Unlocking Opportunity: How One Key Opened Prison Doors for Tens-of-Thousands.
Have you ever held a key that felt like a lifeline? That small piece of metal is more than just a tool; it’s a symbol of change and new beginnings. This weekend I will be honored with the key to my hometown of Bridgeport, CT. To say that I’m humbled would be an understatement, especially considering my complex history with the city.
Years ago, I damaged this community through illegal activities. After serving 14 years in federal prison, I returned to Bridgeport, but this time as the city’s first reentry director, giving people like me a chance to start anew.
Yet, the road was far from smooth. Two years into my new role, I was rearrested, partially due to unresolved child support debts that had piled up during my incarceration. This wasn’t just a setback; it felt like a personal failure, one that made me question my worth and my role in the community.
But my grandmother taught me that setbacks are opportunities for comebacks!
I eventually was able to recover and went on to do national criminal justice reform work. Having led advocacy on dozens of bills across the country, including the federal First Step Act, this key symbolizes much more than my own accomplishments. It represents a…
