Dear John,
Twenty years ago, George W. Bush recognized the importance of second chances in his State of the Union address, saying, “America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.”
His words marked a turning point for advocates like myself seeking to change hearts and minds about the people and families impacted by mass incarceration. For the first time the President of the United States expressed his care for people in prison and championed their success upon release. It felt momentous at a time of unchecked growth in imprisonment and it ushered in a broad bipartisan movement for criminal legal reform.
Commemorating April as Second Chance Month reminds me of that invigorating time.
And this year in particular, it’s a strong reminder as we face false narratives about crime and punitive responses to it, that justice-involved individuals are our family members, friends, and neighbors. And their wellbeing contributes to community safety, the greater good, and humanity.
Second Chance Month also honors the combined efforts of numerous organizations and individuals united in our shared goal of offering more second chances and ending mass incarceration.
President Joseph Biden and governors across the country are commemorating Second Chance Month, and I hope you will too.
Please join me in celebrating those who have come home… and pursuing justice for those who are still waiting to come home.
