Decarcerated

Michelle Jones, is an NYU Ph.d candidate who spent 20 years in Indiana state prisons.   Michelle  is a formerly incarcerated historian who’s going to blown away.  She’s here to share the brilliance of her research around the history of Indiana prison, how she enrolled in NYU less than a year after her release from prison, and her adjustment to life in New York City after spending 20 years in prison in state is new to her. Will we be able to keep Michelle in NYC?     We also have Darnell L. Moore, author of the critically acclaimed book, No Ashes in the Fire, stopping by in the final minutes of the podcast to answer the question, “what does a world without prisons look like?   Leave a review.  We want to hear your comments.   More information about  this episode of Decarcerated:   Teen Vogue, This Former Inmate Is Pursuing Her PhD After Serving 20 Years in Prison: https://bit.ly/2KS65Pd   Journal of the Indiana Academy of Social Sciences, Magdalene Laundries: The First Prisons for Women in the https://bit.l

If you’ve been to Miami and haven’t heard of Valencia Gunder, you haven’t been to Miami. Known as Vee, she talks about going to jail for college tuition.  That’s right college tuition! She raises awareness about being detained and not having access to feminine hygiene products.  Valencia is modern day Fannie Lou Hamer, tackling everything from climate change to gun violence.  She bares it all in this episode--even teasing about a political run in 2020...Vee has our vote! More information about  this episode of Decarcerated:   The Miami Foundation: https://miamifoundation.org/author/valenciagunder/   The Root: Color of Climate: Meet a Power Player in Miami’s Fight Against Climate Gentrification, https://www.theroot.com/color-of-climate-meet-a-power-player-in-miami-s-fight-1797702979   Miami Herald: Hundreds at rally call on Jada Page’s killers to turn themselves in, https://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/article100107002.html   aol.com: Holiday Heroes: Thanksgiving in Miami, https://www.aol.com/ar

Shalita Williams, David Murillo, Clint Terrell, and David Maldonado are formerly incarcerated, Oakland-based academics on the rise. Danny was interviewed by Oprah for a recent 60 Minutes segment about solitary confinement.  This makes the the second person on Decarcerated who has been in the same room with Oprah! Listen in to find out how Danny and Oprah met, about Shalita’s research called, “Snitches Get Stitches,” and what music helped them, through their prison sentences.   More information about  this episode of Decarcerated:   undergroundscholars.berkeley.edu Danny’s interview with Oprah: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reforming-solitary-confinement-at-infamous-california-prison/ Fred Moten book mentioned by Clint Terrell, The Undercommons: Fugitive Planning & Black Study: https://www.amazon.com/Undercommons-Fugitive-Planning-Black-Study/dp/1570272670 More about Shalita Williams: http://oaklandvoices.us/shalita-williams-unshackled/ More information with David Maldonado: https://youtu.be/rc6q8Va_oRg

In part II of Marlon’s conversation with Jim St. Germain, Jim speaks about his transition from juvenile prison back to his Brooklyn community. He talks about the formation of his organization, Prepared Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT), and his interactions with President Obama.       More information about  this episode of Decarcerated:   Jim’s website: jimstgermaim.com Purchase Jim’s book, A Stone of Hope here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062458795/ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=authorweb-20 Director’s Cut of A Stone of Hope: https://vimeo.com/233260581 Learn about Jim’s organization, Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT): http://www.plotforyouth.org/ Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast | @decarceratedpod | @ _marlonpeterson JOIN OUR PATREON PAGE FOR SEASON EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!  Go to:https://www.patreon.com/decarcerated for all the details.   Leave a review on Itunes, Soundcloud, IHeartRadio, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe. Please subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe.  Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscrib

This episode is so good that we stretch it into two parts. You’ll need time digest all the jewels of knowledge and analysis of the conditions behind the hurt that affects Black people in poor communities. A Hatian immigrant, Jim speaks about his trauma as a child navigating Brooklyn as a teen in the 2000’s, how he met President Obama, and his choice to go to prison when he was 17ish.  Oh, and him I settle a Brooklyn street beef on air.  Yeah, this episode will make you want to listen twice.  Also, purchase a copy of Jim’s critically acclaimed book, A Stone of Hope.   More information about  this episode of Decarcerated:   Jim’s website: jimstgermaim.com Purchase Jim’s book, A Stone of Hope here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062458795/ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=authorweb-20 Director’s Cut of A Stone of Hope: https://vimeo.com/233260581 Learn about Jim’s organization, Preparing Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT): http://www.plotforyouth.org/ Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast | @decarceratedpod | @ _marlonpete

Shaka Senghor is one the few people who Oprah Winfrey publicly admires. He is a NY Times Bestselling author for his book, Writing My Wrongs:  “Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison.”  His TED Talk has amassed over 1.5 million views, and his television show, Released, airs on the OWN Network. Shaka is true Detroit representer who went to prison at the age of 19 for second degree murder.   More information about  this episode of Decarcerated:   Shaka Senghor website: ShakaSenghor.com TED Talk, “Why your worst deeds don’t define you.” https://www.ted.com/talks/shaka_senghor_why_your_worst_deeds_don_t_define_:you/up-next   Oprah on How [Formerly Incarcerated] Series ‘Released’ Tells Stories of Redemption: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/news/oprah-how-prisoner-own-series-released-is-redemption-tribeca-tv-festival-2017-1042513 Shaka Senghor, a formerly incarcerated individual, launches media startup: https://www.google.com/amp/s/techcrunch.com/2017/06/06/shaka-sengho

This episode features Jamila T. Davis, Aisha Hall, and Sunshine Smith-Williams—THE PINK PANTHER CLIQUE. All three women served time in America federal prisons.  Hailing from New York City and Long Island, the three women are self made authors, entrepreneurs, and social media influencers. Be inspired by these three women living important lives. More information this episode of Decarcerated:   Pink Panther Clique website: website-http://www.thepinkpantherclique.com/attorneys-1.html YouTube interview with Aisha Hall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKYpw6ANy8I Black Enterprise, FROM PRISON TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP: HOW THIS WOMAN CREATED A PLATFORM TO ELEVATE INCARCERATED WOMEN: http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurial-incarcerated-women/ Amazon Prime for Sunshine Smith-Williams: https://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Smith-Williams/e/B00UPO0HEK Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast | @decarceratedpod | @ _marlonpeterson   Sign up for our newsletter, The Precedent!   JOIN OUR PATREON PAGE FOR SEASON EXCLU

  We’re getting you ready for Season 3 of Decarcerated.  Our theme for this Season? A World Without Prisons.   More information this episode of Decarcerated:   The Root,  How the Legacy and Influence of Combat Jack Lives On in These Black Podcasts:   https://www.theroot.com/how-the-legacy-and-influence-of-combat-jack-lives-on-in-1821497483   The Crime Report: Want to Understand Mass Incarceration? Listen to These Podcasts   https://thecrimereport.org/2018/03/28/want-to-understand-mass-incarceration-listen-to-these-podcasts/   Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast |  @decarceratedpod | @ _marlonpeterson   Sign up for our newsletter, The Precedent!   JOIN OUR PATREON PAGE FOR SEASON EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! Go to: https://www.patreon.com/decarcerated for all            the details.   Leave a review on Itunes, Soundcloud, IHeartRadio, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe. Please subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe.  Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe.  Subscribe. Subsc

Lucinda Cross, known as the Chief Activator, is the CEO of Activate Worldwide,and founder of Activate Your Life 501c3. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY Lucinda eventually spent four years in federal prison for involvement in the drug game.  Since her release from prison in 2000, her span of influence has reached more than 30,000 Activate members globally, over 35,000 via social media and hundreds of thousands through her weekly radio features WNBM 103.9 FM NY. Lucinda is an accomplished best-selling author with 5 self-published books under her name. She is  the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from former President Barack Obama. She is a highly sought after International Speaker and Corporate Coach, crisscrossing the country weekly delivering her high impact, anticipated words of wisdom, self-discovery and strategy.   We talk about the Bronx a lot in this episode.   For more information this episode of Decarcerated:   LucindaCross.com NY Post: The woman who’s made a career out of ‘vision boards’

Teresa Y. Hodge is Soros Justice Fellow, tech startup founder, serial entrepreneur, and is on a first name basis with music mega star, John Legend.  She also spent five years in federal prison beginning in her early 40’s. In this episode Teresa speaks about the way she “downsized” for prison, her relationship with her daughter, and she drops serious jewels about remaining relevant despite prison. More information this episode of Decarcerated: Teresa’s organization, Mission Launch - http://www.mission-launch.org/ Teresa’s TEDx Talk: “We Have Made Coming Home From Prison Entirely Too Hard: https://youtu.be/ibcgMS-0mAs   “Why John Legend is Backing Startups By These Former Inmates,” Fast Company - https://www.fastcompany.com/40503210/why-john-legend-is-backing-startups-launched-by-these-former-inmates   Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast | @decarceratedpod |@ _marlonpeterson Reach out to Calvin: Twitter: @TeresaYHodge| IG: TeresaYHodge Leave a review on Itunes, Soundcloud, IHeartRadio, Spotify

Decarcerated went on the road to South Africa! We participated in the Global Prisons Conference held at the University of Johannesburg. While in JoBurg we sat down with Calvin Moyo, a young graphic designer and native of Zimbabwe, who spent two years in South Africa jails for a crime he didn’t commit.   Special thanks to Ruth Hopkins and Simoniah Mashangoane of the Wits Justice Project at the University of Witswatersand.  The Wits Radio Academy was perfect! More information this episode of Decarcerated: Wits Justice Project (WJP) - www.witsjusticeproject.co.za | FB: WitsJusticeProject | Twitter: s Justice Project | Twitter: @WitsJustProj Contact Calvin Moyo - Calvin@khuldesigns.co.za Consider a donation to an organization working to reduce gun violence in Cape Town, South Africa - First Community Resource Centre.  https://bacakbuddy.co.za/first-community-resource-centre2017 South African Music played during episode - D.J. Maphorisa Starring ft. D.J. Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly: https://youtu.be/b1wVpFCH

Johnny Perez is the Director of U.S. Prison Program for the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, a membership organization committed to ending U.S.-sponsored torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. He is also a poet and fashion aficionado.  Johnny is someone who spent 13 years in prison—his entire 20’s.  In this episode, we traveled through Johnny’s old neighborhood in the Bronx, NY and spoke about his journey from Cuba as a child immigrant.  This conversation, as Johnny describes, “felt personal yet comfortable...more than past interviews.” We think you’ll come away knowing Johnny in a more intimate way.  You will get to know the man behind the Washington Post and NY Times commentary. Also, check out video highlights of the interview with Johnny here: More information about Johnny Perez: feloniesareforever.com: Information about the National Religious Campaign Against Torture: nrcat.org NY Times Commentary Washington Post Commentary Ebony Magazine Commentary   Tweet about this episo

Coss Marte is born and raised LES. As a kid he used to collect cans and turn them into Bodegas to collect nickels. He started selling drugs at 13, and quickly became one of the largest drug dealers in NYC within six years, running a $2 million business. When he went to prison a doctor told him he would be dead within 5 years (he had a 7 year sentence). He was 5' 8" and 230 pounds, he had not been walking or leading an active lifestyle. He committed to making it out, and lost 70 lbs in six months! He also speaks openly about time in solitary confinement (see both TED Talks on Youtube -2014 and 2016). Coss won a "SharkTank" like competition after pitching his idea of a fitness business that used his workouts from inside. He was awarded startup funds, and is now the owner, and an active coach, at ConBody Fitness in LES. He recently launched ConBody Live which connects people on the outside with a trainer on the inside!   Information about Conbody: https://conbody.com/ Information about ConbodyLive: https://conb

Frankie Guzman is an attorney at the National Center for Youth Law working to eliminate prosecuting and incarcerating children in California’s adult criminal justice system, and advocating for alternative sentencing and local treatment. Guzman, imprisoned as a teen, went on to become a community college transfer student to UC Berkeley and graduate of UCLA School of Law with a specialization in Public Interest Law and Policy. Today, he’s an expert in juvenile law and policy and is a co-author of numerous juvenile justice laws, including California’s Proposition 57 passed in 2016 in partnership with the Office of Governor Jerry Brown.   Special Decarcerated News Segment: Michelle Alexander’s bestselling book, The New Jim Crow released in Spanish and a collaboration with Google.org and LatinoJustice.org Frankie Guzman and the National Center for Youth Law: https://youthlaw.org/publication/frankie-guzmans-efforts-to-restore-the-spirit-of-the-juvenile-justice-system/ Information about California Proposition 57:

BAM! Marcus Bullock is successful entrepreneur. In this episode, Marcus discusses his beginnings as a youth in Washington DC and Virginia.  After serving eight years in prison, Marcus, the entrepreneur, has created the Flikshop School of Business and Flikshop.  From selling candy in grade school to selling food in prison, to making millions of dollars post-release Marcus discusses how none of that is possible without his mother, his wife, and his children.   Information about Flikshop: https://www.flikshop.com Information about the Flikshop School of Business: https://www.flikshopschoolofbusiness.com/ Marcus’ NPR Interview: http://www.npr.org/2017/08/11/542648319/as-a-boy-in-an-adult-prison-his-mothers-letters-were-everything Marcus’ TEDx Talk, The Prison to Entrepreneurship to Pipeline Marcus’ feature on CNN Money   Download Flikshop: On IOS:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/flikshop/id534950350?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 On Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bullock.flikshop

This week’s episode of the #Decarcerated podcast features founder of Ladies of Hope Ministries, Topeka K. Sam.  Created to help disenfranchised & marginalized women transition back into society, Topeka has also created a safe place for women and girls to call home after being released from jails and prisons.  In this episode she shares her inspiration behind Hope House NYC and also gives us a look into her entrepreneurial spirit...having owned a cell phone and sex toy business in the past.  Topeka is a Soros Justice Fellow and is featured in Van Jones’ #cut50 “Dignity” campaign. Bet you didn't see that one coming!  Check it out and let us know what you think! Learn more this episode, including Bryan Stevenson’s exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum: Information about The Ladies of hope Ministries: http://www.thelohm.org/aboutus/ #cut50 Dignity for Incarcerated Women Campaign: https://www.cut50.org/dignity The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls: https://nationalcouncil.us

LIVE EPISODES WE LOVE!  This is Part II of a two-part series where four guests give personal stories about their Resistance & Resilience Despite Mass Incarceration. This week we get to hear from Johnny Perez and Piper Anderson.  The event was held at the Brooklyn Museum in conjunction with the Equal Justice Initiative’s (EJI) exhibit, The Legacy of Lynching: Confronting Racial Terror in America Learn more this episode, including Bryan Stevenson’s exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum: https://eji.org/news/lynching-in-america-exhibit-opens-at-brooklyn-museum Mass Story Lab: http://www.massstorylab.com/#overview Johnny Perez: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/policing/spotlight/2017/03/29/invest-education-instead-incarceration-voices/99709902/ Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast /@decarceratedpod /  _marlonpeterson Reach out to:  Johnny Perez Twitter: @mrjohnnyperez  | Piper Anderson: @PiperAnderson1 & Mass Story Lab: @massstorylab   Leave a review on Itunes, Soundcloud, IHeartRadio, or w

LIVE EPISODES WE LOVE!  This is Part I of a two-part series where four guests give personal stories about their Resistance & Resilience Despite Mass Incarceration. This week we get to hear from Khalil Cumberbatch and Donna Hylton.  The event was held at the Brooklyn Museum in conjunction with the Equal Justice Initiative’s (EJI) exhibit, The Legacy of Lynching: Confronting Racial Terror in America Learn more this episode, including Bryan Stevenson’s exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum: https://eji.org/news/lynching-in-america-exhibit-opens-at-brooklyn-museum More about Khalil:  http://khalilcumberbatch.com/ More about Donna:  http://deadline.com/2016/11/rosario-dawson-activist-donna-hylton-a-little-piece-of-light-movie-1201852430/ Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast /@decarceratedpod /  _marlonpeterson Reach out to:  Donna Hylton Twitter: @DonnaHylton  | Khalil Cumberbatch Twitter @KhaCumberbatch  | _decarceatedpod   Leave a review on Itunes, Soundcloud, IHeartRadio, or wherever you subscribe.

WE. ARE. BACK!  Decarcerated is back for a 2nd season, and we’re starting this season off right!  We’re debuting one of our new segments, Decarcerate Your Mind (with an En Vogue cameo)! Also, Marlon is talking about his TED Talk, “Am I not human? A call for criminal justice reform.”  And, he has some choice commentary about the 2nd Amendment. More about this episode:: Marlon’s Ted Talk: http://bit.ly/marlontedtalk Full Letter to Akaijah: http://bit.ly/2xYvGytDearAkaijah Fully Loaded: Inside the Shadowy World of America’s 10 Biggest Gunmakers Meet the moguls making a killing from gun sales in the United States. Mother Jones Tweet about this episode: #decarcerated /@decarceratedpod /  @_marlonpeterson / #rethinkthe2nd Twitter: @decarceratedpod | FB: Decarcerated Podcast                                     |IG: decarceratedpodcast Theme Song: Now or Never by Crimdella - Link to the track below: https://crimdella.bandcamp.com/track/now-or-never-ft-sole-rebel Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, iHeart

Marlon, the host of the podcast tells the story of his arrest, his rape, and his incarceration.  This is the most emotionally taxing episode of the Decarcerated. WATCH Marlon's TED Talk, "Am I not human? A call for criminal justice reform" here:  bit.ly/2qFXj86 READ Marlon's letter to Devon and his daughter, "Why Lying About Racism to My Nephew and His Daughter Somehow Seems Necessary," here: https://goodmenproject.com/ethics-values/lying-about-racism-mkdn/ LEARN about Devon's basketball career: "NCAA Tournament: Former Lincoln HS star Devon Peterson finally gets his chance to Dance" here: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/ncaa-tournament-lincoln-hs-star-devon-peterson-finally-chance-dance-article-1.124508 Tweet about this episode: #decarceratedpodcast /@decarceratedpod /  _marlonpeterson Leave a review on Itunes, Soundcloud, IHeartRadio, or wherever you subscribe. Please subscribe.     You can also send us an email with show comments and suggestions at decarcerated@beprecedential.com.