Nafis Ricks – a Philly native, former professional basketball player, and mental health advocate – joins 730. He discusses how a childhood marred by gun violence and trauma took him on a long journey to Coach Cuonzo Martin, a man he credits for changing the trajectory of his life forever.

On the second installment of Episode 28, Jule Hall details his experience as a student with the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI); what prompted his interest in German studies; how hip-hop artists like Nas gave a voice to and helped people maintain a sense of dignity on the inside; and the challenges confronting formerly incarcerated individuals upon re-entering society.

RELATED LINKS & RESOURCES:

On the first installment of Episode 28, Wali is joined by his friend Jule Hall, a 2011 graduate of the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI). Jule shares what it was like to grow up on the violent streets of Brooklyn’s Brownsville section and how he managed to navigate a 20-plus year prison sentence.

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RELATED LINKS & RESOURCES:

Visit https://bpi.bard.edu/support-bpi/ to support the BPI's efforts to fight mass incarceration and recidivism.

Follow BPI on Instagram @bard_prison_initiative. 

Wali sits down with his friend and fellow educator Serenity J. Smith. She opens up about navigating her mother’s battle with schizoaffective disorder and how she’s used travel as a form of therapy.