The Daily The Sunday Read: ‘Kamala Harris, Mass Incarceration and Me’
Nov 1, 2020
Kamala Harris, former prosecutor and U.S. Senator, joins Reginald Dwayne Betts, a formerly incarcerated individual and author, to discuss mass incarceration. Betts reflects on his nine years in prison and critiques how Harris’s prosecutorial career has shaped public perceptions. They delve into the need for deeper conversations on criminal justice reform, highlighting personal trauma and systemic issues. With poignant anecdotes, they advocate for reimagining public safety and addressing the effects of incarceration on marginalized communities.
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Personal Experience with Incarceration
- Reginald Dwayne Betts, the author, shares his personal experience of being incarcerated at 16.
- This experience shapes his perspective on Kamala Harris's career as a prosecutor.
Prosecutor vs. Felon
- Betts followed Kamala Harris's political rise with great interest due to her background as a prosecutor and his own as a felon.
- He pleaded guilty to carjacking, having a gun, and attempted robbery at 16, receiving a nine-year sentence.
Mother's Assault and Silence
- Betts's mother was raped weeks after his arrest, a secret she kept for years.
- This experience shaped her view of prosecutors and the justice system.
