By Laura Walsh
A couple of weeks ago, while sitting in the visitation room at Old Colony Correctional Center, my eyes wandered to the murals on the walls, something I’ve grown accustomed to during the hours spent here with my loved one.
As the Project Youth mural came into view, I noticed it looked different. Upon closer inspection, I realized the words had changed. They were new, refreshed, and carried a message of positivity and hope.
Readers may recall the FFIMI blog A Plea to Change the Narrative, posted on October 12, 2023. Today, I am heartened and grateful to report that one year later, the Massachusetts Department of Correction, along with Old Colony Correctional Center, has responded. They have replaced the previously stigmatizing and degrading words on the mural with a message of hope and dignity. The mural now reads:
A legacy of change and growth through sharing our stories, inspiring awareness, together becoming better.”
Compare this to the previous message: “We share our experiences with students so that they never become what we became.”
The former statement reinforced the stigma that incarcerated individuals are irreversibly broken or inferior, rather than individuals with inherent dignity and the capacity for positive transformation.
The new message, however, tells a different story—one of hope, growth, and human potential. It acknowledges that individuals behind bars are still valuable and capable of positive change. They have the capacity to grow, inspire, and contribute meaningfully to society, if given the opportunity.
I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the staff at Old Colony Correctional Center and the Massachusetts Department of Correction for taking action and updating the language on this mural. This positive step in reshaping the long-standing narrative of devaluing inmates is significant. It aligns with the crucial need for creating a much needed culture shift in places of correction. Let’s continue to work together to foster greater compassion, “behind the wall” and beyond
Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness ~ Advocating for those who are Justice Involved 
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing this positive and encouraging message.
On Monday, October 7, 2024, Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental
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Every positive change and good act of faith for humane treatment and recognition and respect for humanity is a great step forward. I join Laura Walsh in applauding this new effort.
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I also found the previous wording on the mural upsetting. So glad to hear that the it has been updated with positive words of hope.
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I agree. A positive message is important and encourages rather than discourages.
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Words are where change begins. Im happy to see an effort being made. As I often say ” Small steps gets us some where, no steps get us no where”.
A change in words can have a drastic affect on people who struggle and and give them much needed hope.
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I agree that it is so much more encouraging to have changed the message to a positive one. These words are on display for everyone to see and it is Important that negative comments are not included in the message.
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