End Solitary NC’s Replica Cell
a talk with Dr. Craig Waleed
3:30 - 4:00 pm
at the End Solitary Replica Cell
About solitary confinement, or isolation:
Solitary confinement, or isolation has been a widely practiced approach in the U.S. criminal legal system, affecting approximately 4.5% of the prison population nationwide in 2016. Studies consistently indicate that prolonged isolation can lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of self-harm.
Efforts to reform solitary confinement practices have gained traction, with some states implementing measures to limit its use, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Every day between 2,000 – 2,400 people in North Carolina, many of them people of color and/or people with disabilities, spend 23-24 hours per day trapped and tortured in solitary confinement cells. Within less than 50 square feet, people live without human interaction, eating meals within five feet of an open toilet. This practice raises urgent questions about human rights and justice.
By humanizing the experience through personal stories and testimonials, the End Solitary NC initiative aims to mobilize public opinion, spark conversations, and ultimately advocate for reform or abolition of solitary confinement practices within the criminal justice system.
Use your Event Pass to Support End Solitary NC’s work
By purchasing your event pass on this page, you directly support End Solitary NC’s Campaign Against Solitary Confinement with 5% of your ticket price going straight to them.
Purposes of the replica solitary confinement cell:
raise awareness about the prevalence and conditions of solitary confinement,
foster empathy for those experiencing isolation,
challenge stereotypes
advocate for policy change
educate on mental health impacts
encourage dialogue
Meet Dr. Craig Waleed
Dr. Craig Waleed, EdD, serves as the Project Manager for Unlock the Box (UTB) at Disability Rights North Carolina and spearheads the End Solitary NC Campaign Against Solitary Confinement. In addition to his advocacy work, he is a dedicated educator, counselor, certified Restorative Practices group facilitator, author, and motivational speaker, primarily focusing on disrupting the community-to-prison pipeline.
Dr. Waleed obtained his BS in Health Science in 2005 and an MS in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Brockport College in 2010. In 2018, he completed his EdD in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. His research centers on developing post-incarceration strategies to reduce recidivism and comprehending the impact of the criminal legal system on individuals' health and social trajectories.
With eight years of personal experience as an incarcerated individual within New York State's prison system, Dr. Waleed draws upon his unique perspective to shed light on the challenges faced by those impacted by the criminal legal system. He is the author of four books: "Prison to Promise: A Chronicle of Healing and Transformation" (August 2020), "Waleedism: A Book of Poetry, Prose & Proverbs" (October 2021), "The Journey Beyond: Post-Incarceration Success" (March 2022), and "Reclaiming Freedom: Short Stories of Redemption and Renewal" (September 2023).