Prison Program

Our work is founded upon collective learning as a tool towards collective liberation. For us this means centering the experiences of our most marginalized community members, especially those impacted by the prison industrial complex. With that grounding we started sending books to incarcerated comrades back in 2020. With this work we reach beyond prison walls to be in conversation with all community members–actively refusing to let the State silence or disappear our people.

Every other month we send a book to each of our incarcerated homies! Along with the book we send them reading questions and prompts. We respond to their letters about the books, and uplift their poetry and analysis at community events and online. Through this work we learn together, and stay connected as a national reading community.

Have a loved one who would like to be a member? Email sage@nonamebooks.com to sign them up.

We are excited to continue to read and learn alongside a community that has not forgotten about incarcerated Black people.”
— Anu, incarcerated book club member in Georgia

Thanks for the books and the inspiration to make change inside these places.”
— Leavell, incarcerated book club member in Illinois

On behalf of all the members of our Minnesota Chapter, thanks for the books. Word is out at the yard and Brothers want in on the Noname Book Club.”
— Kwaku, incarcerated book club member in Minnesota

Text from letter in slideshow:

Hello friends. My name is Corey & I’d like to start out by sending condolences to all of the family, friends, supporters of author, teacher, & visionary bell hooks. I woke up this morning to the news that she passed away at the age of 69 years old. This is a tremendous loss to the world. The book (Salvation - Black People & Love) that I just finished reading on Friday, was the first time I had ever heard of her. That’s crazy! This woman has been teaching the people to LOVE for decades. Admittedly, some of what she says made me pause at first, but because she delivers the message with love, I was able to continue reading & gain a better understanding of her message. Everything that we do in life, even revolution, has to be guided by our love of ourselves first & foremost… then & only then can we cause REAL positive change. I don’t know how any black man could continue to be dismissive/disrespectful to any black woman after hearing or seeing bell hooks’ work. R.I.P. bell hooks.

Thank you so much for sending me a piece of her work. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Peace, love & justice,

Corey

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