This past January, Free Minds Reentry Coach Jennifer sat down for an interview with Free Minds member Terrell about his work with the DC Justice Lab. This interview was originally published in Volume 14, Issue 1 of the Free Minds Connect .
When Terrell texted me a close-up picture of him with his arm around Angela Davis (Yes! Angela-famous-author-educator-and-social-justice-activist-Davis!) I just knew he’d be the perfect subject for this Real World of Work column because it was his job – and his hard work at it – that got him into the 2025 Peace Ball: Voices of Justice and Liberation at Arena Stage on the Saturday of inauguration weekend, where he thoroughly enjoyed being in a space with people who are similarly working for freedom, justice, and equality. Here’s our discussion:
Can you tell me about your job at the DC Justice Lab, which purchased your ticket to the Peace Ball?
DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to DC’s criminal legal system. After being accepted into the BreakFree Education Fellowship last spring, I interviewed to work full-time at the DC Justice Lab, where I was hired in May. My official title is Campaign and Advocacy Fellow.
What drew you to work at the DC Justice Lab?
You see so much injustice in this city, but they’re fighting for justice, so I was drawn to them.
It seems like you’re always at the Wilson Building (where the DC Council and the Mayor’s office are located). What are you working on?
My main project has been trying to pass legislation to get DC residents housed in the DOC to be able to advocate for themselves at DC Council hearings so we can create a more inclusive society for returning citizens and people impacted the most by the laws being enacted by the DC Council.
Unfortunately, the DOC Director says the facility doesn’t have the technology. We’re making the case that public safety would be improved if all people have a voice and responsibility in law making.
For example, in October the DC Council held a hearing on the Safe and Supported Pregnancy and Delivery for Incarcerated Individuals Amendment Act of 2024 to ensure that incarcerated pregnant women at the DC Jail received proper prenatal, birth, and post-natal care. There were 2 women at the jail who had experienced terrible pregnancies and deliveries and wanted to testify, but were not allowed. I want to give them access.
Are there other projects you’re focused on?
Yes! I am still researching halfway house options for DC residents. It doesn’t make sense for DC residents to be released to the VOA Baltimore halfway house because it’s too hard to reconnect with family in DC, access resources, or start training programs when you have a 4+ hour round trip commute between the MTA bus, MARC train, and then a metrobus or train around the city.
Of course, it would be better to have a halfway house for DC residents in the community we are returning to, but housing 300 people under one roof is challenging and can wind up feeling like a “mini-jail”. I’m recommending a different halfway house model – smaller facilities where case managers can be more hands-on with residents as individuals and the setting will feel less like incarceration and more like true reentry.
What are you most proud of at this job?
I am most proud of myself to be able to not just work in this professional environment but to learn at the pace I’m learning at working with policy experts.
Okay, back to the Peace Ball, how is it you got to hug Angela Davis???
I have driven past Arena Stage (a theater near the Wharf) many times, but this was my first time inside that beautiful glass building. It felt great to be among people who share my passion for justice.
There were so many incredible speakers and guests like,
· Ibram X Kendi who wrote books like Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist. I got a picture with him, too!
· Congresswoman Cori Bush who was the first African-American woman from Missouri to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
· Mehdi Hasan, British-American journalist who is the CEO of the new media company Zeteo News.
· Medea Benjamin, who cofounded CODEPINK, a feminist grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and support human rights.
· Nee Nee Taylor, who leads Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, a Black-led community defense hub centering all Black lives most at risk for state-sanctioned violence in the DC area.
My wristband was purple for a general admission ticket, but I walked into the VIP arena where everyone had a yellow wristband like I belonged there. I couldn’t believe I was in the same room with Angela Davis and that I got to hug her, thank her for her contributions, and tell her my story, including 24 years of incarceration and my current advocacy position. I got a signed copy of her book Abolition. Feminism. Now. I even got her email address!
What advice would you give those preparing for reentry?
Learn everything you can before you come home.