The rate of incarceration in this country has reached crisis proportions. The loss in human potential, while tragic for our nation as a whole, is especially devastating within the black community, which represents a disproportionate share of the incarcerated population. In some predominantly African American neighborhoods, half of the young male population is in prison or on probation or parole.

Patrice Gaines will write a series of articles exploring the impact of mass incarceration on African American communities. The stories will be told through the voices of formerly incarcerated people and their families and will include insight from activists and experts in justice issues. 

Gaines is an author, journalist and cofounder of The Brown Angel Center, a program in Charlotte, North Carolina, that helps formerly incarcerated women become financially independent. Her autobiography, Laughing in the Dark, details her journey from life as a heroin user and abused lover to award-winning journalist and good mother. 

Gaines uses her experiences to encourage others through speeches, writings and workshops. She is also author of the book Moments of Grace, in which she outlines her path to change. She is a veteran journalist, who worked as a reporter at the Washington Post for 16 years, has been a commentator for National Public Radio and writes a weekly column for the Washington Informer.

Lake Wylie, SC