Lesbian Herstory Archives

Last month, we joined in the observation of Black August—a month honoring the legacy of Black political prisoners, organized prison movements, and the fight for liberation.

I’m Mia and I staff at the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Over the past couple of months I’ve been researching prison-related materials at the LHA. Mainly focusing on print culture inside prisons—how people use newsletters, zines, and letters to organize, build solidarity, and sustain political education.

Below, you can see some of my favorites to highlight this Black August. One example is: No More Cages, a newsletter for women in prisons, jails, and psychiatric institutions. Published with the intention of providing a forum through which incarcerated woman can speak and coalition-build, outside prison groups can find each other and unite, and others can familiarize themselves with the struggles of women behind bars and learn how to organize around and support them.