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

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

Voices from Solitary: Returned to the SHU in California

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

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

Seven Days in Solitary [12/29/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [10/20/13]

Videos Show Abuse of Mentally Ill in California Prisons

A Month in Solitary [8/31/13]

Pat Nolan’s Evangelical Prison Reform

Seven Days in Solitary [7/28/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [7/21/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [7/14/13]

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

Seven Days in Solitary [5/12/13]

Seven Days in Solitary [5/4/13]

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

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

Pelican Bay Prisoners File Lawsuit Against Long-Term Isolation

California Bill Would Increase Media Access to Prisoners

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

California Department of Corrections Threatens Prison Hunger Strikers, Bans Lawyers

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

The Truth About Solitary Confinement in California

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

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