Chicago Jail hosts an extraordinary book club that brings together college students, inmates, and the esteemed activist Sister Helen Prejean. Every week, 22-year-old Nana Ampofo, a DePaul University senior, drives a van filled with her peers to the Cook County Jail for thought-provoking discussions about literature with inmates and Prejean.
With a strict rule against discussing personal lives, the club encourages open-minded dialogue that highlights the commonalities between people. The current club meeting, observed by Associated Press journalists, focused on Prejean’s book “Dead Man Walking,” her account of experiences as a spiritual advisor to death row inmates.
Prejean’s presence sparked a range of emotions, from tears to laughter. Inmates shared their insights on the challenges of reintegrating into society, while Prejean spoke about the transformative power of witnessing executions. The discussion fostered a deep understanding of the complexities of the justice system and the humanity within all individuals.
The book club is part of a larger educational initiative at the jail, offering college credit classes and other programs. It stands out for its unique collaboration between college students and inmates, which has a profound impact on both groups. Inmates gain access to higher education and a sense of purpose, while students develop empathy, challenge preconceptions, and gain valuable life experiences.
For Ampofo, the club has been instrumental in shaping her career aspirations. The daughter of a Ghanian immigrant mother, she plans to pursue graduate studies in museum studies and advocate for improving access to museums for incarcerated individuals and their families. “I want to take care of people,” she said, “And I found the people I want to take care of.”
The book club has also fostered a sense of community and connection among its members. DePaul sophomore Seven Clark remarked, “I feel like I’m talking to a bunch of my brothers … It feels like home.” This unique initiative at the Cook County Jail serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of education, human connection, and the pursuit of justice.
