The Center for Constitutional Rights, The New Press, and DCTV invite you to a special evening spotlighting the voices of those affected by solitary confinement. Join us on Wednesday, April 20, at DCTV as we celebrate the launch of Hell is a Very Small Place: Voices from Solitary Confinement with dramatic readings from the book, informative discussion, and a short film highlighting some of the most challenging aspects of having a family member in solitary confinement.

The Peace Poets, Broadway performer Tanya Birl, and book contributor and activist Five Mualimm-ak will read stories from Hell Is a Very Small Place, including an essay by Todd Ashker, CCR client and the named plaintiff in Ashker v. Governor of California, a federal class action lawsuit on behalf of prisoners held in prolonged solitary confinement in California. A recent landmark settlement in the case has ended long-term, indeterminate solitary confinement in California and will dramatically reduce the number of people held in solitary.

Hell Is a Very Small Place co-editor and Solitary Watch co-director Jean Casella will discuss how the book was created and the importance of bringing the stories of those affected by solitary confinement to light, and CCR Deputy Legal Director Alexis Agathocleous will discuss CCR’s case, Ashker v. Governor of California. The evening will conclude with a Q&A with audience members. Light refreshments will be served at a reception preceding the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7 p.m.

We hope you’ll be able to join us for this truly special evening. 

This event is sponsored by the Center for Constitutional Rights, The New Press, and DCTV, and is part of the DCTV Presents series.