Author Lashonia Thompson-El joined our Women’s Book Club at the DC Jail in June for two sessions about her memoir Through the W.I.R.E.: My Search for Redemption. The book centers around Lashonia’s experience with violence and incarceration.The women shared how much their own life experiences mirrored Lashonia’s. They came together and reflected on the many pressures of girlhood and growing up, and the discussion largely focused on the effects of violence, peer pressure, and freedom.
Lashonia’s book provided a landscape for many of the attendees to comment on what it means to be incarcerated, as well as what freedom looks and feels like. The women responded to Lashonia’s experiences with their own, sharing how they were first introduced to violence and how certain expectations drove their actions. There was a universal sentiment present, put into words by one member, who said, “I never wanted to fight.” The room was filled with appreciation for Lashonia’s efforts to grow, encouraging others to contemplate influences on their own lives.
The book’s themes of restoration, conflict, motherhood, and transformation resonated with everyone present. Members openly shared about their own struggles with anger, recounting their journeys to overcome cycles of trauma and let negative emotions go. The role of motherhood was discussed, and book club members shared about their own mothers and being a mother themselves. So many people saw themselves reflected in Lashonia’s words, which made for truly incredible conversations about healing both past and present wounds. The two Book Club sessions allowed everyone to consider the ups and downs of their lives in a space dedicated to renewal and positive change.
At the end of each session, members were given a writing prompt to share any final thoughts. The first, centered around self love, allowed participants to highlight sources of love and light for themselves. The second prompt, called “Breaking the Cycle,” brought forth more freedom to express grievances and hopes, fears and purposes. Read the poem “How I’ve Lasted” by D’Asia, in response to the first prompt, below.
How I’ve Lasted
By D’Asia
To be me is to show love and concern
I care for others more than I yearn
I’m never too old to receive lessons and learn
My past is my past
Some people may not have lasted!
But my past is what taught me how to last
With this life that for me has been moving fast!
I’m as fast as this life
Because I never think twice
Always willing to make amends
And finish off every problem right!