I’m A 34-year-old Black Man And I Voted For The First Time Yesterday “Y’all telling me that I need to get out and vote, huh, why? Ain’t nobody black running but crac-kers, so, why I got to register? I’m thinking of better shit to do with my time” – Andre 3000 ‘Git Up, Get Out’…
Recently, we wrote about the FIRST STEP Act — the basics of what it is, why it’s necessary, and how it can be a major game changer in the fight to stop recidivism in the United States. Indeed, recidivism is a huge issue in America, and we have to work harder to help educate our friends and…
Two Different Standards While growing up, I had to learn unofficial rules that my white male counterparts did not have to worry about. While they were worrying about acne breakouts, girls, learning to drive, and moving up (or down) the social hierarchy of their school, I was stressing about more serious matters. Matters that have…
The Rehabilitation Experience: My First Prison Visit I remember my first day getting a contact visit in prison. This gorgeous woman, inside and out, came to visit me. I hugged her and didn’t want to let go. This beautiful soul drove eight hours to come to see little ol’ me. Yes, you read that right,…
In 2018, I had a job interview at Walmart. It was for a job as a Stocker. It paid $11/hour; not much for a grown man to live on, but hey, that’s $11 more than what I was currently making being unemployed and living with my mother. Backstory When I got released from prison back…
My Story I returned home from prison in 2016. I was optimistic about my job prospects. I held a college degree (and was only a semester away from having my master’s degree at the time of my incarceration), was articulate and knew the ins and outs of selling myself as a potential employee. I knew…
Right off the bat, this title may raise some eyebrows. Honestly, it’s even more extreme than the title suggests. This past Saturday is not just the first time for me calling the police as a law-abiding citizen, it’s the first time I’ve ever called the police in my life. In the 32 years I’ve been…