Locked in, Counted Out

Join us for an eye-opening conversation as we delve into the critical issue of prison gerrymandering and its profound impact on political representation. Our guest, Mike Wessler, the Communications Director of the Prison Policy Initiative, sheds light on how the practice distorts our democratic process by counting incarcerated individuals in census data where they are imprisoned rather than their home communities. We unravel the failures and gaps in knowledge within the Census system, which perpetuate the erasure of incarcerated populations from the political discourse. Tune in as we confront the challenges and obstacles faced in rectifying this injustice, and discover the pathways toward a fairer, more equitable political system that truly represents all voices, including those too often silenced by the criminal legal system. 

Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and produced by Earfluence.

What is Southern Gumption?

At Southern Coalition for Social Justice, we believe the South is the most radical place in this country; it’s why so much has been done to oppress those who call it home. In this podcast, you’ll hear directly from the folks on the frontlines; community members who are living the reality of uniquely Southern struggles, as well as advocates, lawyers, lawmakers, and others who are fighting back, creating solutions, changing the narrative, and forcefully demanding equal rights for all.

Voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice aren't just buzzwords; they are the issues that affect real lives. We'll delve deep into these topics, exploring how they intersect, impact, and empower the stories of our Southern communities.