
Hosted by Cierra · EN
Black Light Mass Incarceration Show is a justice-centered podcast that shines a spotlight on the hidden realities of prisons, jails, and the systems that feed them. Hosted by I Kare NC, the show amplifies the voices of currently and formerly incarcerated people, families, advocates, and system insiders, breaking down headlines, exposing corruption, and naming the trauma behind the statistics. Rooted in truth-telling and healing, Black Light pushes listeners toward accountability, reform, and real solutions that keep our communities safe, supported, and free.

In this gripping episode, we bring you the story of a man who has spent over 20 years behind bars in Virginia for a crime he doesn’t remember committing. His journey through the criminal justice system highlights a troubling issue many face: the coercion of plea deals. With limited resources and an overworked public defender, he was pressured into accepting a plea deal—a decision he made under duress and with little understanding of its long-term consequences. Decades later, he reflects on the injustice of his situation and how the system failed him. Through his powerful voice, we explore how plea deals, often presented as the fastest resolution, can strip away the rights of the accused, robbing them of their day in court and sometimes leading to unjust incarceration. This episode sheds light on the need for reform in a system where efficiency often outweighs fairness. Tune in to hear his story, his fight for justice, and his call to action for awareness and change in the plea bargaining process.

n this podcast episode, we spoke with Eric Seiferth about "The Captive State Collection" at the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC). The discussion delves into Louisiana's historical trajectory as the world's incarceration capital, tracing this dark legacy through three centuries of systemic oppression. The exhibit "Captive State" investigates the historical connections between slavery and mass incarceration, emphasizing how these institutions have disproportionately impacted Black Louisianians. The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first part examines the early colonial and American periods, detailing how race-based systems of oppression—such as legislation, policing, and imprisonment—were established and solidified as New Orleans became the center of the domestic slave trade. A significant focus is placed on the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery except as punishment for a crime. This loophole allowed Louisiana to perpetuate racial control through practices like convict leasing and forced prison labor, especially at the Angola plantation. The second part of the exhibition explores the impact of the Louisiana Constitution of 1898, which was crafted to maintain white supremacy. This era saw the rise of mass incarceration, fueled by nonunanimous jury verdicts and "tough on crime" policies, leading to an explosion in incarceration rates. The exhibit highlights the consequences of these practices, including the growing number of individuals serving life sentences without parole and the aging prison population. This section also features Lori Waselchuk's "Grace Before Dying," which documents the hospice program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, showcasing the essential work of incarcerated volunteers. The episode concludes with a discussion on the exhibition's reflection questions, recommended readings, and ways to get involved in addressing the issues of mass incarceration. "Captive State" was made possible through the generous support of various individuals and organizations. The Captive State Collection at HNOC

Black Light Mass Incarceration Show In this episode I sat down with Hunter Parnell who is a successful podcaster running Public Defenseless. The Public Defenseless Podcast uncovers the rot at the heart of our criminal justice system and what you can do about it. On every episode, we speak with Public Defenders, other stakeholders in the criminal justice system, or advocates for criminal justice initiatives to demonstrate how every aspect of the criminal justice system works in concert to produce better outcomes for our communities. Far too often, we fail to understand the vital role that Public Defenders play in promoting safer, healthier communities with their zealous advocacy both in and out of the courtroom. Find Public Defenseless on any major streaming platform https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/public-defenseless/id1600528975 https://www.publicdefenseless.com/about CALL TO ACTION!! PLEASE VISIT TO LEARN MORE!! EmancipateNC Newsletter sign-up REPORT A POLICE , CO, SHERIFF OFFICER Follows on Facebook, Instagram, twitter blacklight@emancipatenc.org