When writing about how growing up in poverty contributes to the recidivism rate, it’s easy to talk about the statistics. There is a lot to discuss when it comes to how to resolve this issue through the funding and distribution of resources needed to set children in poverty up for success. And citing sources and…
Back in February of this year, 2020, RED had the pleasure of sitting down with Professor Jonathan Rapping of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. Professor Rapping has taught at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School since 2007 and currently is the Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program. He serves as a Visiting Associate Professor of Law…
Like many of you, the RED team recently watched the above interview featuring Mr. Rayshard Brooks. The interview was filmed just 4 months before he was shot and killed by Atlanta Police Officer Garrett Rolfe. The video was released by the New York-based REFORM Alliance, a criminal justice organization that is working in Georgia and…
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’…
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…