After being released from the prison system, a person must reacclimate themselves to society and reality. Many face issues with finding employment and housing and adjusting to family and friends. To bring awareness to issues surrounding re-entry and clemency, Southern University Law Center (SULC) and the Office of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome are hosting a two-day fireside chat and movie screening taking place April 1-2 at the Southern University Museum of Art Cultural and Heritage Center and SULC, respectively.
"As we build a more compassionate and understanding Baton Rouge, it is crucial to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals re-entering society after incarceration," says Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Leslie Ricard Chambers. "The events during Second Chance Month provide a platform for meaningful conversations and reflections on the journey of re-entry and clemency. Recognizing and addressing these challenges not only promotes social justice and rehabilitation but also contributes to the overall well-being and resilience of our community."
In March 2023, April was proclaimed as Second Chance Month to recognize the importance of providing resources and support to individuals returning to society from incarceration. During this time, government and non-profit agencies collaborate to host events to assist those affected by the justice system.
On Monday, April 1, Sybil Fox and Rob Richardson will participate in a movie screening and conversation on their experience with the criminal justice system. Widely known as "Fox and Rob", they are a New Orleans–based couple who experienced twenty-one years as an incarcerated family and whose story is told in the acclaimed, award-winning documentary, Time, which will be the featured film. Following the screening, Fox and Rob will engage in a conversation that will give the audience a lens into their lives and fight for justice.
“By investing and bringing awareness to critical issues plaguing justice-impacted individuals, we, as a society, work towards building stronger communities, breaking the cycle of recidivism, and restoring a sense of hope,” says Marla Dickerson, vice chancellor of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives. “The stories of the Fox and Rob Richardson and Brittany Barnett are testimonies of resilience and transformation.”
Clemency and re-entry are on the agenda for day two. On Tuesday, April 2, attorney and civil rights advocate, Brittany Barnett, will lead a fireside chat where she will discuss her expertise and experience with achieving executive clemency for her clients and establishing non-profits to assist families with navigating the impact of the criminal justice system. Barnett’s recent memoir, " A Knock At Midnight", was chosen by the Amazon Editors as the number one Best Book of 2020, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist. To end the conversation, Barnett will autograph copies of her book for attendees.
Both events are free and open to the public. Registration for the movie screening can be accessed at bit.ly/secondchance2024.
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