Author: Latif Torres-Robinson

To say that I’ve been a model inmate my entire incarceration would suggest that I changed the moment I stepped into prison. We all know that isn’t true. Becoming an aspiring children’s author didn’t happen overnight; it was a long, hard process. After accepting responsibility for my wrong actions, I learned how to work on […]

“Am I wrong for being concerned about the safety of a child?” I was shocked at what a 29-year old mother had said to me. After hearing about her son’s suspension I asked Shae how her son, Kalih, was doing. I was worried about the well-being of his mental health. “You’re always worried about the […]

Early November in 1988, on a Friday night around 8:30 pm, Travis Lane was enjoying the company of a few friends on his front porch. It was a normal night in the neighborhood–hanging out, drinking, and exchanging the latest gossip. Out of no where a gunman began shooting. Unaware where the shots were coming from, […]

When everything calmed down, I felt relaxed and settled. In the middle of October, 2014, I lost my youngest son. “C. Logan, report to the slot,” The corrections officer announced on the pod’s intercom. I was in prison serving a 10-year sentence. It was very early in the morning. I walked to the control booth, […]

Watch Your Mouth! A few days ago, an associate and I had a conversation about how children utilize Google search to learn about unfamiliar words they hear people say. My associate, Astro (that’s his nickname), shared with me how his 6-year old nephew, Micah, had used Google Voice to learn what the word murder meant. […]

“Christina’s here!” were the best words Kevin Parker had ever heard. It was the happiest day of his life. On October 29, 1983, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin had just come in from outside when his cousin told him that he was a father. After his cousin Shae broke the news to him, Kevin felt like […]

Bad Vibes Hope Village is a public housing complex in Central Virginia. Mostly tenants of minority backgrounds. The apartments’ population changes quite a bit – which means kids are always looking for friends. Markas is a smart, 11-year old boy who lives with his single mother. One day Markas and his best friend, Jeremy, welcomed […]

A game idea for teachers. With Covid-19 cases on the rise, this year’s trick-or-treat may be more of a trick than a treat. Likewise last year, our children may not be able to put on their favorite customs and knock on doors for candy. So I have an idea. In efforts to ensure our kids […]

Born and raised in the South, my grandmother, Mary, used to make one of the best strawberry cheesecakes. I have never tasted a better pastry than my grandmother’s cheesecake. Every taste was sensational. Every bite was delicate. And every swallow was soothing. What a pleasant experience! Junk food has always topped my daily food chart. […]

It was a beautiful, summer day in the middle of September. Alone in the cloudless, crystal blue sky, the sun reserved its 2 o’clock spot. Meanwhile, usual everyday activities assumed at State Correctional Center: Inmates stood anxiously at canteen windows with their orange net bags; bored inmates loitered the boulevard (walkways) to say “what’s up?” […]