Lawyers

“Where Punishment Becomes Torture”: Testimony of Dorsey Nunn on Solitary Confinement

“A Form of Torture”: Testimony of Laura Magnani on Solitary Confinement