Liberty or Death

In this series, Manuel Metlock, a member of our Advisory Committee and a beloved comrade,will reflect on his experiences with incarceration, explore how the prison system shapes our communities, and speak candidly about oppression and the ongoing struggle for liberation. We look forward to sharing more of his pieces with you all.

Liberty or Death

By: Manuel Metlock, MA (April 2026) What if I told you that the concrete walls and razor wire fences around institutions were not designed to keep people inside. What if I told you that they were actually designed to keep society out, so that they could conceal their secret. Illinois never wanted for society to see the individuals in custody who redefine their lives by transforming their pain into purpose. The many men and women who are incarcerated and who have withstood bot

5 min read