Jermaine “Bang” Archer’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. After spending 22 years behind bars, Jermaine didn’t just survive—he built a legacy. In 2005, while incarcerated at Sing Sing, he watched his first Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) production, Breaking the Mummy’s Code. That moment would plant a seed that would grow into something far bigger than he could’ve imagined.

Jermaine went on to join RTA, act in and manage productions, chair the Steering Committee, and earn his master’s degree and paralegal certification while inside. He also became the first person to emcee a TedX event inside a NY State prison, and even gave his own Ted Talk from behind the wall.

Just five weeks after his release, Jermaine was already working with the Legal Aid Society of Westchester County and later joined the Schusterman Family Philanthropy team, supporting criminal justice reform through impactful grantmaking.

And in 2024, everything came full circle—his wrongful conviction was overturned, and by 2025, the RTA production that started it all inspired the Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing. Today, Jermaine stands as the Executive Director of RTA, leading the same organization that helped transform his life. This episode is about power, purpose, and proving that no system can define your future. Tap in now.

Dog In The Yard: Real Stories From Real Comrades
🎥 Full Episodes: YouTube.com/@DogInTheYard
📱 Follow: @dogintheyardpodcast
📩 Booking & Inquiries: [email protected]
🌐 Join the movement: dogintheyard.org