In addition to pursuing an undergraduate degree, I dedicated myself to extensive reading to understand America’s prison system. Inspired by Frederick Douglass’s work as an abolitionist, I began to think about ways I could contribute to improving outcomes for incarcerated individuals. My ambitions led me to study influential penologists and their writings, including The Future of Imprisonment by Professor Norval Morris.
The book captivated me, and I wanted to connect with Professor Morris to learn more. Although I didn’t know how to reach him, I discovered from the book that he had been a professor at Harvard. Using a dictionary that listed addresses for universities across the United States, I found Harvard’s address and sent an unsolicited letter. In the letter, I introduced myself, explained how much his work inspired me, and expressed my desire to learn further from him.
Writing unsolicited letters became a cornerstone of my strategy to build a supportive network.
Several months later, I received a reply—not from Harvard, but from the University of Chicago Law School, where Professor Morris had become the dean. The joy of receiving his letter was indescribable. Despite being locked in a high-security penitentiary, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and identity. A distinguished scholar had taken the time to write to me, and he offered to mentor and help me.
In his letter, Professor Morris wrote:
“If you ever face challenges, please don’t hesitate to ask. I have known every director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and I consider the last three Directors to be close personal friends.”
He provided his home phone number and encouraged me to call him to keep him updated on my progress. He also shared new manuscripts with me, asking for my feedback on his work. This connection reinforced my belief in the power of education and mentorship.
One of the most impactful lessons I learned from Professor Morris came through his writing about Norfolk Island, a penal colony in Australia. From his book, I learned about Alexander Maconochie, a warden who implemented a token economy system that allowed incarcerated individuals to earn gradual increases in liberty through merit. This concept deeply resonated with me and inspired my philosophy of using measurable progress to build hope and drive transformation.
Professor Morris’s mentorship became a pivotal influence on my own writing. His insights inspired many of the books I authored, including Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term. His example and teachings also helped shape the mission of Prison Professors, where we advocate for systems that reward merit, foster personal growth, and prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society.
Through his mentorship, Professor Morris gave me more than academic guidance. He instilled in me a sense of agency and the belief that I could contribute meaningfully to the world, even from within prison walls. His influence remains a cornerstone of my work and mission to inspire others to strive for excellence.
Self-Directed Learning Question:
- What steps can you take to connect with people who share your interests, even if it means reaching out in an unconventional way?
