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Lashonia Thompson-El interview, part 1, 2018-05-05

 File
Identifier: dcpl_dcohc013

Scope and Contents

This oral history interview was conducted with Lashonia Thompson-El by Kristin Adair in Washington, DC. Lashonia Thompson-El was born in 1973 in Washington, DC. In the interview, Lashonia speaks about growing up in Southeast Washington, in a family that had migrated from North Carolina. As a teenager, she got involved in a life of crime. At the age of 19, she was arrested and later sentenced to 20 to 60 years in prison for a double homicide. She was granted parole in December 2011, after serving 18 years, half her life. Her successful reentry has made her a role model for other returning citizens. However, she has struggled with rebuilding relationships with her family and living with her past. She is one of the founders and Executive Director of the WIRE.

Dates

  • Creation: 2018-05-05

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Biographical / Historical

Lashonia Thompson-El is a founding member of Women Involved in Reentry (WIRE), where she works with formerly incarcerated women. She is also the author of Through the WIRE: My Search for Redemption. She grew up in Washington, DC, and, at age 19, was to sent to prison where she would spend 18.5 years. She now works with women who have been released from prison, helping them to reenter and reacquaint with friends, family and society.

Extent

From the Collection: 1.13 Terabytes

Repository Details

Part of the The People's Archive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Repository

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