Case Study - Until We Are All Free is a Movement founded with the goal of supporting, empowering, creating alternative pathways to success, and advocating for systemic change in the criminal justice system.

The core question of this episode: What can happen when active engagement is present in prison reform conversations? Here's an even deeper question: Is it possible to build trust into prison-reform efforts?

In this episode our case study attention is focused on the Until We Are All Free Movement, a 501(c)3 human rights organization founded in Minnesota by formerly incarcerated criminal justice experts. The organization is dedicaated to building capital, resources, and support to provide pathways to civic and economic liberation for individuals disenfranchised by mass incarceration.

The history of the Until We Are All Free Movement traces back to the founders’ personal experience with the criminal  justice system. After being incarcerated and facing the challenges of re-entry, Kevin Reese and Kahlee Griffey recognized the need for comprehensive support and resources for formerly incarcerated individuals, led by formerly incarcerated individuals. 

The movement was founded with  the goal of supporting, empowering, creating alternative pathways to success, and advocating for systemic change in the criminal justice system. The leaders built a strong base of formerly incarcerated individuals who are actively engaged in the organization's work.“We honor and value our comrades and provide a safe place to work with our collective community through our shared experiences. This is the pathway to collective liberation and true public safety.”— Kevin Reese

Episode giveaways:

• Until We Are All Free Movement https://uwaaf.org
• We Are All Criminals, Emily Baxter TEDxUNG https://youtu.be/qkpzNxVUfkM
• Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop https://mnprisonwriting.org/programs/
• SEEN - We Are All Criminals Writing & Photography Project https://youtu.be/5IYF3tENOeU
• Everybody Has a Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeoeeifiHBA&list=PLLqJOKhKubi1bT1SW2FCgZU-iqgDbsISV
• A judge sentenced a New York man to 5 life terms, but changed his mind 27 years later https://www.cbsnews.com/news/walter-johnson-king-tut-judge-block-release-from-prison/
• What Is The First Person Act And How Does It Affect The Justice System? https://www.firststepact.org/first-person-act-and-justice-system/