Christopher Blackwell

ChrisWBlackwell

Christopher Blackwell is an incarcerated writer in Washington State and a cofounder of the nonprofit Look 2 Justice. He is a contributing writer at Jewish Currents and a contributing editor at The Appeal.

A person places their hand on a window inside a jail as demonstrators make noise outside during an anti-police protest on January 24, 2021 in Tacoma, Washington.

A Trip Through Hell A Trip Through Hell

In a Washington county jail, solitary confinement is the worst, most degrading, foulest experience you could ever imagine.

Jul 29, 2025 / Christopher Blackwell

Why We Need Prison Journalism More Than Ever

Why We Need Prison Journalism More Than Ever Why We Need Prison Journalism More Than Ever

If we lose incarcerated journalists, we lose a whole voice from the conversation.

Oct 25, 2024 / Christopher Blackwell and Emily Nonko

A Father's Day visit to the Joe Kegans State Jail, Sunday, June 17, 2012, in Houston, Texas.

The Invisible Labor of Women Who Love Incarcerated People The Invisible Labor of Women Who Love Incarcerated People

There are few things more important for people in prison than keeping links with the outside world. That task falls overwhelmingly to women.

Feb 19, 2024 / Rachel Zarrow and Christopher Blackwell

Flames move through vegetation as fire crews battle a new fire that started near the Manastash Vista Point along Interstate 82 on July 23, 2023 in Ellensburg, Washington.

Wildfires Are a Dire Threat to Incarcerated People Like Me Wildfires Are a Dire Threat to Incarcerated People Like Me

If we get caught in the path of raging flames, what will be the plan for those of us locked behind bars?

Aug 28, 2023 / Christopher Blackwell