An interview with Free Minds member Jamal, by Meg, Free Minds Communications Intern. This interview was originally published in Volume 12, Issue 4 of the Free Minds Connect.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with member Jamal and talk about why he joined the Free Minds “Changemakers” team, which is a group of members working to change the criminal legal system through the passage of laws and changing the narrative around incarceration and violence. Jamal engages with the community to bring change. His work stresses the importance of interactions with everyone in the community, creating spaces for growth and addressing the need for prolonged, tangible guidance to foster positive change.
Why are you a Changemaker?
For so long, people who’ve held a title with a similar meaning haven’t lived up to it. There’s been a generational decline, in which people put Band-Aids on wounds that require surgery. As Changemakers, we’re breaking the monotony of simply talking to bring about solutions and tangible change for all. We have to move past the luxury of a reactionary approach to one that includes and uses the experiences of real people. We’re focusing on inclusion, rather than an approach that operates externally.
What has been the best project you’ve done so far?
The title Changemaker is so broad that all things are included in the passion it represents. I can’t pick out just one thing we’ve done so far. Being a Changemaker embodies the true purpose of altruism. We are working to change policies and laws that harm people. Our goal is to illustrate to youth that there are different ways of living. We’re showing them there’s more to life; we’re providing an alternative to the actions they think they have to take part in to be noticed. We show them the world is more than this, and that they are noticed.
What have you experienced with other Changemakers, and how has this in昀氀uenced the rest of your life?
The experience so far has been very hands-on. I’ve met people who’ve learned how to be leaders. There’s so much diversity, and we learn from each other. The work I’ve done has had an impact on my family. They see what I’m engaged in and the work I’m doing. They see me being a positive influence, creating networks and embracing the Changemaker mindset at home. We’re showing the world how to live in ways besides survival and struggle.
How have you interacted with the community?
I participate in speaking engagements. I advocate for the importance of perspective, of paradigm shifts over space and time. I’ve found what drives and gives con昀椀dence, and I work to rede昀椀ne how they think of and support the community. I try to carry with me what I call PEO: positive energy overall.
What’s your biggest takeaway so far? What have you learned as you’ve grown?
As a people, the majority needs to get more engaged. There needs to be more of a concerted effort
to tackle issues outside of politics. The focus needs to
be on contributing, not reacting. We need to turn to those with experience — at-risk youth, those in criminal justice reform, etc. — in order to collectively bring about tangible change. A group of individuals dedicated to bringing change and being engaged in the day-to-day goings-on of our community is incredibly important. We need repetitive, thorough efforts. Visits to schools should be often, following up on teachings, hearing what the youth are saying, and creating ways to let them express themselves. It’s vital they have access to current, updated awareness and information.
The people who want new reactionary laws don’t have experiences in these things 昀椀rst-hand. We need to educate from all sides, solving issues through perspective, emphasizing deterrents not punishments. When the community speaks, we need to ensure the words are being heard. Collaboration is essential, especially between those with different skills and experiences. Our purpose is, to sum it up into three words, engagement, perseverance, and synergy.