Letter from the Editor: Reintroducing Absence of Light
The Daily Orange is proud to reintroduce its Absence of Light column. Absence of Light helps empower the work of current and formerly incarcerated people in the greater Syracuse area. Katie Crews | Digital Design Director
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Dear readers,
For the first time in three years, Absence of Light is returning to The Daily Orange opinion section.
Absence of Light began as a collaboration with incarcerated people at Auburn Correctional Facility in central New York, founded by Cori Dill alongside former Opinion Editor Nick Robinson.
The project was created to provide a platform for the writings and experiences of currently and formerly incarcerated people in the Syracuse area. The column brings the realities of incarceration to light through the words of those who have lived it.
From the outset, the project faced significant hurdles, slowed by the restrictions of the prison system. It exists because of the dedication of Cori, Nick, Gabe Stern, Jewel Jackson and The D.O. opinion staff.
After two months contending with communication barriers, technical setbacks and funding constraints, the first two pieces of the project were published on Nov. 8, 2020.
The D.O.’s opinion section is committed to publishing perspectives that reflect the full reality of our community. Reviving Absence of Light is a part of that responsibility.Daily Orange Opinion Staff
Absence of Light aligns closely with the opinion section’s aim to amplify voices across the greater Syracuse community, bringing perspectives outside of routine columnists to the paper.
The column allows contributors to share their experiences directly, offering unfiltered perspectives. Absence of Light was created in the belief that these perspectives deserve space in our publication. That belief remains central to its return.
After a few months and help from former members of the opinion staff, we’ve released two pieces, with more to follow.
As the section’s editor, I will preserve contributors’ voices, intervening only to make minor edits for clarity. I invite readers to approach their work with openness and allow them to tell their stories in their own words.
The D.O.’s opinion section is committed to publishing perspectives that reflect the full reality of our community. Reviving Absence of Light is a part of that responsibility.
If you have questions, concerns or suggestions, please reach out to us directly at opinion@dailyorange.com.
Sincerely,
Grace Johnson, opinion editor
Will Chadwick, asst. opinion editor
Addyson Kimball, asst. opinion editor
