Today, we welcome Alice Johnson to talk about her remarkable story as a former federal prisoner. From using her writing skills to change the lives of women inmates to being denied clemency multiple times and using faith to surpass her dark days. Now a free woman, she continues to advocate for the freedom of other women who share similar stories. 

Alice Marie Johnson is an American criminal justice reform advocate and former federal prisoner. She was convicted in 1996 for her involvement in a Memphis cocaine trafficking organization and sentenced to life imprisonment. In June 2018, After serving 21 years in prison, she was released from the Federal Correctional Institution, Aliceville, in June 2018 after U.S. President Donald Trump exercised executive powers to grant clemency. And in August 2020, Trump granted Alice a full and unconditional pardon.

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What to Listen For:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:19 Growing up in a very close-knit community
• 05:35 A time of extreme segregation
• 11:56 The gift of writing
• 16:16 Getting addicted to gambling
• 24:06 The estimated amount that triggered a life sentence
• 30:27 To live a life of service and in service
• 34:50 Creating an impact in this dark place
• 42:09 Being denied clemency multiple times
• 47:55 October became a huge blessing
• 54:00 When it’s time to leave prison
• 01:02:49 What is the First Step Act? 
• 01:09:14 Forgiving someone is freeing

Episode Resources:

• Alice Johnson | Book
• Alice Johnson | Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn
• Taking Action for Good

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