“Books for Inmates,” is one of AADM’s new initiatives to help reduce incarceration and recidivism rates through reading and promoting adult literacy. Books will be donated quarterly to selected jails, juvenile detention centers, or women shelter. AADM volunteers will collect and donate paperback books and host a quarterly book club to improve reading comprehension skills and positivity.

A 2016 Georgia report shows that over half of incoming prisoners do not have a high school diploma or a GED, 48% of prisoners have low reading skills, and only around 8 percent attended college (see How Education Deficiency Drives Mass Incarceration). Incarcerated inmates have a lot of time on their hands and books can be vital to their rehabilitation; reading and having access to education also help inmates become productive members of society once released.  

“As an educator, I believe wholeheartedly that knowledge gives you power, it gives you hope and can help someone break free from an oppressive society,” says Mokah-Jasmine Johnson, AADM President. We accept all paperback books—especially ones that educate, motivate, or transform. Some guidelines:

• • Paperback only

• • Drawing/Art

• • Career and Self-Improvement

• • Education and How-To
  • Fiction or Non-Fiction

We will also encourage local inmates to take part in the AADM Book Challenge that requires reading and writing a summary about a favorite book for Black History Month.

AADM’s Legal Fund helps support holiday bailouts or provide legal assistance. To make a financial contribution, please visit www.aadmovement.org.   

Book donations can be dropped off today at 320 Clayton Street (4th floor), Athens 30601, or (in future) mailed to AADM, PO Box, Athens, GA, 30604.

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