This Is Our Freedom: Motherhood in the Shadow of the American Prison System

This Is Our Freedom is a documentary that explores the roles of mothers who have been incarcerated and how motherhood shapes their post-incarceration lives. It highlights the impact of mass incarceration on society's most vulnerable members.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

For the vast majority of women exiting correctional institutions in the United States, one facet of their identity profoundly shapes their needs, opportunities, hopes, and dreams: their roles as mothers. This Is Our Freedom offers a deeply personal and poignant exploration of the women's journeys before and after incarceration. Through in-depth interviews with seventy formerly incarcerated mothers, Geniece Crawford Mondé captures the profound ways in which these women redefine their marginalized identities and reclaim their agency in telling their own stories. Mondé employs insightful analysis to unveil the intricate ways in which motherhood shapes post-incarceration life, while also shedding light on the enduring consequences of mass incarceration on society's most vulnerable members.

The film's opening sequence sets the stage for the profound impact of motherhood on these women's lives. We witness a young mother, Sarah, struggling to provide for her children while navigating the challenges of re-entry into society. Sarah's story is a testament to the resilience and strength of women who have faced incarceration, as she works tirelessly to rebuild her life and provide a better future for her children.

Throughout the film, we hear from a diverse range of formerly incarcerated mothers, each with their unique experiences and perspectives. We learn about the struggles they faced while incarcerated, the challenges they continue to face upon their release, and the ways in which motherhood has played a central role in their journey toward healing and transformation.

One of the most striking aspects of This Is Our Freedom is the way in which motherhood shapes post-incarceration life. Women who have been incarcerated are often stigmatized and marginalized, and their children are often left behind to fend for themselves. However, the film shows how motherhood can provide a source of strength and resilience for these women, as they work to rebuild their relationships with their children and create a new life for themselves.

At the same time, the film highlights the ongoing legacy of mass incarceration on society's most vulnerable members. Women who have been incarcerated are more likely to face poverty, unemployment, and housing insecurity upon their release, and their children are more likely to experience educational and social barriers. The film calls for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of incarceration and promoting social justice for all.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when we hear from a group of formerly incarcerated mothers who have formed a support network and are working to create a community of support for other women who are navigating the challenges of re-entry. These women recognize the importance of peer support and the power of collective action in creating change.

Overall, This Is Our Freedom is a powerful and important film that sheds light on the experiences of formerly incarcerated mothers and the ongoing impact of mass incarceration on society. The film provides a compelling portrait of the resilience and strength of these women, and calls for a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing the challenges they face upon their release.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520380738