“Black women are the backbone of our community,” was one of the first things Lashonia, director of the WIRE DC, said to me when explaining the importance of the organization. The WIRE, which stands for “Women Involved in Reentry Efforts”, is made up of formerly incarcerated women that provide aid to other womencoming out of the prison system. Black women are imprisoned at a growing rate and often leave behind their children and families. When they’re released, options for jobs and housing are limited, making it easier to fall back into the prison system.

The founders of the WIRE have created a safe space for women just like themselves to heal fromlingering traumas and move on from their past. For the women of the WIRE, restorative justice is not just ahobby or a career, it has become their life. “We will be working as long as work needs to be done,” Lashonia says.

These portraits highlight just five of the women who have beaten the odds of recidivism and the stigma of incarceration: Lashonia, Brittney, Charnal, Tanisha, and Aaliyah. The additional photos show the women in action: speaking at memorials, hosting award ceremonies, panels, and healing together through yoga and group therapy.

With the help of these women, I hope to continue this project, highlighting and honoring their work and the many struggles inherent to incarceration.