The Classroom and the Cell is a fascinating dialogue between federal political prison Mumia Abu-Jamal and Columbia education professor Marc Lamont Hill. It’s in dialogue format, which is initially off-putting. But it works. The thoughtful exchange of ideas explore Black culture including hip-hop and religion, American education, and the population of prisons. [See full review here in “Other Books.]
After examining issues from unusual and certainly provocative viewpoints, the authors agree on a few solutions:
de-carceration. Getting rid of the money bail system, pre-trial detention, early release for non-dangerous prisoners.