On this episode of the Shackled series, exploring issues around electronic monitoring, we talk about housing factors for those living with GPS trackers and monitors. Aaron Hicks, Nehemiah Reentry Coordinator, continues to share his story of struggling with lifetime GPS and the confusing rules around housing restrictions. Brittany Lee of Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing (EXPO) brings an understanding to the lack of clarity in housing rules and how she advocates for individuals to have more agency. We look at how the issues surrounding housing are affecting day to day lives and shaping our communities around racial and economic lines.

EXPO: https://expowisconsin.org

In this series, the issues involved with electronic monitoring are explored through the stories and experiences of those impacted by E-carceration. Aaron Hicks, Nehemiah Reentry Coordinator, starts off the series by bringing us into his experience of lifetime GPS. We look at the unique circumstances around why this condition is allowed in Wisconsin, yet Aaron has served his time and is no longer on supervision. As a Black man, Aaron can't help but make comparisons to the shackling and societal control of slavery when his ankle bracelet reminds him every day of the connection to the criminal justice system for people of color. 

Justified Anger

Learn More: 

Cap Times: Sex offenders placed on lifetime GPS tracking fight reinterpretation of Wisconsin law

Challenging E-Carceration: The Voice of the Monitored

Retracing Slavery’s Trail of Tears: America’s forgotten migration

On this special episode, we have a conversation with Nehemiah Reentry staff who have been contributing to the COVID Corrections Series to give an update and provide some real talk on the issues impacting the criminal justice systems. Don't miss this passionate insider conversation from those that have lived through the experiences we have been featuring on this show. If you enjoy these conversations, please join Nehemiah for the Reentry Conference where you can hear guest speakers, panelists, and network to take actions steps toward reform. As always, we bring together those working in the criminal justice and reentry fields with those that have lived experience for collaborative and honest conversations on the issues.

Learn more and Register for Nehemiah Reentry Conference: https://nehemiah.org/reentryconference/

On this episode Rebecca Barber has a conversation with Jessica Christensen about her time spent working at a prison. Hear about what she observed as she saw the potential for change in those incarcerated and how the prison system treated them in comparison. Marshall Jones is a currently incarcerated individual who Jessica has seen reflect the possibilities for rehabilitation and transformation as a person. Through Marshall's writing and poetry, we explore the question of whether our current prison system can rehabilitate those that pass through it.

Read more by Marshall Jones: 

A Raven's Meal: Book of Poetry

Red Thread Poets

On this episode, we feature Justified Anger's Court Observer program and the victory they had in creating equitable change during the COVID pandemic. Members of the court observer's group, Sandi Reinardy, Julia Westley, and Amy Throndson, tell the story of how they came to feel increasingly uncomfortable with virtual court appearances from Dane County jails and what they did about it. They honestly discuss their process of calling for change, their complacency, racial disparities in criminal justice, and the need to keep pushing forward together. Dr. Karen Reece, Nehemiah Vice President of Research and Education, joins the conversation to bring insight into the issues of representation in our judicial system. Don't miss this powerful example of women working out their allyship in a vulnerable and committed way.

Watch News 3 Court Observer Feature

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Mental health is an area of concern for everyone during the COVID-19 Pandemic, but it is only multiplied in the confinement of incarceration. Aaron Hicks gives us his inside story on bringing mindfulness into Wisconsin prisons and the need for restorative personal and systemic change. 

Learn more about Carmen Alonso's organization, Just Mindfulness.

In this episode, we go on the road with EXPO (Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing) members Ramiah Whiteside and Kevin Cook as they run from Milwaukee to Madison, WI to make a statement. Don't miss Kevin's first-hand account of contracting COVID in prison.

Theme music by Rudy Bankston.

Nehemiah's Reentry Team explores experiences and issues occurring in Wisconsin correctional facilities during the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode, Anthony explains why he is angry after seeing a video of men he knows in jail during the pandemic sharing emotional messages. Rebecca Barber also brings the powerful words of those incarcerated to the show.

Theme Music by Rudy Bankston

In the first episode of Justified Anger Podcast, the staff of Nehemiah's Reentry Team explore experiences and issues occurring in Wisconsin correctional facilities during the coronavirus pandemic. Through the stories and relationships of the staff, the voices of those impacted by incarceration are heard in phone calls, letters, and interviews. Rebecca Barber and Shannon Ross provide perspective on conditions in the actual prisons and jails right now with the COVID outbreaks of the last few months.