Thread by @mr_bl0unt

You can’t have a #secondchance if you never had a first. It’s a simple idea that many folks fail to consider when talking about incarcerated people.

A THREAD 👇🏾

I recently spoke at @verainstitute‘s 60th Anniversary Gala and shared some of my story of how I got my first chance to be the person I wanted to be in prison. Here’s more about my journey and what it says about “chances” for system-impacted people.

I talked about needing to prove myself right. But I didn’t care what other people thought. It was always for myself. No one should have to prove their humanity for basic needs. We all deserve a quality education, regardless of zip code, race, or incarceration status.

Education shouldn't have to reduce #recidivism for it to matter. Or whether people end up working at a grocery or become a lawyer. The value of prison education programs should not be determined by recidivism or employment metrics.

In #prison, we are ignored by institutions that are supposed to support us. Similar to H.S., I went from a star student in #Newark to the kid always in the office in Union. I wasn’t different. The people around me were. Black teachers saw my humanity. White ones did not.

In Union, the only recruiters coming after me and other Black students were from the Army and Navy. My white counterparts were encouraged to take the SATs and got help with college essays and applications.

Knowing that, I still went to my counselor for help but was brushed off.

My mom worked two, sometimes three jobs to send me and my sister to these predominantly white schools with more resources but just getting in the door didn’t mean I got access.

So I turned to where I WAS embraced and got caught up in a system that incarcerates 1 in 4 Black men. During my time inside I worked hard but also was fortunate to gain access to the support I needed & set myself on the path I always saw for myself.

That’s why I do this work with @FICGN speaking at #prisons across the country and building a network of system-impacted people who can support each other.

I want to make sure every person in prison has access to higher education because for most, it's our #firstchance.

Here are some ways you can support:
RT and share my story with your followers 📣
Follow me and @FICGN on social media
Encourage your employer to hire formerly incarcerated people
Donate to @FICGN: mtyc.co/op85bf