John J. Lennon is a prison journalist currently serving a 28-years-to-life sentence at Sullivan Correctional Facility for murder, drug sales, and gun possession. He is a contributing editor at Esquire and a contributing writer at The Marshall Project. Recently, he started a nonfiction writing workshop at Sullivan, where 10 incarcerated individuals will meet weekly. Lennon, who learned to write in a creative writing workshop at Attica, has always wanted to offer the same opportunity to others.
Thanks to the support of the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and Sullivan administrators, this vision has become a reality.
New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III said, “I am a supporter of Peer-led education programs, providing appropriate services and skill building opportunities, which are offered in all DOCCS facilities. Currently, facilities offer a variety of peer-led programs such as Orientation, Transitional Services, self-help, aggression replacement training, and another example is the writer’s workshop in Sullivan Correctional Facility. DOCCS also utilizes Incarcerated Program Associates. These are paid positions for incarcerated individuals who have been screened and trained to assist Transitional Services, Education and Vocational staff in providing approved programs. All of this peer-led involvement brings value to the Department’s mission to reduce recidivism by preparing incarcerated individual’s for a safe and successful reentry to the community.”
Lennon’s efforts have already started to bear fruit, with several participants getting their work published. He shared, “There’s about ten guys in the class, and five of them have been published. We hope more will follow. Writing helps them figure themselves out and share their stories with the world.”