Last weekend was the annual reunion of former inmates and staff (“alumni”) from ESP. After a BBQ with family and friends, a panel of eight alumni took their seats on a stage facing a crowd of about 100 people from the general public. They told stories of their experiences with food, racial tensions, and people at ESP. Although many of the memories they shared were serious in nature, several of the panelists received a few laughs from the audience for their anecdotes, including Willie “No-No” Smith, a former inmate, who shared a story of his monopoly over the kitchens. He also told the story of his nickname, which he received after pitching back-to-back no-hitters during a penitentiary play-off in 1941.
Check back in a few weeks to see video clips from the event!
Mackenzie Warren
- Intern
