Last week the Justice 4 All Program was supportive of an event at Lino Lakes led by a group of incarcerated men called the B.R.I.D.G.E Trust. This group is led by Kevin Reese who, even though he is incarcerated, has organized not just the men at the prison, but several community partners, the MN Dept. of Corrections (DOC) and the Governor’s office to take note of the powerful work they are leading to advance prison reform.
It is my pleasure to share Kevin Reese’s wisdom on the issue of Voting Rights Restoration with you. Please share with your people.
My name is Kevin Reese, and I’m 28 and I’ve been in prison since I was 18. I take full responsibility for my actions that led me here. The state of Minnesota sentenced me to 22 years to pay my debt to society, and paying my debt is what I’ve been doing. I’ve completed every mandate that the judge placed in front of me, and tapped into every resource the prison can offer.
Now I want to pose the question: after I pay my debt is it too much for me to ask for my receipt? And on that receipt can we acknowledge that, jobs, community, and family are the cornerstones to keeping people from ending up back in prison?
Allowing my vote to count again is actually allowing the Corrections System to work. I understand the stigma that comes with people leaving prison and re-offending, and there are some people who believe that they should have thought about their vote before they committed their crime.
But there’s another side to consider. That side is filled with thousands of men and women who have paid their debt and are home, paying taxes, and giving back to their communities. They deserve a fair chance, the same as everyone in this country.
Support Kevin’s work by sharing his powerful words on social media. Please use #Justice4All and tweet @TakeActionMN and @MNvoices. Special thanks to Vina Kay for building this relationship with the Kevin and the incarcerated men at Lino Lakes.
If you know someone who is incarcerated, please show them some support. If you have someone coming home, encourage and support them. If you are facing barriers to employment, housing and democracy because you have been through the Justice System, you are not alone. The Justice 4 All Program is fighting to remove those barriers and your story can help. Please contact us?
