Antonne Henshaw was recently accepted to Rutgers-Camden for graduate school. He discusses the struggles of his early childhood and selling drugs by the time he was in middle school. Antonne was incarcerated for thirty years. During this time, he was involved in the creation of NJSTEP.
Read MoreRyan Haygood
Ryan Haygood is a civil rights lawyer and President and CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Ryan reflects on growing up in Denver, and the formative interactions he had with police growing up. Since then, Ryan has focused on bringing to light the structural racism that has disadvantaged persons of color. His advocacy work focuses on helping those who have been disenfranchised by systems of racial discrimination.
Read MoreDanielle King
Marine Veteran Danielle King talks about the different experiences she had throughout her childhood and the life decisions that brought her to the Robert Wood Johnson PROUD Center. She works as the Coordinator/LGBT Patient Navigator at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas.
Read MoreTia Ryans
Tia Ryans began running away from home to escape physical and sexual abuse, which ultimately led to her ending up in juvenile detention centers and juvenile prison. She was incarcerated for ten years, and describes her experiences while she was incarcerated and the success she has had since she was released. She has excelled in her higher education and is an advocate for criminal justice reform and environmental justice.
Read MoreRon Pierce
Growing up, Ron Pierce was taught the importance of voting and voted in every election that he could up until 1986 when was arrested. Ron believes that voting is a way to further democracy and help one’s community. He is a Democracy and Justice Fellow for the New Jersey Institute of Social Justice. He is working on getting voting rights restored for individuals on parole.
Read MoreCory Nichols
Cory Nichols is the Executive Business Director of the Institute for Personal Growth (IPG). Cory’s mom, Dr. Margaret Nichols, founded IPG in 1983, the same year that he was born. He talks about how, in some way or another, IPG has always been a part of his life. He discusses how IPG has become a safe haven for trans people and how he can continue to support the mission of the organization as well as the LGBTQ+ community.
Read MoreIbrahim Sulaimani
Ibrahim Sulaimani was 15 years old at the time of his arrest. He stayed at the Mercer County youth detention center for two years while going through the trial process, and eventually received the harshest sentence possible for the crime for which he was convicted, serving thirty years. Ibrahim speaks with pride regarding the educational standards he reached while he was incarcerated, and he is proud of how far he has come in his journey to freedom.
Read MoreMark Hopkins
Mark Hopkins experiences with the justice system started when he was a child. He discusses growing up in Camden, as well as the experience of being on parole. He is a dedicated organizer, who is actively involved in the NJ STEP program.
Read MoreDameon Stackhouse
Dameon Stackhouse spent close to twelve years in prison before he was eligible for parole. Prior to being released, Dameon was trying to get a degree or certificate so that he would be able to find a job that could provide for him and his family. Dameon discusses those difficulties, and how his experiences have led him to participate in important advocacy work, including the #1844NoMore campaign.
Read MoreConnor Johnson, John Hayes, and David Damico
Connor Johnson, John Hayes, and David Damico describe their experiences in law enforcement as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Read MoreShelly Brozio
Spotswood resident Shelly Brozio struggles to stay financially stable as she manages her Multiple Sclerosis. Her home was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy.
Read MoreMigdonia Carerro
Belleville resident Migdonia Carerro is working on her GED after raising her children, working, and taking care of family members.
Read MoreMarlene Lopez
New Brunswick resident Marlene Lopez is a single parent who works to support her children and her aging mother.
Read MoreMargarita Rivera
Born in Puerto Rico, Margarita Rivera came to New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. She sustained significant financial losses as a result of the storm.
Read MoreLiz
Nutley native Liz is a senior citizen who is struggling to support herself.
Read MoreJohn Pollard
New Brunswick resident John Pollard has struggled to find employment and housing due to systemic discrimination against formerly incarcerated people.
Read MoreRida Hasan
Rida Hasan immigrated to New Jersey when she was a child. She recently moved to Houston, Texas where she is able to support her family with more economic security.
Read MoreBrian Kulas
Brian Kulas charts how his mental health and medical history deeply affect how he navigates the daily concerns of living in poverty.
Read MoreDebra Oliveda
Debra Oliveda works for a grassroots nonprofit that doesn’t provide guaranteed hours. Unable to afford her own apartment, she’s been couch surfing for a year.
Read MoreMarisela
Marisela describes growing up in Mexico and coming to America as a teenager. She narrates her routine as a working mother of eight children.
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