• Inside Voices

    Parole Illinois was founded by individuals serving extreme sentences in Illinois prisons, and these individuals continue to lead our efforts from inside prison walls.

    The “Inside Voices” pieces below are authored by people who are currently incarcerated in Illinois prisons. Each of their testimonies is a testament to the need to reinstate discretionary parole and restore hope to families and communities across the state. 

Click on the name of the author for their unique perspective on extreme sentencing and the need to reinstate parole in Illinois.

  • I am Devon Ferrell, from the Southside of Chicago, and have been incarcerated 22 on-going years serving a natural life sentence without the possibility of parole. As a 20-year-old emerging adult at the time of the offense for which I'm convicted, I now understand how immature and unrealistic my expectations were for trying to recklessly carve out a healthy and successful life through crime and violence. I also understand how the lack in ability to recognize resources and opportunity created circumstances for mysefl that eventually exposed me to the justice system.

    Now at 45 years old and after earning a B.A., M.A., barber’s license, and obtaining employment at Lewis University as an adjunct professor, published writer, poet, and artist, my life work has not been to rehabilitate myself, but to use my time to resist the dehumanization of families and communities I once contributed to and what I experienced behind the walls of prison. And to engage…

    Illinois being a Death By Incarceration state inflicts unnecessary suffering on families and communities by prohibiting opportunities to formally demonstrate transformation and preparation for returning to society. This is the gravest injustice perpetuated by the criminal legal system.

  • My name is Mr. Anthony Smith, and I've been incarcerated for three decades and counting for a crime I did not commit. I am not bitter anymore about it, because of how my educational growth and perspective on life, people and family has expanded. I am prayer-filled and hopefully optimistic that the information being provided will provoke action, participation, and a resurging energy to right the wrongs that's being done to so many of us.

    Not having a chance to present ourselves to a parole board or resentencing committee does not honor our state constitution (Art. 1, Sec. 11). If anything, it minimizes the respect and potency of a document that was meant to protect and secure all of its citizens from abuse or unjust actions. Let our voices be heard. Let our votes count, and let our legislative policies be for all.

    Thank you!