Reentering society after years of confinement is akin to stepping into a completely transformed world full of unforeseen barriers. Imagine, for a moment, stepping out into the world after years of restriction, ready to reclaim your life, only to be met with invisible walls at every turn.
This is the silent battle many returning citizens face daily, especially within the Black community. The discourse surrounding recidivism isn’t just about statistics and studies – it’s about humanity, redemption, and the societal barriers that challenge the very notion of a “second chance.”
Nationally, the statistics are alarming. According to the National Institute of Justice, within three years of release, about 68% of released prisoners are rearrested. This number is both staggering and heartbreaking, particularly when considering the many structural obstacles reintegrating citizens encounter.
The challenges begin with societal stereotypes. Black men and women returning from incarceration are often labeled as dangerous or untrustworthy. These labels, deeply rooted in systemic racism and bias, affect their ability to find employment, housing, and even reconnect with family. How can a person move forward when society is persistently pulling them backward?
However, it’s worth noting that not all of society holds these views, and there are beacons of hope and support in places we might least expect. In Southeast Michigan, organizations like Supreme Felons are actively working against the prevailing negative narratives. This organization is ardently dedicated to aiding returning citizens in their quest for a second chance. They adopt a holistic approach, providing essential support to not only the individuals but also their families, addressing a gamut of needs that range from personal to professional. The belief underpinning their operations is simple yet profound: a comprehensive approach is the key to breaking the relentless cycle of incarceration while simultaneously promoting community safety.
“For me after 43 years, 11 months, and 23 days of incarceration, I came to realize the true essence of remorse, empathy, and taking responsibility for my actions. Along with the pain and suffering that I personally inflicted upon my victim, his family, friends, and my community, I felt a need to cure and resolve some of the destruction I caused my community,” Supreme Felons President Billy Cole told the Michigan Chronicle.
“Through this process, Supreme Felons Inc. gave birth. As I reintegrated myself back into society, more importantly my community, I was blessed to encounter like-minded returning citizens who had the same needs and desires to apply positive inputs within the community in which we once left.”
The services Supreme Felons provides are as diverse as they are essential, from mentorship programs that guide returning citizens along their new paths to advocacy efforts that raise awareness of their struggles, from mental health assistance to ensure emotional and psychological well-being, to housing connectors that aim to provide a stable living environment.
“We at SFI think if society adopted elements of the axiom, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ inclusive of law enforcement, the education system, the business world, faith based organizations, using this holistic approach not only will we see a shift in the individual this shift will benefit family, neighborhood, community and society as a whole,” said Bryan Foley, Vice President of SFI.
Moreover, their support extends to supplying personal care packages, facilitating Internet education, creating platforms for social interaction, and ensuring safety and security. Their agency referrals and resource guides act as roadmaps for those navigating the often-complex terrain of reentry.
Eli Savit, the Prosecutor of Washtenaw County, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously held the position of senior legal counsel for the City of Detroit. In this role, he championed criminal justice reform initiatives for Michigan’s most populous city. Savit expresses his support for Supreme Felons Inc. (SFI), highlighting their impactful work in the community. He states, “The Supreme Felons are a group of returning citizens who engage in a variety of community work—including community violence interruption, workforce development, and connections to training in the skilled trades for returning citizens and young people alike. The organization exemplifies how much we all can benefit from returning citizens’ community work.”
Located in southeast Michigan, Supreme Felons stands as a testament to the fact that there are entities within our communities dedicated to reversing the overwhelming tide of challenges returning citizens face. They serve as a reminder that beyond the stereotypes and biases, there exists a realm of understanding, compassion, and genuine support.
In cities like Detroit, the story is even more complex. The intertwining of economic challenges, racial disparities, and the lack of comprehensive reintegration programs has created a volatile cocktail. According to a study conducted by the State of Michigan, Detroit’s recidivism rate stands at 29%. When we consider that a significant percentage of this population is Black, the problem becomes not just one of criminal justice but also of racial justice.
The employment barrier is particularly concerning. A criminal record, especially for Black individuals, can be a scarlet letter during job applications. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission notes that Black men with criminal records are 60% less likely to receive a callback or job offer than those without. And for Black women, the numbers are equally distressing. In a society where employment equates to survival, this statistic isn’t just data; it’s a potential life sentence of poverty and marginalization. What are the most significant barriers that returning citizens encounter when reintegrating into society? Cole paints a picture of his struggle: “First, I had to realize the progression of the world and overcome the fears of being sustainable in society. In particular, the areas of family, employment, housing, and the surge of racism.”
But beyond the cold, hard facts, it’s imperative to highlight the emotional and psychological challenges. The trauma of incarceration doesn’t vanish upon release. Many returning citizens grapple with issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Yet, mental health resources, particularly for Black communities, remain scarce.
The story of recidivism is complex and multifaceted. It is a tapestry woven from societal stereotypes, systemic barriers, and the individual journeys of those seeking reintegration. The landscape is filled with data and statistics, but at its core, it is about the human experience and the navigation of a world filled with both visible and invisible challenges.
So, what questions should we be asking ourselves?
For starters, what kind of society do we aspire to be: One that perpetuates a cycle of punishment or one that genuinely believes in rehabilitation and redemption?
Next: How can we shift the narrative? How can we dismantle stereotypes, not just in our policies but in our personal interactions?
As society continues to grapple with these issues, it becomes evident that the journey of returning citizens is not just a reflection of their individual choices but also a mirror reflecting the complexities and challenges of reintegration. The story of recidivism, particularly within the Black community, is an ongoing narrative, painting a picture of resilience, challenges, and the pursuit of a place within society.
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