The United States carceral system is a system that separates and isolates mothers from their children at alarming rates. The task of maintaining a close relationship with one's children while in prison may seem impossible to some, but for the millions of mothers who have been incarcerated, it is a task that they would do anything to complete. In this episode of What Happened to Mommy? Aniah explores the different ways motherhood changes when incarceration comes into the picture. She unpacks the difficulties of being in a mother-child relationship when you can only connect through letter writing, phone calls, and irregular visitations. This episode explores how trauma from their separation continues to impact their relationship today and imagines what can become possible when Aniah and her family begin to heal their wounds. 

Written & produced by: Aniah H. Washington, With special thanks to the Amherst College Black Studies Department 

Intro music produced by: sketchmyname