Author, Editor, Movement Journalism Leader

Maya Schenwar is director of the Truthout Center for Grassroots Journalism. She is also Truthout’s editor-at-large and board president. She is the co-editor of We Grow the World Together: Parenting Toward Abolition and co-author of Prison by Any Other Name. Her work focuses on sculpting new ways for journalism to serve the public good, as well as organizing and writing toward a just and liberatory world.

Learn More
Maya Schenwar portrait
Testimonals
Imani Perry

Author of South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation

01/03
“Everyone who raises a child imagines a bright future for that precious being. This beautiful book teaches us how to imagine a bright future for all of us: children, families and communities. Abolition is liberation and love. I recommend this work for every reader.”
We Grow the World Together: Parenting Toward Abolition
2024

We Grow the World Together: Parenting Toward Abolition

Contributors to this anthology (edited by Maya Schenwar and Kim Wilson) explore how parenting, caregiving, and struggles for liberation intertwine.
Prison By Any Other Name
2020

Prison By Any Other Name

Maya Schenwar and Victoria Law uncover how popular reforms to incarceration have terrifyingly expanded the reach of the prison industrial complex.
Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect?
2016

Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect?

Through deep and personal storytelling, Maya Schenwar shows how incarceration devastates millions of families and communities.
Locked Down, Locked Out: Why Prison Doesn’t Work and How We Can Do Better
2014

Locked Down, Locked Out: Why Prison Doesn’t Work and How We Can Do Better

This Truthout anthology illustrates how the violence of policing has pervaded the United States–and how struggles have risen up to resist it.

Other Writings

See all
We Can’t Let the Press Launder Israel’s War
In These Times
|
Jun 27, 2024

We Can’t Let the Press Launder Israel’s War

Abolition Is a Project of Human Liberation That Must Be Ongoing
Truthout
|
Apr 18, 2024

Abolition Is a Project of Human Liberation That Must Be Ongoing

Media Organizations Come Together to Uplift Journalism for a Free Palestine
Truthout
|
Mar 4, 2024

Media Organizations Come Together to Uplift Journalism for a Free Palestine

Hanukkah Is a Time for Palestine Solidarity, From Fasting to Public Disruption
Truthout
|
Dec 7, 2023

Hanukkah Is a Time for Palestine Solidarity, From Fasting to Public Disruption

Featured Interviews And Talks

See all

Current Projects

Movement Media Alliance
A coalition of social justice-driven journalism organizations committed to accurate, transparent, accountable, principled, and just media.
Learn More
Truthout Center for Grassroots Journalism
An initiative to help grow the critical media ecosystem necessary to build grassroots power.
Learn More
Keeley Schenwar Memorial Essay Prize
The annual prize is awarded to two writers who are currently or formerly incarcerated.
Learn More
UPCOMING RELEASE
|
NOV 19, 2024

We Grow the World Together: Parenting Toward Abolition

Contributors to this anthology (edited by Maya Schenwar and Kim Wilson) explore how parenting, caregiving, and struggles for liberation intertwine.
Pre-order Now

Upcoming Events

In person
virtual

Chicago Launch: We Grow the World Together

Join us for an interactive conversation with co-editor Maya Schenwar and anthology contributors Beth Richie, Nadine Naber, Anya Tanyavutti and Jennifer Viets. There will be childcare and snacks!

Location:
Haymarket House
Date:

Nov 18, 2024

Time:
5:30pm CT
RSVP
In person
virtual

Virtual Launch: We Grow the World Together

Join We Grow the World Together’s co-editors Maya Schenwar and Kim Wilson, along with contributors Harsha Walia and Dorothy Roberts, for a lively launch discussion.

Location:
Date:

Nov 20, 2024

Time:
7:30pm ET
RSVP
In person
virtual

Caregiver Circles: Parenting Toward Abolition

Check this space for more information on discussion circles for parents and caregivers, based around We Grow the World Together: Parenting Toward Abolition.

Location:
Haymarket House
Date:

Feb 1, 2025

Feb 15

Mar 1
Time:
RSVP