Martin Sostre: A Legacy of Jailhouse Law, Prefigurative Politics and Revolt

The Dugout presents a look at the revolutionary life and legacy of Martin Sostre. Support The Dugout on Patreon here and listen to the show here.

Martin Sostre was more than a political prisoner—he was a revolutionary thinker who reshaped the prison abolition movement from behind bars. In this episode of The Dugout, we uncover the life and radical legacy of Sostre, from his early years in Harlem to his transformation into one of the most fearless prison intellectuals of the 20th century.

We break down his fight against the U.S. carceral system, his role in prison uprisings, and how his legal battles set precedents for prisoners’ rights. Through the lens of Black anarchism and abolition, we explore what Sostre’s resistance means for today’s movements against state violence, political imprisonment, and mass incarceration.