Women’s History 365!
by La Tanya Jenifor-Sublett, Director of Programs at CTJC
As a Black woman, I have always agreed that 28 days is not long enough to celebrate Black history. I am a proud supporter of the movement “Black History 365.” The same should be said about Women’s History Month Women’s History Month is dedicated to celebrating the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women throughout history I believe that 31 days is not long enough to celebrate all that women have achieved. I am sure that someone has said this before me, “Women’s History 365!”
The commitment to uplifting women’s voices and accomplishments should extend beyond just one month. Every day is an opportunity to recognize, support, and amplify the experiences, struggles, and successes of women, especially those from marginalized communities Each day we have an opportunity to create space for other women We create space for other women by allowing her the space to seek, to learn, and experiment We make room for other women by simply establishing environments for women to feel heard, valued, and respected. Leave room for other women to be who they are at any moment If there is not an opportunity to create room for another woman, there is always an opportunity to lift the voices and achievements of women When we are continuously advocating for gender equality, challenging systemic barriers, and creating spaces for women to lead and thrive, we ensure that progress is ongoing. Women’s voices matter every day all day in politics, education, healthcare, business, activism, and every aspect of society Let us continue to love, elevate, support, and encourage other women.
I remain in solidarity with you, Freedom. Justice. Equity.
Monica Cosby (left) and La Tanya JeniforSublett (right)
Artwork by Tamilyn Robertson
The wheel of power and control by Monica Cosby
Firsts
by Marvin Treadwell, Reentry Specialist at CTJC
My name is Marvin Treadwell, and I was released from prison after 25 years, but that was only through God’s plan because I was originally sentenced to 32 years in prison I fought for my freedom as most of y’all are doing, so keep fighting
Now it’s been six months now that I’ve been out, and I’ve been having a lot of firsts, such as my first car, apartment, and even driver’s license. Now y’all must know my story on how I learned how to drive.
Mind you, I was just 17 when I went in, and I didn’t have any experience driving. When I got out in October 2024, I knew I had to learn how to drive, but nobody had time to teach me how to drive I knew I had to teach myself My plan was to buy my own car and take my time learning how to drive. I met a guy in the joint that I linked with on the outside, and he ended up finding me a car in Monee, Illinois. I lived in Thornton at the time. Me and my homie made the trip to see the car, and for the price, it was a good deal. Although it needed some work, I wanted it. My homie dropped me back off in Thornton and he and another guy drove the car to Frankfort to where his auto shop was When it was ready for me to pick up, I had my homie drop me off in Frankfort Even he said, “Are you sure you’re ready?”. Of course, I put on like “I got this”. But deep down, I had second thoughts. What did I get myself into? Nonetheless, I had already made my bed. When I got into my car, it was either ride or not.
As I write this letter, I can honestly say I’m a driver Was I nervous? Yes, but I felt I had no choice and I had to teach myself I even hit the expressway my second day of driving As a free man, a mature man, I’m experiencing life in ways I consider my first There’s more to come, so you’ll be hearing from me soon.
Advocating for the Release of Ramon Montague: A Journey of Transformation and Service
by Carl Williams, Community Engagement Specialist at CTJC
Ramon Montague, identified by ID# N-62212, has spent the last 41 years incarcerated Despite the immense challenges of longterm imprisonment, Ramon has emerged as a model of resilience, growth, and dedication He recently earned his Master’s degree in Social Psychology, an achievement that underscores his commitment to personal development and contributing positively to society. While still incarcerated, Ramon has collaborated with Carl Williams, a notable leader in re-entry services, to support those preparing for life after prison His tireless work in the realm of re-entry assistance exemplifies his desire to give back and foster positive change within and beyond prison walls
A Commitment to Giving Back
Throughout his incarceration, Ramon has dedicated himself to continuous learning and service. Earning a Master’s degree is no small feat, especially within the confines of prison, where access to educational resources is limited His academic focus on social psychology has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to understand human behavior, conflict resolution, and the societal challenges that contribute to cycles of incarceration.
Partnering with Carl Williams, Ramon has contributed to mentorship and peer support programs that assist incarcerated individuals in preparing for successful reintegration. By leveraging his lived experience, he offers
valuable guidance on overcoming the challenges of re-entry, navigating societal stigmas, and building meaningful, productive lives.
The Case for Release
Advocating for Ramon's release is both a matter of justice and an opportunity to embrace his contributions to society. After serving over four decades, Ramon has demonstrated his rehabilitation and unwavering commitment to positive change. His leadership and mentorship within prison walls are a testament to his readiness to continue serving his community in a broader capacity upon release
Furthermore, extensive research highlights the significantly low recidivism rates among individuals who have served long-term sentences. Studies indicate that those who have spent decades in prison, particularly individuals who have pursued higher education and engaged in transformative work, are statistically less likely to re-offend In contrast to the commonly held misconception that long-term incarceration leads to perpetual criminal behavior, evidence suggests that releasees like Ramon Montague are well-equipped to lead law-abiding, purposeful lives.
A Call to Action
The continued incarceration of Ramon Montague denies society the opportunity to benefit from his knowledge, mentorship, and leadership His advocacy for others, dedication to rehabilitation, and accomplishments in education all support the argument for his release It is imperative that policymakers, parole boards, and the broader community recognize the profound potential that individuals like Ramon possess.
By supporting his release, we acknowledge the principles of redemption, growth, and restorative justice Ramon Montague’s story is one of transformation and perseverance a powerful example of how individuals can rebuild their lives and make meaningful contributions, even in the face of adversity. Advocating for his freedom is not just a personal cause; it is a commitment to justice and a belief in the power of second chances
In Memory of Standish Willis
by Carl Williams, Senior Community Organizer at CTJC
The survivors of police torture and the Chicago Torture Justice Center - Lost a hard dedicated warrior in the movement Attorney Standish Willis. It was common to receive his emails and telephone calls of encouragement and admonishments to keep fighting for justice
It was an honor and privilege to be represented by him and to work side by side with him through long hours of mobilization around issues to free people that had been tortured by Jon Burge and his subordinates. In 2009 Standish was able to have legislation filed before the Illinois General Assembly that established the Illinois Torture Inquiry Relief Commission - TIRC to examine claims of police torture. He received little recognition for his hard work on that project, however it has been responsible for providing many men and women opportunity that were incarcerated inside Illinois prisons based on police torture, not to fail to mention it helped to free more then 2 dozen people that lingered hopelessly inside prisons without any remedy in the courts.
He would go on and play a sufficient role with helping to gain reparations for 57 torture survivors and a center for all survivors, their families, and the community. He was the first African American attorney that played a major role with helping to free torture survivors and winning pardons for men that were on death row such as Aaron Patterson, Leroy Orange, Madison Hobley, and Stanley Howard
As a torture survivor I want to thank Vicki Casanova, the wife of Standish for sharing long hours with me and others that were affected by police torture On May 21, 2025, CTJC will honor Standish by attending the TIRC meeting in which 5 to 8 cases of police torture will be heard and ruled on to refer to the Cook County Circuit Court Through Standish hard work many people across the city of Chicago and beyond grew to learn about police torture and how scores of men were systematically affected and sent to prisons, with courts and the community in agreement that many were innocent and should not had been placed in a prison.
Since the illness of Standish survivors never got an opportunity to share with him that men and women had been tortured by subordinates of Burge. We miss you Stan and you will forever be in my heart and all survivors. Thank you for your service.
May 2025: The 10 Anniversary of Reparations in Chicago th
May 2025 marks 10 years since the historic Reparations Ordinance was unanimously passed in Chicago, recognizing the systematic torture within the Chicago Police Department. The Chicago Torture Justice Memorial and Chicago Torture Justice Center will be commemorating this anniversary throughout the month of May.
The Chicago Torture Justice Center is partnering with The Mud Theatre Project to present the inaugural Toussaint Daniels Emerging Writers Award
The Toussaint Daniels Emerging Writers Award seeks to uplift incarcerated writers inside ID broader audience. Toussaint Daniels is an award-winning playwright and poet, and foundin Project Throughout his incarceration, Toussaint used writing as a form of expression and m Writers Award aims to support and encourage emerging artists to continue growing in their c
The 2025 Emerging Writers Award will focus on poetry.
The top 3 selected writers will each receive a prize of $200. The top 10 selected works will be read aloud by Mud Theatre performers at the Resilience Arts Festival in the fall of 2025.
Submission requirements:
Writing submission must be poetry
Each individual may only submit one piece of work
At this time, submissions will be limited to those inside IDOC
Send submissions to:
Submit by August 1st, 2025.
The Toussaint Daniels Emerging Writers Award
Toussaint Daniels