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GPPR Editor, Bryna Antonia Cortes (MPM ’23), spoke with Khalil Cumberbatch, national leader and advocate on criminal justice policy, and Vikki Wachino, health care policy champion and former deputy administrator at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), on the convening of their multi-sector coalition, the Health and Reentry Project (HARP); forthcoming CMS approval for states seeking to offer pre-release services; and the intersection of health and criminal justice systems.

GPPR

Health, Incarceration, and Medicaid Policy with Khalil Cumberbatch and Vikki Wachino

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Julia Keleher's blog on "How Fast Is Too Fast?"

How Fast Is Too Fast?

Julia Keleher's blog, "Who’s Responsible For Protecting The Children?"

Who’s Responsible For Protecting The Children?

VOCAL-NY builds power among low-income people directly impacted by HIV/AIDS, the drug war, mass incarceration, and homelessness. Their campaign against mass incarceration focuses on bills such as Daniel's Law; Repeal Prison Voting Reform; Ending Qualified Immunity; Elderly Parole; and, Challenging Wrongful Convictions. Nick Encalada-Malinowski discusses these issues as well as the ongoing fight over bail with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine. https://www.vocal-ny.org/issues/mass-incarceration/

VOCAL NY On Mass Incarceration, Criminal Justice Reform

At the age of 17, Sean Wilson was incarcerated and spent 17 years in prison.  Since his release six years ago, he has dedicated his life to reforming the system.

Sean Wilson is the Organizing Director of Dream.Org.  Wilson brings an advantage and insight into a system he believes to be broken and in need of reform. Before joining the Dream.Org JUSTICE team, Wilson was the ACLU of Wisconsin’s Smart Justice Campaign Manager, where he managed the campaign to reform probation and parole.

His mission includes mentoring youth and highlighting the changes that need to be made in our justice system to ensure children aren't raised behind bars. He shares his story of being in prison and thinking "this can't be life" to thinking today that the dream life he's living can't really be life, because it's so good.

Listen as Sean Wilson discusses his life’s path and the problems with the current system and how we can change it.

Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 198: Sean Wilson – Incarcerated to Reformer

Julia Keleher on Collateral Damage Of Unjust Punishment.

Collateral Damage Of Unjust Punishment

This week on Everyday Injustice we feature legendary attorney Stephen Bright and James Kwak who just released a new book, “The Fear of Too Much Justice.”

Bryan Stevenson writes, “An urgently needed analysis of our collective failure to confront and overcome racial bias and bigotry, the abuse of power, and the multiple ways in which the death penalty’s profound unfairness requires its abolition. You will discover Steve Bright’s passion, brilliance, dedication, and tenacity when you read these pages.” 

In The Fear of Too Much Justice, “legendary death penalty lawyer Stephen B. Bright and legal scholar James Kwak offer a heart-wrenching overview of how the criminal legal system fails to live up to the values of equality and justice.”

Listen as Everyday Injustice discusses wrongful convictions, racial inequities, mental illness, the trial penalty and underfinanced indigent defense and much more.

Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 206: Bright and Kwak Discuss ‘Fear of Too Much Justice’

Crime, punishment, redemption – these three words have governed our understanding of the criminal justice system for centuries. It’s a system designed to maintain order and impart justice, but it has not been without its flaws. With rising incarceration rates, the racial and economic disparities in sentencing, and the alarming rate of recidivism, there’s an urgent call for reform. And one essential yet often overlooked component of this reform is the community.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how communities can play a transformational role in reforming our justice system. We’ll discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of community involvement, share success stories, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to mobilize communities to participate actively in criminal justice reform.

Understanding Community’s Role in Criminal Justice

In the context of criminal justice, a ‘community’ can be defined as a group of people living in close geographical proximity or sharing similar characteristics or interests. These communities can wield enormous influence over the justice system, driving change from the grassroots level up.

But why is community engagement essential for criminal justice reform? It comes down to three key reasons. Firstly, communities provide invaluable local knowledge and understanding that can identify and address the root causes of criminal behavior. Secondly, communities have a vested interest in local safety and harmony, making them committed participants in reform initiatives. Lastly, community engagement fosters accountability, as community members can act as watchdogs to ensure justice is served fairly and effectively.

Several case studies attest to the power of community involvement. For example, the Cure Violence program in Chicago has employed local “violence interrupters” to mediate conflicts, contributing to significant reductions in violent crime. Similarly, in the South Bronx, the SOS (Save Our Streets) program has effectively utilized community outreach workers to prevent gun violence, making their neighborhoods safer.

Mobilizing Community Participation in Criminal Justice Reform

So, how can we mobilize community participation in criminal justice reform? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Raising Awareness: This step involves educational campaigns about criminal justice issues. Community meetings, social media engagement, workshops, and seminars can be instrumental in sparking conversations about justice reform.

Building Alliances: This process requires the formation of strong alliances among various stakeholders. Local law enforcement, community leaders, social workers, and residents need to work together to develop and implement reform initiatives. Collaboration is key to creating comprehensive solutions that cater to everyone’s needs.

Initiating Programs: Once the community is engaged and alliances are formed, the next step is initiating community-based programs. These might include crime prevention initiatives, intervention strategies for at-risk individuals, and reintegration programs for offenders returning to society.

Evaluating Impact: Finally, it’s important to continually evaluate the impact of community involvement. Surveys, interviews, and crime statistics can be used to gauge the effectiveness of community-led initiatives, providing valuable feedback to drive future efforts.

In summary, community participation is not just desirable in criminal justice reform – it is indispensable. It brings a new perspective, fostering a more equitable, effective, and humane justice system. The journey towards reform may be challenging, but with communities leading the way, we are moving towards a future where justice is truly served.

Justin Magnuson - The Role Of Community In Criminal Justice Reform.

This week on Everyday Injustice is former public defender LaToya Bell who is now working at the Ohio Justice and Policy Center (OJPC).  

Bell discusses the need for second chance legislation and how this is critical for public safety.

OJPC has two big projects.

The Beyond guilt Project: “Beyond Guilt will see to do for over-punished prisoners who admit guilt what innocence projects have done for wrongfully convicted persons who claim actual innocence.”

The Second Chance: “OJPC runs free legal clinic focusing on criminal record sealing and expungement for people who qualify.”

We end up creating a system where 95 percent of all people incarcerated will one day be released, but once released we restrict their opportunities to jobs, education and housing leaving them vulnerable to recidivism and leaving public safety at risk.

Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 215 – LaToya Bell Discusses Second Chances

Listen to Everyday Injustices exclusive interview with Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón after he announced his reelection in front of an audience of workers at SEIU Local 2015.

Gascón noted that crime was going down despite the news coverage that would lead the public to the contrary conclusion.

“I would say one of the biggest challenges that we have is how can we get factual information in a way that people understand it, in a way that people see it,” he explained.

He added, “There’s so much misinformation concerning crime, and as you indicated, we’re actually, crime nationally, but certainly LA County per capita is coming down faster than many other jurisdictions that continue to adhere to the old way of doing business.”

Listen as Gascón talks about criminal justice reform, policing, and much more.

Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 222: Los Angeles DA George Gascón

This week on Everyday Injustice we have Caroline Isaacs, the Executive Director of Just Communities Arizona.

JCA is an abolitionist organization that seeks to end the current punishment system and its emphasis on criminalization, surveillance, and mass incarceration.

They envision a world in which prisons and jails are unnecessary.
“We believe those directly impacted by the current punishment system are central to this discussion and must be leaders in the movement to end mass incarceration,” they explain.

They add, “We believe local communities know best how to create safety and wellbeing for themselves; they should have agency in decisions that impact their lives, and these efforts should be fully supported and funded.”

Listen as Caroline Isaacs discusses what that means and that can be accomplished.

Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 224: Caroline Isaacs Discusses Prison Abolition

The Governor has signed the Clean Slate Act into law, making over 2 million New Yorkers eligible for automatic sealing of their criminal records, making it easier for them to access jobs and various services. For misdemeanors, a person has to wait at least three years after serving their sentence and completing their parole or supervision. For certain felony crimes, the wrongdoer has to wait at least eight years. Lukee Forbes of the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the importance of the new law.

Clean Slate Act Signed Into Law

In her introduction to Dorsey Nunn’s book, Michelle Alexander quoted Toni Morrison: “Just remember that your real job is that if your free, you need to free somebody else.  If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else.”

Alexander notes, “I’ve known Dorsey for two decades.  I’ve watched him grow and evolve into an extraordinary thinker and leader, someone who has helped to birth and shape movements that are changing the course of history.”

Dorsey and others launched the “ban the box” movement, Alexander writes, “Because of the heroic work of Dorsey and all those in the organizations that he led or cofounded, and the powerful movements that he has helped to build, barrier to employment, housing, education and more have begun to fall away for millions of people…”

This week on Everyday Injustice, we talk to Dorsey Nunn, who just released his memoirs, “What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly,” and he describes his story of going from a life sentence to a leader in criminal justice reform.

Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 235: Dorsey Nunn: What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly?

In the weeks following the death of Sonya Massey, many are still questioning how it happened. In this episode of Capitol Cast, we'll hear from CNI's Beth Hundsdorfer and Andrew Adams about the latest news, events and information uncovered during the ongoing investigation into now-former deputy Sean Grayson - who is accused of killing Massey.

Sonya Massey Latest | Capitol Cast: August 2, 2024

This week on Everyday Injustice, we sat down with Philip Jacobs, the founder and CEO of Rebel Firm, a creative consultancy and production company tackling racial inequity through storytelling, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Born in Los Angeles but raised across multiple states, including Nebraska and Washington, Jacobs brings a lived understanding of the challenges that shape young Black men in America—and the systems that often limit their potential. His journey from hip-hop artist to author to innovator in racial equity work forms the foundation of Rebel Firm’s mission to help people not just talk about race, but act on it.

Jacobs’ signature project is “Reveal the Elephant,” a board game he created to break down the barriers that often derail meaningful conversations about race. Drawing on childhood memories of family board game nights, Jacobs envisioned a format where people could engage deeply but collaboratively, using prompts to explore topics like white privilege, bias, and systemic injustice. The game challenges participants to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives while earning “peanut points” to gradually uncover a hidden elephant—symbolizing the truths we often ignore. It’s part gamified dialogue, part facilitated self-inquiry, and all about shifting mindsets.

What makes Jacobs’ approach stand out is the balance he strikes between compassion and candor. While he's clear-eyed about white fragility and the backlash to equity efforts, he also believes in creating space for discomfort and growth—without shame. “I’ve learned that even this game is still barely scratching the surface,” Jacobs said. “But I created it to take one more excuse off the table. If someone won’t even play a game to start these conversations, then they’re probably not serious about change.” That insight, delivered without bitterness, underscores his goal: to give people the tools and the courage to confront racism head-on.

Jacobs’ work doesn’t stop at gameplay. His broader message is about building new systems—not just tearing down old ones. Whether through literature, music, or hands-on facilitation, he’s pushing for a culture where people from different backgrounds can learn from each other, challenge their assumptions, and contribute to lasting institutional transformation. As he told host David Greenwald, “We need both approaches—the direct confrontation and the collaborative effort. And most importantly, we need to find where we align, not just where we differ.”


Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 288 - Philip Jacobs on Race, Equity, and the Power of Play

This week on Everyday Injustice, host David Greenwald speaks with Corinna Lane, a former prosecutor and author of the compelling new book Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection. Lane's career took a dramatic turn from prosecution to death penalty advocacy, driven in part by personal experience with the juvenile justice system and a deep awareness of the power prosecutors wield. Her book—and this conversation—dives into one of the darkest, most hidden aspects of the American criminal legal system: the disturbing realities of execution by lethal injection.

Lane explains how the U.S. death penalty system, once perceived to be in decline, has seen a troubling resurgence—even as new death sentences remain low and public support continues to erode, especially among younger generations. As a legal historian, she draws on past political moments, such as the 1990s "tough on crime" era and the Clinton administration's death penalty posturing, to make sense of today's contradictions: states moving away from executions on paper while still pursuing death penalty prosecutions in practice. The United States, she reminds listeners, remains an international outlier among modern democracies when it comes to capital punishment.

In the interview, Lane unpacks the pharmaceutical crisis that upended lethal injection—how European governments and drug companies essentially boycotted U.S. executions by refusing to sell drugs used in state killings. This triggered a cascade of sourcing problems that exposed the deeply flawed, often torturous mechanics behind lethal injection. And when confronted with the common argument—why should we care if people sentenced to death suffer during execution?—Lane responds with a powerful moral and constitutional rebuttal: the Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment not for the sake of the condemned, but to preserve the dignity of the society that punishes them.

Finally, the conversation turns to the humanity of those on death row. Lane recounts the story of Brian Dorsey, a Missouri man sentenced to death whose execution was opposed by over 70 prison staff—including two wardens—because of who he had become after nearly two decades of incarceration. Once a man who committed a terrible crime, Dorsey had transformed into a trusted barber in the prison's honor dorm, respected and even liked by the very people charged with guarding him. Lane's insight is clear: the death penalty does not merely punish people for who they were—it ignores who they have become. And that, she argues, is a grave injustice.


Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 289: Hidden Cruelties of Lethal Injection and the Death Penalty

On this episode of Everyday Injustice, host David Greenwald sits down with distinguished Rutgers University professor Todd Clear, a leading scholar on mass incarceration and its social consequences. With a career spanning over five decades, Clear has been at the forefront of research showing how incarceration harms communities, especially in already-disadvantaged neighborhoods. In this deeply reflective conversation, he shares insights from his landmark work Incarceration and Communities and opens up about his intellectual journey—from aspiring prison reformer to abolitionist thinker.

Clear recounts the moment that shifted the trajectory of his career: the 1971 Attica Rebellion, which occurred just as he began graduate school. That event led him to question not only the effectiveness of prison rehabilitation but the very purpose of prisons themselves. Over time, his work evolved into a broader critique of the justice system’s failure to promote community well-being. Rather than making neighborhoods safer, Clear argues, mass incarceration has torn them apart, leaving behind social, emotional, and economic devastation.

Throughout the interview, Clear emphasizes the moral and practical failures of a system that punishes excessively while ignoring rehabilitation and human dignity. He argues for a reimagining of justice—one that centers the health of communities and recognizes that risk is not static. Incarceration, he notes, often continues long after any actual threat has diminished. Education, aging, and personal transformation all suggest that many people currently behind bars no longer pose a danger. “If the reason they’re in prison is us, not them,” Clear states, “then we owe them something better.”

This episode also highlights a crucial but often overlooked point: the growing crisis in rural America. Clear warns that incarceration rates in economically distressed rural communities are now rivaling or surpassing those in urban areas, exacerbating cycles of poverty and political alienation. As public discourse remains focused on urban crime, this rural dimension remains underexplored. In a conversation that spans history, policy, and moral philosophy, Clear calls for bold reforms—and perhaps most urgently, a reckoning with the damage we’ve done in the name of public safety.


Everyday Injustice Podcast Episode 290: “The Problem Isn’t the Prison — It’s That It Exists”

Julia Keleher is an educator, and educational advocate whose experience working with students K-12, as well as adult learners, has made her a fierce advocate for quality educational opportunities for all. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she focuses on improving education and increasing awareness of its needs. She is also the Founder of Thought & Voice, a no-cost educational program that provides high-quality educational opportunities to help local residents improve their communication in English, both verbal and written. Learn more on her blog site and on her website!

Justin Magnuson is the President of the Justice Reform Foundation and CEO of Magnuson Capital. A successful serial entrepreneur, he transformed the neurodiagnostic testing landscape with his company, Stratus Neuro. His experiences navigating the justice system fueled his passion for reform, inspiring him to establish the Justice Reform Foundation to advocate for change and assist those unjustly impacted.

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Hudson Mohawk Magazine is a local volunteer-produced news hour that provides sanctuary for the discussion of a wide range of topics, scaling from the global to the hyper-local. The show is broadcasted from The Sanctuary for Independent Media on WOOC 105.3 FM.

Thanks to listeners like you, the Sanctuary is able to use art and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression.

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Davis Vanguard Podcast will be covering criminal justice reform, mass incarceration, wrongful convictions, and more.

New tracks tagged #Criminal Justice Reform