The Recorder has collaborated with students enrolled in Reimagining Criminal Justice, a seminar at Golden Gate University School of Law, to publish this series of student writings. This next generation of lawyers explore a broad range of topics touching on criminal and racial justice, and provide their perspectives and voices on myriad proposals for building a better, more just, system.

This past summer, I visited my uncle in prison. Once inside the big open room filled with inmates, their families and correctional officers, I took a seat and waited for my uncle to be escorted out. As I waited, I looked around and saw an area designated for children with plastic play equipment and colorful wallpaper. It stood out from the monochrome grey of the rest of the room. A young inmate sat next to his toddler, holding his newborn in his arms.