opinion
MIND OVER MATTER
Harlan Pierce is 24 years old and incarcerated in a Texas prison. Here, he writes about how he and his fellow inmate have taken to playing chess in their minds behind bars.
Harlin Pierce, 24, is a singer, songwriter, visual artist, and writer. Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he became incarcerated in Texas shortly before he was due to graduate from high school. Pierce’s passion for learning continues, with independent studies in math, languages, and physical fitness. He is serving 33 years for murder at the Jim Ferguson Unit, Texas. There he teaches fellow incarcerated people music and participates in a book club he founded.