Sheldon Johnson, a criminal justice reform advocate and mentor to at-risk youth at Queens Defenders, shares his journey overcoming challenges as a Child of Deaf Adults. Josh Dubin, a civil rights attorney, dives into systemic racism in the judicial system and the need for empathy in reform. They discuss the transformative power of education and mentorship in rehabilitation, address mass incarceration, and advocate for community-driven change. The conversation emphasizes personal accountability and the importance of providing support for reintegration into society.
Sheldon Johnson's personal journey showcases the power of change and second chances in the criminal justice system.
Adverse circumstances contribute to a cycle of criminality, shedding light on the need for intervention and support.
Sheldon Johnson's transformation from gang leader to mentor highlights the impact of education, personal growth, and empathy.
Sheldon Johnson's role as a client advocate and reform advocate demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact in the criminal justice system.
Creating opportunities for at-risk youth through education and personal development programs can prevent them from entering a life of crime and incarceration.
Deep dives
Overcoming the Consequences of a Broken System
Sheldon Johnson shares his personal journey from a life of crime to becoming an advocate for change in the criminal justice system. Despite being sentenced to 50 years in prison, Sheldon was determined to turn his life around. He immersed himself in education, mentoring programs, and counseling to improve himself and help others. Through his work in the prison education program and as a client advocate, Sheldon seeks to catch young people before they fall into a life of crime, providing them with alternatives and support to break the cycle of incarceration. His story is a testament to the power of change and second chances.
From a Traumatic Childhood to Gang Life
Sheldon Johnson grew up in a deaf household in a tough neighborhood in New York City. Seeking a sense of identity and protection, he found himself involved in gang life from a young age. He endured traumatic experiences, including time spent in institutions, where he witnessed and participated in criminal behavior. Lacking opportunities and guidance, Sheldon turned to drugs and crime as a means to survive and provide for his family. His story sheds light on the adverse circumstances that contribute to a cycle of criminality.
Transforming from a Life of Crime to a Life of Purpose
While serving his lengthy prison sentence, Sheldon Johnson made a conscious decision to turn his life around. He immersed himself in education, acquiring his GED and pursuing a college degree. He engaged in counseling programs and actively worked to help other incarcerated individuals. Sheldon's journey from being a leader in a gang to becoming a mentor and advocate for change highlights the transformative power of education, personal growth, and empathy. He is committed to preventing others from following the same path he took and giving them the opportunity for a better future.
Advocating for Change in the Criminal Justice System
Through his role as a client advocate and involvement in various programs, Sheldon Johnson actively works to reform the criminal justice system. He collaborates with district attorneys and judges, encouraging them to consider alternatives to incarceration. Sheldon's firsthand experience with the system and his commitment to helping others provides him with a unique perspective and credibility. He aims to catch youth before they fall into a life of crime, offering mentorship, educational support, and employment opportunities. Sheldon's advocacy embodies a deep desire to make a positive impact and foster change in the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system.
Creating Opportunities for At-Risk Youth
The podcast episode discusses the importance of creating opportunities for at-risk youth in order to prevent them from going down a path of crime and incarceration. Through programs that focus on education, job skills, and personal development, young individuals are given a chance to see a different path and break free from the influence of negative environments. By providing mentorship and exposing them to positive role models, these programs aim to instill hope and belief in a better future.
Challenging the Prison Industrial Complex
The podcast delves into the issue of the prison industrial complex and its detrimental impact on society. It sheds light on the privatization of prisons, which has led to the exploitation of incarcerated individuals as a source of profit. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for reform in the criminal justice system, with a focus on criminal code revisions, advocacy for fair sentencing, and challenging the power dynamics that allow corporations to profit from human incarceration. By raising awareness and demanding change, it is possible to undermine the prison industrial complex and promote a more just system.
The Power of Education and Rehabilitation
The podcast highlights the transformative power of education and rehabilitation for individuals within the criminal justice system. By providing access to literacy and job skills programs, as well as mental health and addiction treatment, incarcerated individuals can develop the tools necessary to reintegrate into society successfully. The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing individual needs and providing personalized support to break the cycle of reoffending. It advocates for a shift in focus from punitive measures to a more comprehensive approach that prioritizes rehabilitation and ultimately promotes safer and healthier communities.
Lack of funding for historically black colleges and universities
The podcast highlights the funding disparities between historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other public universities. The example of Florida A&M University (FAMU) is used to illustrate the unequal distribution of funds. The discussion emphasizes that funding discrepancies perpetuate systemic racism and hinder the ability of HBCUs to provide quality education and resources to their students. The importance of fair funding and equal opportunities for all institutions is stressed.
Challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals upon reintegration
The podcast delves into the obstacles and lack of support faced by formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into society. It discusses the limited resources and assistance available to individuals upon release, including the challenges of accessing basic services like housing and employment. The conversation highlights the need for comprehensive reentry programs that address the specific needs of formerly incarcerated individuals and provide educational and technological support. The importance of breaking the cycle of recidivism through education, job opportunities, and support is underscored.
Josh Dubin is the Executive Director of the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice, a criminal justice reform advocate, and civil rights attorney. Sheldon Johnson is a criminal justice reform advocate. He works with at risk youth at the Queens Defenders in New York. https://cardozo.yu.edu/directory/josh-dubin
