On July 14, community members and leaders crowded into St. Philip AME Church for a Reentry Reform Town Hall hosted by the Justice Reform Partnership Southeast Chapter and St. Philip AME Church. The Town Hall highlighted stories and individuals often overlooked in the spotlight for an honest conversation about prison reentry and what communities can do to support their justice-impacted neighbors.
These powerful narratives pushed attendees to rethink who justice-impacted people are and what they need. One attendee shared that the Town Hall made them realize, “how much people can grow and change. [I] need to reject my preconceived notions and stereotypes [of justice-impacted people] perpetuated by the media and many of those currently in power both in the public and private sectors.”
Speaker Julius Campbell
The event also underscored that, for many returning citizens, it is not a lack of drive that limits their potential—it is a lack of opportunity. Despite their resilience, qualifications, and determination, too often systems see the record instead of the person, creating barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their fullest potential.
“Yet, despite all [my] effort, I find myself stalled and stagnant. Not because of a lack of drive, but because of a system that refuses to let me move forward.”
-Patasha Young, sharing her experience returning home from prison.
Attendees heard from established community leaders–like Swainsboro Fire Chief Ali Mims and Julius Campbell and others who shared how one yes from an employer led to multiple opportunities that allowed them to succeed in their desired careers.
Speaker Patasha Young
This event was attended by local elected officials, business & nonprofit leaders, candidates, and voters who packed the pews to hear the successes, struggles, and aspirations of formerly incarcerated residents at various points in the reentry process.
The Town Hall was not a passive event, though. During the community conversation, attendees shifted from hearing personal stories to considering what systemic changes can be implemented to ensure justice-impacted Savannahians receive a fair chance. When asked what they would do to support justice-impacted community members, candidates offered their willingness to continue listening and consulting when drafting new legislation. Elected officials asked for resources and guidance that they could provide to local businesses looking to adopt best practices and expand opportunities.
Some of the Amazing Speakers!
We consider this event a success because it achieved its intended goals: bringing together community members, directly impacted individuals, business and government leaders, and justice system stakeholders to identify meaningful solutions for strengthening reentry. As a result of these conversations, leaders from the local business community and justice system have expressed interest in partnering with Deep Center and the Justice Reform Partnership Southeast Chapter to advance these much-needed systemic changes and expand opportunities for returning citizens.
If you weren’t able to attend the Town Hall, you can still have an impact. If you would like to join Deep in advocating for a fair chance for your justice-impacted neighbors, follow the Reintegration Project on Instagram, sign their petition here, and sign up to become a member of the Reintegration Project.