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Audience members line up to ask questions during a public discussion at Dillard University in New Orleans, La., where author and criminal justice reform advocate Calvin Duncan spoke about his new memoir The Jailhouse Lawyer. The event, hosted by Baldwin & Co. Books, drew a full crowd engaged in dialogue about Duncan’s journey from wrongful incarceration to becoming a self-taught legal expert. (Photo by Gus Bennett for The Lens)

From jailhouse lawyer to clerk of court candidate

Calvin Duncan’s unfinished mission for justice moves to his political candidacy
by Bernard Smith July 15, 2025 Updated December 28, 2025
Behind The Lens podcast logo

Behind The Lens episode 277: ‘Hotter, hotter and hotter’

Bernard Smith on New Orleans' notorious House of Detention and protections for Angola's Farm Line workers in summer heat. Marta Jewson on a student's suspension pending a mental health eval — a flagarent violation of special education law.
by Carolyne Heldman July 11, 2025 Updated July 11, 2025

Mayor pulls nomination for ethics-plagued former Sewerage & Water Board member, pledges to reappoint at later date

Kimberly Thomas, who served a decade ago on the S&WB, was given nod by a council committee last week and was slated for Council approval on Thursday
by Matt McBride July 11, 2025 Updated July 11, 2025

Essence isn’t just facing organizational problems—it’s having an identity crisis

by Gus Bennett July 9, 2025 Updated July 12, 2025
A four-panel collage of Calvin Duncan speaking animatedly during an interview with The Lens. He wears glasses, a checkered shirt, and a t-shirt, using expressive hand gestures as he shares his story. The background is clean and white, highlighting his emotion and energy in each frame.

From prison to justice

Calvin Duncan’s fight to free himself and others from a broken system — an interview by Bernard Smith.
by Calvin Duncan interviewed by Bernard Smith July 8, 2025 Updated July 25, 2025
Portrait of Calvin Duncan, author of "The Jailhouse Lawyer," gazing confidently at the camera with his hand resting under his chin. He wears a checkered shirt over a t-shirt, and the background is a clean, bright white, emphasizing his thoughtful expression.

‘We helped each other. We taught each other the law.’

Calvin Duncan, one of the finest inmate counsels to ever file a writ from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, releases his autobiography today, July 8. The Lens is honored to publish an excerpt from this highly anticipated book, The Jailhouse Lawyer.
by Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull July 8, 2025 Updated July 25, 2025

‘I saw this coming.’

“The escapees didn’t run because the sheriff opened the door for holistic healing,” writes Henderson-Uloho, who taught decarceration classes in the jail. “They escaped because the people hired to provide custody, care, and control neglected their care and weaponized the control.”
by Maryam Henderson-Uloho July 2, 2025 Updated July 3, 2025

Air pollution questions linger over Alabo Street Wharf

Sunrise Foods released air-quality assessments scant in detail. But early last month, LDEQ accelerated the company’s approval for its air-permit application.
by Delaney Dryfoos July 2, 2025 Updated August 12, 2025
Hardy and Chantele Els, along with another rider, smile while holding their custom lowrider bicycles under the Claiborne Overpass during the Ride for Peace in New Orleans. Other participants with colorful bikes gather in the background, preparing to begin the community event.

‘Ride for Peace’ Brings New Orleanians together to interrupt violence and build community

by Gus Bennett July 1, 2025 Updated July 12, 2025
black and white cctv cameras

NOPD is using images of you from more than 5,000 cameras across the city

“After years of FOIA requests and research, I know that NOPD is lying about their unlawful use of Project NOLA and facial-recognition software,” says the writer. The surveillance-camera issue is slated to be discussed at 10 a.m. today (Monday) at the City Council’s criminal-justice committee meeting.
by Matthew Wollenweber June 29, 2025 Updated June 30, 2025

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For more than a decade, we have reported on issues as well as public policy meant to address the needs of residents. The Lens seeks to focus on the inherent inequality that has created a multi-tiered system. We, at The Lens seek to uncover, illuminate, inform and take part in a forward-looking community. Join us.

 
 

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