Morning from Now On

In striking black-and-white photo portraits, dozens of survivors of Michigan’s cruel sentencing of children to life without parole—now free adults—are portrayed with irrepressible dignity.  

The United States is the only country in the world that sentences children to serve time in adult prisons without the possibility of parole. Michigan incarcerated 362 of them, more than any other state. 

Historically, mug shots and prison photos were used to bolster the narrative that these children were irredeemable and undeserving of rehabilitation and a return home. The portrayal of children in conflict with the law, and particularly children of color, as inherently threatening, dangerous, and adult-like, has deep roots in the US. This narrative has been key to denying these youth second chances and were foundational in justifying cruel and excessive punishment of youth, especially those of color, in the criminal legal system. 

In Morning from Now On, LaBelle, himself a survivor of childhood carceral experience, cocreates astute and nuanced portraits with more than fifty of those hundreds of people in Michigan incarcerated as children. Accompanying essays provide critical context on the history, racialization, and impact on a society that locks away our children. 

In witnessing these survivors’ yearning for freedom and the challenges and obstacles, as well as the wonder and joy, they experience upon release, this collection reminds us of their almost unfathomable losses and to cherish all our children.