Ymilul Bates’ son went to jail in Richmond, California, at age 19. During her first visit, she wonders if the gruff corrections officers can see him the way she does: as a gentle, well-loved young man who made a mistake.
This essay, animated by Paige Money and voiced by Bates, is part of “Inside Story,” The Marshall Project’s groundbreaking video series distributed online and in correctional facilities across the U.S.
Watch the latest season, with new episodes landing every Thursday at 11 a.m. ET on The Marshall Project’s website and YouTube channel. You can also watch episodes on the Scripps News network on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
