Lashonia Thompson-El interview index, 2018
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
Creator
- Thompson-El, Lashonia, 1973- (Person)
- Adair, Kristin (Person)
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