Whats most moving about this extraordinary book isnt Gary Tylers innocence, but his resilience and steadfast commitment to justice for all in a system designed to oppress, divide and destroy. He came to understand that system and transcend it because of the loving support and education from people in maximum security whod been labeled the worst of the worst. In the drama club and throughout his time at Angola, Gary Tyler exemplified the clubs motto, We are the Willing becoming a man willing to provide care, fight injustice and create beauty. Now hes willing to tell the truth about what happened and why, to magnify defiance and hope. Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow
People have always wondered why Gary Tyler didn't become criminal, bitter, or insane. This riveting book shows why. He refused to let the system take his life, his spirit, his intelligence, his humanity. I watched Gary find mentors and then become one to many inmates. He became an actor, playwright, and director. He turned fabric into art. He eased the passage of dying men. He let nothing deter his march to justice, to freedom and we are all the beneficiaries. Wilbert Rideau, former editor of The Angolite, award-winning author of In the Place of Justice
In my life I have had the opportunity to speak up for five men who were wrongfully convicted and watch them walk out of prison. In each case, they have taught me something about what freedom means. Gary Tylers account of his own experience is another lesson in freedomone we sorely need in this moment. Rev. William J. Barber, II, author of White Poverty
"Gary Tyler's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of community and story telling." Cyntoia Brown Long, author of Free Cyntoia
Stitching Freedom is both compelling and incisive in its ability to bring the reader in real close. This is not only a story of great courage and humility, but of an unparalleled patience fueled by a fiery zeal to NOT BE BROKEN by the conditions of institutional injustice. Gary Tyler had to live with his certain innocence and his commitment to freedom, methodically, one day at a time for 15,180 days. His resilience was contagious. Kate Capshaw, Artist and co-founder of the Hearthland Foundation
Something in Gary Tylers nature led him to become a man described by his attorney as a remarkable human being who not only endured the torture and horror of a hell-hole designed to destroy human beings deemed lesser, but become a leader, a teacher, an artist, a man who was escorted to Angolas gate at discharge by the warden who said goodbye with tears in his eyes. Stitching Freedom imbues one with hope for the human race. Mike Farrell, BJ from M*A*S*H and author of Just Call Me Mike
As moving and important a book as I have read in eons. Tyler's struggle to hold onto his humanity and emerge battered but triumphant is a powerful story unto itself, but that's not why people should read this book. Tylers journey urgently matters given the ways that dehumanizing prisoners and debasing constitutional due process have become a central feature of US politics. His story acts as a bracing condemnation of an administration off the rails; an administration that regularly mocks and debases those trapped in a deeply racist prison industrial complex. Tyler and his co-author Ellen Bravo have gifted us all a chance to look in the mirror. May we be brave enough to open our eyes." Dave Zirin, author of The Kaepernick Effect
Some people do become extraordinary beings, but we are rarely witness to this alchemy. In Stitching Freedom Gary Tyler has offered us a record of such an evolution of consciousness. Having suffered monstrous cruelty, he has emerged as an astute and resilient person of deep empathy and creativity. His story is devastating but ultimately triumphant. And we are so fortunate that he has chosen to share it with us. Carol Becker, Dean Emerita of the Columbia School of Arts and author of Georges Daughter
Despite decades of wrongful incarceration, Gary found strength and hope. Stitching Freedom is a powerful testament to his resilience, unwavering spirit, and his fight for justice. Gary's story reminds us that the human spirit can persevere even when facing the worst. This book is a crucial part of the ongoing conversation about changing our criminal justice system." Norris Henderson, Executive Director, VOTE (Voice of the Experienced)
"Stitching Freedom arrives as a timely and heartfelt gift, offering strength and inspiration amid turbulent times. An anchor of hope and courage, Gary Tylers story is not just one of injustice but a powerful testament to love, kindness, and the resilience of the human spirit. It demonstrates that truth and justice will ultimately prevail because even in darkness, the light always shines through." Jennifer Wu-Schwab, host of The Founder Spirit
