In the N.O. Archives | The Lens

The gospel of Chuck

by Chuck PerkinsAugust 4, 2025August 13, 2025

Blessed are the ones who live with vigor | Despite life’s tragic comedy.

Police

by Chuck PerkinsJuly 29, 2025July 29, 2025

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)

Criminal Justice

From jailhouse lawyer to clerk of court candidate

by Bernard SmithJuly 15, 2025July 25, 2025

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

by Gus BennettJuly 9, 2025July 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.

Criminal Justice

From prison to justice

by Calvin Duncan interviewed by Bernard SmithJuly 8, 2025July 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.

Criminal Justice

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

by Calvin Duncan and Sophie CullJuly 8, 2025July 25, 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.

Criminal Justice

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

by Gus BennettJuly 1, 2025July 12, 2025

‘Sometimes we forget our own majesty’ — capturing the cadence of New Orleans on Juneteenth

by Lens staffJune 22, 2025June 27, 2025

A towering, austere view of the House of Detention in New Orleans, set against a dramatic, swirling sky.

Criminal Justice

The towering legacy of the House of Detention

by Bernard SmithJune 20, 2025June 25, 2025

Dan Bright was my brother. Death Row didn’t kill us, but it tried.

by Shareef CousinJune 15, 2025June 25, 2025