Texas’ Plantation Prisons: Inside a 200-Year History of Forced Labor Shrouded in Secrecy
Punishments, injuries, and deaths—including from heat—on TDCJ farms are more hidden than they were in the years following convict leasing.
Josephine Lee
Josephine Lee is a staff writer at the Texas Observer. She has previously worked as an educator and community organizer. Her reporting on labor, environment, politics, and education has been featured in Salon, The Daily Beast, Truthout, and other outlets. She was raised and lives in Houston.
Articles by Josephine Lee
The Struggle to Fulfill Juneteenth’s Promise and Reckon with Its History
Sam Collins, better known as Professor Juneteenth, says his work to educate Americans about the holiday’s legacy is unfinished.
Houston Underdogs Beat Established Democrats in House, Senate Runoffs
Two community organizers-turned-candidates see their wins as a progressive blueprint for taking on the establishment and mobilizing the Democratic base.
After Special Election Win, Molly Cook Gears Up for Senate Seat Runoff
The ER nurse and community organizer wants to bring “the Capitol to the people and the people to the Capitol.”
Distillers Want to Decriminalize Making Booze at Home
Modern moonshiners are caught between the interests of the federal government, spirits industry bigwigs, and even the Federalist Society.
Standing Up for All Texans’ Stories
The new Alliance for Texas History calls for working everyone’s stories “into the fabric of Texas history.”
‘TxDOT’s Still Bulldozing Over Our Communities’
Community members say the state transportation agency is violating its agreement with the feds to reduce the discriminatory impact of its plans to expand I-45.
A Roadmap to Rebuilding Communities
Texas highways have destroyed and dominated our built environment. Megan Kimble's book "City Limits" offers a new vision.
‘The Hobby’: A Love Letter to Board Gamers like My Son
The documentary reminds us how to revel in creative play and the company of others.
Houstonians Force Anti-LGBTQ Democrat into Runoff with Progressive Challenger
Meanwhile, a long-term incumbent who backed a controversial state school takeover easily secures renomination.