WEBVTT 00:01.233 --> 00:04.666 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% A person's story of incarceration is all too often 00:04.733 --> 00:06.900 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% depressingly familiar. 00:06.966 --> 00:10.666 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% Yet each story is as unique as a fingerprint, 00:10.733 --> 00:15.300 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% as distinctive as every individual's life experience. 00:15.366 --> 00:19.066 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Life in prison is bracketed by what came before 00:19.133 --> 00:21.800 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% and what comes after. 00:21.866 --> 00:24.433 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% Seth Williams was Philadelphia's first black 00:24.500 --> 00:26.333 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% district attorney. 00:26.400 --> 00:30.733 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:75% While he was in office, he ran afoul of the law 00:30.800 --> 00:34.433 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:72.5% and served nearly three years in a federal prison. 00:35.033 --> 00:40.066 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% His story upon his release at first was one of struggle 00:40.133 --> 00:41.800 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% and uncertainty. 00:41.866 --> 00:44.533 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% It was tough to find work, a place to live, 00:44.600 --> 00:47.966 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% to regain his place in civil society. 00:48.033 --> 00:52.400 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Now he's on a journey to rediscover the meaning of life 00:52.466 --> 00:54.366 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% beyond incarceration. 01:05.633 --> 01:09.200 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:52.5% Returning citizens is made possible by... 01:39.700 --> 01:44.233 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:72.5% The United Way, fostering the success of those who as they 01:44.300 --> 01:48.000 align:start position:15% line:10% size:70% return to our neighborhoods, remain a largely untapped 01:48.066 --> 01:51.266 align:start position:35% line:10% size:32.5% resource, the formerly incarcerated. 01:51.700 --> 01:55.500 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:57.5% Waterman II Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation at the 01:55.566 --> 01:57.633 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:72.5% recommendation of David Haas, 01:57.700 --> 02:00.300 align:start position:15% line:10% size:67.5% the Independence Foundation 02:04.966 --> 02:06.033 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:45% Five this morning. 02:06.100 --> 02:08.966 align:start position:20% line:10% size:62.5% It was about 10:15 in the morning that Seth Williams 02:09.033 --> 02:12.133 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:75% acknowledged that he was going to enter this guilty plea. 02:12.200 --> 02:15.566 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:72.5% So what this means is that he is facing a potential maximum 02:15.633 --> 02:18.233 align:start position:20% line:10% size:60% of five years in prison. 02:18.300 --> 02:21.300 align:start position:15% line:10% size:67.5% Prosecutors are seeking the maximum term of five years 02:21.366 --> 02:22.833 align:start position:27.5% line:10% size:45% in federal prison. 02:22.900 --> 02:25.533 align:start position:20% line:10% size:60% Williams officially lost his law license last week. 02:26.200 --> 02:30.066 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:72.5% Philly's Eastern State Prison was the first penitentiary in 02:30.133 --> 02:34.000 align:start position:20% line:10% size:60% the world, and now is an official historic site. 02:34.800 --> 02:38.766 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% It's spooky, but it felt weirdly appropriate to meet 02:38.833 --> 02:40.000 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:27.5% Seth there. 02:40.366 --> 02:43.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% The district attorney who got locked up 02:43.333 --> 02:46.233 align:start position:10% line:84.67% size:77.5% and now is a returning citizen. 02:47.100 --> 02:48.900 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% I needed to hear his story. 02:49.633 --> 02:50.600 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% So, where'd you grow up? 02:50.666 --> 02:51.700 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Sure. 02:51.800 --> 02:53.066 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% Well, I grew up in West Philadelphia and I was given 02:53.133 --> 02:56.233 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:72.5% up for adoption at birth, and I was blessed to be adopted by 02:56.300 --> 02:57.900 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% wa, a wonderful family. 02:57.966 --> 02:59.733 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% Did you ever meet your birth parents? 02:59.800 --> 03:02.866 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% I have now met my biological father, and that's a. 03:02.933 --> 03:03.866 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 03:03.933 --> 03:05.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% We'll have to talk about that at some other time. 03:05.200 --> 03:06.233 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 03:06.300 --> 03:07.266 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% But, uh, he attended Georgetown Law School as well. 03:07.333 --> 03:07.933 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% Is that right? [crosstalk]. 03:08.000 --> 03:09.033 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% That was 20 years before me. 03:09.100 --> 03:10.000 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 03:10.066 --> 03:12.300 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Um, And did you know he was at the law school? 03:12.366 --> 03:13.400 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% That's the same law school you went to? 03:13.466 --> 03:13.966 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:25% I did not. 03:14.033 --> 03:14.833 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% I did not know that. 03:14.900 --> 03:16.066 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 03:16.133 --> 03:17.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:75% But I grew up in Philadelphia. My father was a school teacher. 03:17.866 --> 03:19.633 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:20% He ran a recreation center at night, 03:19.700 --> 03:21.600 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% every night from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 03:21.666 --> 03:24.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% He ran a day camp, uh, in Philadelphia for kids. 03:24.400 --> 03:28.233 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% So his whole life was, um, trying to increase the 03:28.300 --> 03:30.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% opportunities for kids in our neighborhood. 03:30.700 --> 03:32.100 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% Um, but I was very fortunate. 03:32.166 --> 03:34.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% I went to a wonderful Quaker school, 03:34.200 --> 03:35.133 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% a private school. 03:35.200 --> 03:36.533 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% I went to Catholic school for two years. 03:36.600 --> 03:38.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% I went to Philadelphia's Central High School. 03:38.833 --> 03:42.133 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% I was nominated by my congressman to go to West Point. 03:42.200 --> 03:43.066 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 03:43.133 --> 03:44.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% I tell people I got a medical discharge. 03:44.533 --> 03:48.033 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% They found out I was allergic to calculus and chemistry. 03:48.100 --> 03:52.233 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% And so then I was accepted to become a public interest law 03:52.300 --> 03:53.900 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% scholar at Georgetown. 03:53.966 --> 03:56.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Through my criminal justice clinic experience at 03:56.233 --> 03:58.300 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% Georgetown, I found that, you know, 03:58.366 --> 04:00.800 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% the person with the most power in the criminal justice clinic 04:00.866 --> 04:03.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% isn't the best criminal defense attorney like Johnny Cochran 04:04.000 --> 04:05.866 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% or the defense of the public defender. 04:05.933 --> 04:07.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% It's actually a young assistant district attorney 04:07.700 --> 04:09.433 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% that's deciding who gets arrested, 04:09.500 --> 04:12.000 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% who doesn't get arrested, what are the appropriate charges, 04:12.066 --> 04:13.966 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% who has an arrest warrant approved, 04:14.033 --> 04:16.300 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% who has a search warrant approved or not. 04:16.366 --> 04:19.100 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% Um, and so I wanted to become an assistant district attorney. 04:19.166 --> 04:22.800 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% And in September of 1992, I became an assistant district 04:22.866 --> 04:25.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% attorney here in my hometown of Philadelphia. 04:25.266 --> 04:28.000 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% And, and so you were locking up a lot of people? 04:28.066 --> 04:29.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Uh, you could say that. Yeah. I mean, I. 04:29.866 --> 04:31.066 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% And how did that feel? 04:31.133 --> 04:34.500 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% Um, well, again, at the time I thought my role was to get my 04:34.566 --> 04:37.133 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% cases ready to try my ready cases, 04:37.200 --> 04:41.933 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% but I didn't really have any philosophical understanding of 04:42.000 --> 04:46.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% what I was doing, how it affected the individuals or 04:46.066 --> 04:48.300 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% how it affected the community. 04:48.366 --> 04:50.733 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% Did you get any, like, tough sentences? 04:50.800 --> 04:53.000 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% Like did you get guy sentenced to life without parole or 04:53.066 --> 04:54.166 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% death, anything like that? 04:54.233 --> 04:56.000 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Yeah, so when I was in the major trials unit, 04:56.066 --> 04:59.966 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% I filed, um, I tried the first two cases in Pennsylvania 05:00.033 --> 05:03.100 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% under Pennsylvania's new three strikes in your Outlaw, 05:03.166 --> 05:04.733 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% which is different than California. 05:04.800 --> 05:05.700 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% It's been in Pennsylvania. 05:05.766 --> 05:07.633 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% You had to have been convicted of, 05:07.700 --> 05:11.633 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% um, at least two prior felonies of the first degree 05:11.700 --> 05:14.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% gunpoint, robbery, a shooting, a gun, 05:14.766 --> 05:16.233 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% a bank robbery, rape. 05:16.300 --> 05:18.633 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% And I tried two cases, and as a result, 05:18.700 --> 05:20.800 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% individuals were sentenced to life without 05:20.866 --> 05:21.833 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% the possibility of parole. 05:21.900 --> 05:23.100 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 05:23.166 --> 05:25.566 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% And how did that feel knowing that you were locking up guys 05:25.633 --> 05:27.566 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% basically like for the rest of their life? 05:27.633 --> 05:29.600 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% At the time, I just thought, I, 05:29.666 --> 05:32.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% I still, I didn't, hadn't evolved really to understand 05:32.200 --> 05:34.366 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% the scope of it, what it meant, 05:34.433 --> 05:37.133 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% what the statistics were like nationally. 05:37.200 --> 05:38.466 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% Um, didn't... 05:38.533 --> 05:40.733 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% So you were sentencing people to die in prison, 05:40.800 --> 05:44.633 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% but it didn't like make a real impact and you, at that time, 05:44.700 --> 05:45.800 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% At that time, I thought, 05:45.866 --> 05:48.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% well, this is what the prior record score is. 05:48.200 --> 05:49.900 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% This is their offense gravity score. 05:49.966 --> 05:53.633 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% The legislature has said, has, has said this is appropriate. 05:53.700 --> 05:57.766 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% My role in it is just to get the witnesses here to, 05:57.833 --> 06:01.466 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% you know, try to do the best I can to present the evidence to 06:01.533 --> 06:03.033 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% the jury and the judge. 06:03.100 --> 06:03.866 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% You're just doing your job. 06:03.933 --> 06:05.633 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% Doing, doing my job. 06:05.700 --> 06:07.900 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% You ran against your boss. 06:07.966 --> 06:09.933 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% You lost the first time. 06:10.000 --> 06:12.066 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% Uh, so you got a different job, 06:12.133 --> 06:15.400 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% uh, and then you wanted to run for DA again? 06:15.466 --> 06:17.133 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% I ran again in 2009. 06:17.200 --> 06:20.166 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% And you got 75% of the vote. 06:20.233 --> 06:21.566 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% I won 75% of the vote. 06:21.633 --> 06:23.066 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% I became, - Dude, how'd you do that? 06:23.133 --> 06:26.266 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% Um, I think again, it was about just retail politics and 06:26.333 --> 06:27.833 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% going out and talking to people, 06:27.900 --> 06:29.700 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% looking them in their eye and just listening. 06:29.766 --> 06:32.000 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% And you were the first black district attorney? 06:32.066 --> 06:33.266 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% Yeah, I was elected. 06:33.333 --> 06:35.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% I became the first African American district attorney, 06:35.533 --> 06:37.166 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% not only in the history of Philadelphia, 06:37.233 --> 06:39.733 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% but the entire history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 06:39.800 --> 06:40.933 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 06:41.000 --> 06:42.800 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% And how did that feel being the first African American 06:42.866 --> 06:44.433 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% prosecutor, head prosecutor? 06:44.500 --> 06:48.066 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% I was very proud and very grateful for the opportunity. 06:48.133 --> 06:51.066 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Um, I didn't think about, everybody was telling me, 06:51.133 --> 06:52.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% you're gonna have a target on your back. 06:52.366 --> 06:53.233 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% You're gonna have a target on your back. 06:53.300 --> 06:55.266 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And I never really thought about that. 06:55.333 --> 06:57.300 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% Um, and I should have more. 06:57.366 --> 07:03.966 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% So, you know, you were charged with a number of felonies. 07:04.033 --> 07:05.366 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:20% Correct. 07:05.433 --> 07:07.433 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% How, how did that come about? 07:07.500 --> 07:12.933 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% Well, I should have reported all the gifts that I ever received 07:13.000 --> 07:14.933 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% and some gifts from my friends I probably should not 07:15.000 --> 07:16.133 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% have accepted. 07:16.200 --> 07:19.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% But the bigger point is I found myself in federal prison. 07:19.166 --> 07:21.100 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% Um, I lost my pension. 07:21.166 --> 07:22.466 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% I lost my reputation. 07:22.533 --> 07:23.766 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% I lost my liberty. 07:23.833 --> 07:26.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% I spent five months in solitary confinement. 07:27.033 --> 07:28.366 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% Um, and it wasn't until I ... 07:28.433 --> 07:30.466 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% Why why were you in solitary confinement? 07:30.533 --> 07:32.233 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% They placed me in solitary confinement. 07:32.300 --> 07:34.566 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% They claimed for my own safety. 07:34.633 --> 07:35.933 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% They thought that people might want to kill me 07:36.000 --> 07:37.633 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% or beat me up in prison. 07:37.700 --> 07:38.533 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% Because you had been up... 07:38.600 --> 07:39.733 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% Because I had been the DA. 07:39.800 --> 07:45.266 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Um, so I spent the first 152 days of my 60 month sentence 07:45.333 --> 07:47.166 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% in solitary confinement. 07:47.233 --> 07:51.166 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% And the United Nations, um, uh, 07:51.233 --> 07:53.833 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Amnesty International all say that anything more than 07:53.900 --> 07:56.966 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% 10 days in solitary confinement is deleterious 07:57.033 --> 07:58.066 align:start position:42.5% line:79.33% size:17.5% to your mental health. 07:58.133 --> 07:59.700 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% So I experienced all those things. 07:59.766 --> 08:01.566 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% I went through that process. 08:01.633 --> 08:05.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Um, I then befriended people that were in jail, 08:05.333 --> 08:08.033 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% people that I had been, I spent my life prosecuting or 08:08.100 --> 08:09.466 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% defending 'cause I was a criminal defense 08:09.533 --> 08:10.566 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% attorney as well. 08:10.633 --> 08:12.400 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Um, I found my... - And now you were in prison. 08:12.466 --> 08:13.933 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% I found myself in prison. - What was that like? 08:14.000 --> 08:16.400 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% I mean, when you were convicted, 08:16.466 --> 08:20.066 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% they put handcuffs on you in the courtroom. 08:20.133 --> 08:21.300 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:20% Correct. 08:21.366 --> 08:25.733 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% You asked to see your mom and the judge was like, hell no. 08:25.800 --> 08:27.000 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:15% Right. 08:27.066 --> 08:30.100 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% I had been told by the federal prosecutors that I could enter 08:30.166 --> 08:32.933 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% the guilty plea, remain on bail for about four or five 08:33.000 --> 08:35.600 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% months until the sentencing, help my daughters get 08:35.666 --> 08:37.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% everything at our, our affairs in order, 08:37.500 --> 08:40.166 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% as they say, take my kids to therapy, sell the house. 08:40.233 --> 08:42.200 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% I went to court that morning. 08:42.266 --> 08:44.300 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% I entered the guilty plea thinking I was going home that 08:44.366 --> 08:46.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% day at lunch, I had told my daughters 08:46.200 --> 08:47.333 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% I'd be home for lunch. 08:47.400 --> 08:49.533 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% Um, the judge had his own idea. 08:49.600 --> 08:52.900 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% I got handcuffed in court, taken underground, 08:52.966 --> 08:55.266 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% strip searched, given an orange jumpsuit placed in my 08:55.333 --> 08:58.433 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% own single solitary confinement cell 08:58.500 --> 09:00.300 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% where I remained for five months. 09:00.366 --> 09:03.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% How, how did you literally get to the federal prison 09:03.400 --> 09:04.166 align:start position:35% line:84.67% size:30% from Philly? 09:04.233 --> 09:05.500 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:25% Right. So, 09:05.566 --> 09:07.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% um, there's a bus, the Federal Marshals bus 09:08.033 --> 09:10.366 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% transport people all around the country. 09:10.433 --> 09:13.566 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% They also have airplanes that are known as Con Air. 09:13.633 --> 09:15.333 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% Colon Air. - Convict Airlines. 09:15.400 --> 09:16.566 align:start position:42.5% line:79.33% size:10% Wow. - Right. 09:16.633 --> 09:20.333 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% At the airport there surrounding the tarmac were US marshals 09:20.400 --> 09:22.100 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% with shotguns and M16s. 09:22.166 --> 09:27.100 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Uh, I heard my name Rufuss Williams, 75926066. 09:27.166 --> 09:28.300 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% I had to board a plane. 09:28.366 --> 09:29.366 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% What, what's that number? 09:29.433 --> 09:31.566 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% That was my federal prison inmate number. 09:31.633 --> 09:32.900 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% And you still remember? - Of course. 09:32.966 --> 09:34.533 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% That's how I was known. I was just a number. 09:34.600 --> 09:37.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% I was no longer a person. I was just the number. 09:37.266 --> 09:38.900 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Um, and I boarded that airplane, 09:38.966 --> 09:40.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% handcuffed to the men in the row. 09:40.533 --> 09:43.966 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% And I spent the next 29 months at the Federal Correctional 09:44.033 --> 09:46.166 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% Institution in Morgantown. 09:46.233 --> 09:48.266 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% Um, and so I, once I got there, 09:48.333 --> 09:51.700 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% I taught GED, I learned how to play the saxophone. 09:51.766 --> 09:53.900 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% I became the beginner saxophone instructor. 09:53.966 --> 09:55.466 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Who taught you how to play the saxophone? 09:55.533 --> 09:56.600 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% I was self-taught. 09:56.666 --> 09:58.833 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% There was the instructor that was before me left. 09:58.900 --> 10:01.066 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% Um, I learned how to play the piano. 10:01.133 --> 10:03.866 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% I began teaching Bible study. 10:03.933 --> 10:06.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Um, I was on the over 40 basketball team 10:06.566 --> 10:08.300 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% and we won the championship. 10:08.366 --> 10:11.066 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Um, and so I really learned a lot from that experience. 10:11.133 --> 10:12.066 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% And just seeing... 10:12.133 --> 10:12.666 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% You're kind of making it sound like prison was, 10:12.733 --> 10:14.133 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% was good for you. 10:14.200 --> 10:18.233 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Prison, um, was great for me in many ways, 10:18.300 --> 10:20.200 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% but not because of the Bureau of Prisons. 10:20.266 --> 10:22.666 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% And how, how did the other inmates react to you? 10:22.733 --> 10:25.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Did they all know that you were the DA? 10:25.166 --> 10:27.733 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% So they put me originally in solitary 'cause they thought 10:27.800 --> 10:29.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% these people might want to kill me. 10:29.066 --> 10:31.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% Um, the truth is, I was helping people write letters 10:32.033 --> 10:34.800 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% to their lawyers, write letters to their family. 10:34.866 --> 10:37.533 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% Um, and then I began teaching GED. 10:37.600 --> 10:40.833 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% I learned a lot though teaching GED in prison and by 10:40.900 --> 10:43.766 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% being with these men that most of them never had problems 10:43.833 --> 10:44.733 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% getting jobs. 10:44.800 --> 10:46.833 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:20% They had problems keeping jobs, 10:46.900 --> 10:49.733 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% poor conflict resolution, addictions, 10:49.800 --> 10:51.533 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% traumas as, as young men. 10:51.600 --> 10:54.966 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% And when you came home, you had a problem getting a job? 10:55.033 --> 10:56.733 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% Yeah, everybody gave me the Heisman. 10:56.800 --> 10:59.233 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% People treated me like I was radioactive. 10:59.300 --> 11:01.966 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% I had been canceled by the society. 11:02.033 --> 11:05.966 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:77.5% Talk about a full circle moment when Seth was District attorney, 11:06.033 --> 11:08.266 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% George Mosey was his right hand man. 11:08.333 --> 11:10.500 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% Now George leads the Philadelphia 11:10.566 --> 11:12.500 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% Anti-Violence Network. 11:12.566 --> 11:16.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% George knows how much returning citizens have to contribute. 11:16.433 --> 11:18.600 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% That's why he offered one of them, 11:18.666 --> 11:22.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% his old boss, Seth Williams, a job. 11:22.566 --> 11:25.533 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% The day you leave prison, what happened right after that? 11:25.600 --> 11:27.300 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% Well, I was told the conditions of my release. 11:27.366 --> 11:28.600 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% I had to have a job. 11:28.666 --> 11:30.900 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% I had to have a place to live. 11:30.966 --> 11:33.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Um, but the Federal fire support didn't help me get 11:33.166 --> 11:34.300 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% either of those. 11:34.366 --> 11:36.000 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% They put a monitor on my ankle, 11:36.066 --> 11:37.700 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% told me best of luck. 11:37.766 --> 11:40.000 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% So I began working at Lowe's. 11:40.066 --> 11:40.900 align:start position:40% line:84.67% size:17.5% Lowe's? 11:40.966 --> 11:42.633 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Lowe's, just, um, unloading trucks, 11:42.700 --> 11:43.766 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% stocking shelves. 11:43.833 --> 11:44.433 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% Then I was... 11:44.500 --> 11:45.833 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% Dude, you had a law degree. 11:45.900 --> 11:47.066 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% No one would hire me. 11:47.133 --> 11:48.300 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% I applied for jobs. 11:48.366 --> 11:51.266 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% I taught GED for almost three years in prison for I could 11:51.333 --> 11:54.500 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% teach GED when I got home, but those people wouldn't hire me. 11:54.566 --> 11:57.166 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% And how did you end up in this space? 11:57.233 --> 12:00.933 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% Um, at the end of my tenure as being the district attorney, 12:01.000 --> 12:03.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% um, George was my first assistant. 12:03.566 --> 12:06.833 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% So he basically ran the office of 600 people and was the 12:06.900 --> 12:10.166 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% heart, um, and the conscience of that office and just was 12:10.233 --> 12:12.100 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% the right person at the right time. 12:12.166 --> 12:13.766 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% I'm very thankful for that. 12:13.833 --> 12:15.833 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% But when George found out I was home, 12:15.900 --> 12:18.633 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% you know, and as a result, also what I learned while 12:18.700 --> 12:22.233 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% I was away, that any solution to reducing gun violence, 12:22.300 --> 12:25.900 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% preventing crime, we're gonna have to engage the men 12:25.966 --> 12:28.300 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% primarily who are most likely to be shot 12:28.366 --> 12:29.666 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% and to do the shooting. 12:29.733 --> 12:32.600 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% That was the concept of our focus deterrence and the 12:32.666 --> 12:35.466 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% diversionary programs that George helped run while, 12:35.533 --> 12:36.866 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% while I was the DA. 12:36.933 --> 12:39.766 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% And that's exactly what he's doing here at the Philadelphia 12:39.833 --> 12:42.600 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% Anti-Drug, Anti-Violence Network. 12:42.666 --> 12:45.433 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% And so when I learned more about credible messengers 12:45.500 --> 12:48.500 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% while I was in prison, and I talked to men who were in 12:48.566 --> 12:50.533 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% prison who told me what they wish they could have done 12:50.600 --> 12:53.566 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% differently or how they wish they could talk to their young 12:53.633 --> 12:56.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% brothers that were on the street now to make a different 12:56.400 --> 12:59.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% path and to make different choices and to, 12:59.366 --> 13:02.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% you know, do other things in a positive way 13:02.400 --> 13:03.433 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% for the community. 13:03.533 --> 13:06.000 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% It was just a, it was a blessing that George reached 13:06.066 --> 13:08.700 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% out to me and allowed me to become a part of 13:08.766 --> 13:10.233 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% the Pan family. 13:10.300 --> 13:13.566 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% And when he came home, you wanted to help out? 13:13.633 --> 13:18.800 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Well, um, you know, I could make it seem like I was doing 13:18.866 --> 13:22.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% this benevolent act, but this is a brilliant young man, 13:22.700 --> 13:26.800 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% you know, he's, uh, an asset everywhere that he goes. 13:26.866 --> 13:29.033 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% And I jumped at the opportunity to bring him on 13:29.100 --> 13:30.833 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% board to help us with our mission. 13:30.900 --> 13:34.000 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% And was there something about the experiences he had even 13:34.066 --> 13:36.600 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% in prison that you thought would make him 13:36.666 --> 13:38.000 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% a really good fit for you? 13:38.066 --> 13:41.066 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% Well, uh, our primary strategy employs on 13:41.133 --> 13:42.733 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% using credible messengers. 13:42.800 --> 13:45.133 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% You know, people who have lived lives that are 13:45.200 --> 13:46.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% consistent with the lives of the people that we're trying 13:46.966 --> 13:48.033 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:22.5% to reach. 13:48.100 --> 13:51.000 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% Often that means that they've served time in prison. 13:51.066 --> 13:53.433 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Uh, and I heard you do - house calls 13:53.500 --> 13:54.566 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% That's our motto. 13:54.633 --> 13:56.200 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% And what's that? - House calls what? 13:56.266 --> 13:59.900 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% Uh, so, you know, there are programs that operate behind 13:59.966 --> 14:01.300 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% the four walls. 14:01.366 --> 14:04.100 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% Uh, and we are brick and mortar operation, 14:04.166 --> 14:07.033 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% but you'll see our vehicles throughout the city 14:07.100 --> 14:08.266 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% of Philadelphia. 14:08.333 --> 14:11.300 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% We deploy our people every day into the areas that are hit 14:11.366 --> 14:12.733 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% hardest by violence. 14:12.800 --> 14:15.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% And so we're on the street canvassing, 14:15.566 --> 14:18.266 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% uh, we respond to every shooting. 14:18.333 --> 14:21.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Uh, so if someone gets shot, unfortunately in the city of 14:21.533 --> 14:25.366 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Philadelphia, Pan is gonna be there within 24 hours. 14:25.433 --> 14:28.033 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% So I, I can't imagine what it would be like for somebody 14:28.100 --> 14:30.333 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:25% who's just suffered a traumatic act. 14:30.400 --> 14:34.500 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% Maybe their, their son was shot and then you got people, 14:34.566 --> 14:36.033 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:22.5% strangers knocking at the door. 14:36.100 --> 14:37.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Like, how do, how do they respond? 14:37.866 --> 14:39.333 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Well, we hope that they're not strangers 14:39.400 --> 14:42.033 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% because they're in the community every day. 14:42.100 --> 14:44.266 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% And we hope that they've developed a relationship with 14:44.333 --> 14:47.566 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% people who know the people, if not directly with the people 14:47.633 --> 14:50.066 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% who have been impacted by the trauma. 14:50.133 --> 14:53.066 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% Uh, but if that's not the case, 14:53.133 --> 14:55.200 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% that's why you got these people who are credible 14:55.266 --> 14:56.400 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% in the neighborhood. 14:56.466 --> 14:59.066 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% They know how to approach someone from that neighborhood 14:59.133 --> 15:02.466 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% to speak to them in a way that's gonna put them at ease 15:02.533 --> 15:04.233 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% so they won't be turned off. 15:04.300 --> 15:07.366 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% I mean, uh, I think one of the biggest hurdles for us to 15:07.433 --> 15:10.933 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% overcome in terms of addressing the violence is we 15:11.000 --> 15:13.600 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% have to make sure that people know about the resources 15:13.666 --> 15:15.400 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% that are available to them. 15:15.466 --> 15:17.366 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% And the best way to do that, in my opinion, 15:17.433 --> 15:18.933 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% is with people who are credible. 15:19.000 --> 15:23.266 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% That credibility boils down to common sense, 15:23.333 --> 15:25.966 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% a kind of spider sense that they've developed 15:26.033 --> 15:27.233 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:37.5% over the years. 15:27.300 --> 15:30.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% It's part of what helped them to survive in those communities. 15:30.933 --> 15:34.300 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% It's part of what helped us to survive where we grew up. 15:34.366 --> 15:37.100 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% And, um, you simply put 'em out there and, 15:37.166 --> 15:39.500 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% and they know who to talk to. 15:39.566 --> 15:44.100 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% In many cases, they already know who the shooters are. 15:44.166 --> 15:47.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% And they make it a a point to reach out to them, 15:48.033 --> 15:48.900 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% to speak to them. 15:48.966 --> 15:51.100 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% And we assure them that we're not there 15:51.166 --> 15:52.800 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% to help to investigate. 15:52.866 --> 15:55.666 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% We're not there to bring them to justice for something that 15:55.733 --> 15:59.000 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% they may have done or something that they will do. 15:59.066 --> 16:00.500 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% We're trying to prevent it. 16:00.566 --> 16:04.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Pan deploys teams to the most under-resourced 16:04.500 --> 16:06.300 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% neighborhoods in Philly. 16:06.366 --> 16:09.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% They work with anybody who can use their help, 16:09.566 --> 16:13.566 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% including crime victims and people at risk for getting 16:13.633 --> 16:15.833 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% caught up in the system. 16:15.900 --> 16:19.366 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% Some team members have survived the same issues. 16:19.433 --> 16:22.600 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% They're now helping their neighbors work through. 16:22.666 --> 16:25.300 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% They get respect on the street 16:25.366 --> 16:28.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% because they've earned their job title. 16:28.466 --> 16:30.966 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% Credible messengers. 16:31.033 --> 16:33.000 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% And there was a shooting in this area? 16:33.066 --> 16:34.366 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% Yeah, it was a shooting here. 16:34.433 --> 16:37.133 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% A little girl got shot, 11-year-old, 16:37.200 --> 16:40.433 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% 11-year-old child, got shot, went through a shot in the arm 16:40.500 --> 16:42.300 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% and went, came out underneath her arm. 16:42.366 --> 16:43.600 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% Now how did she get shot? 16:43.666 --> 16:47.366 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Well, uh, she, when we spoke with the family about a week 16:47.433 --> 16:49.666 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% or so ago, right after it happened, 16:49.733 --> 16:52.733 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% the young lady said that she was out playing with her 16:52.800 --> 16:55.366 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% siblings, her two little sisters and a little brother. 16:55.433 --> 16:59.033 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% And they heard a, a little domestic going on and her 16:59.100 --> 17:03.133 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% argument, um, uh, man and a woman was arguing and the 17:03.200 --> 17:06.466 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% young lady somehow just happened to see what was going on. 17:06.533 --> 17:11.500 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% And she saw a gun and she had her little siblings and she 17:11.566 --> 17:15.866 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% literally jumped on top of her siblings as the shots was fired. 17:15.933 --> 17:18.200 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% 11-year-old girl, - 11-year-old young lady, 17:18.266 --> 17:20.566 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% shots were fired and she was hit in her shoulder, 17:20.633 --> 17:22.266 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% came through her armpit. 17:22.333 --> 17:24.000 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:25% Oh my God. Is she okay? 17:24.066 --> 17:25.333 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% Uh, she's doing well. 17:25.400 --> 17:26.333 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% She's in good spares. Right. 17:26.400 --> 17:27.300 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:15% Great. Spares. 17:27.366 --> 17:28.533 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% You, you be shocked. 17:28.600 --> 17:31.400 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% But you know, it's just the fact of the matter that the kids, 17:31.466 --> 17:35.066 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% they got a new place to play and stuff and stuff still going on. 17:35.133 --> 17:37.300 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% So, and it don't matter who does it, 17:37.366 --> 17:39.033 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:75% it is women, guys and whoever. 17:39.100 --> 17:42.200 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% We all still gotta look after our youth, regardless. 17:42.266 --> 17:44.800 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% And how soon after the shooting did you guys come out? 17:44.866 --> 17:46.900 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% We came out the very next day. - The very next day. 17:46.966 --> 17:50.366 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% Because it happened like after, like after a little later. 17:50.433 --> 17:51.366 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:15% Right. 17:51.466 --> 17:52.500 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% Where we get it the next day, we come right out. 17:52.566 --> 17:53.133 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:15% Right. 17:53.200 --> 17:54.366 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% You know what I'm saying? 17:54.433 --> 17:55.966 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% We be the first one on it just to see can we help with the 17:56.033 --> 17:59.133 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% families, support them in any way we can 'cause we know the 17:59.200 --> 18:00.766 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% feeling, we know how things go. 18:00.833 --> 18:02.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% And what type of services do you try to provide to folks? 18:02.533 --> 18:05.700 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Well, we provide like, um, mental services, 18:05.766 --> 18:11.866 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% aftercare, clothing, food, you know, uh, uh, uh, trauma. 18:11.933 --> 18:13.166 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:15% Right. - Whatever we can do. 18:13.233 --> 18:14.300 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% We, we here, that's what we do. 18:14.366 --> 18:15.400 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% That's why they call us Pan. 18:15.466 --> 18:15.933 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:15% Right. 18:16.000 --> 18:17.133 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% Try to get it done. 18:17.200 --> 18:21.800 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% And so you were here right after the little girl was shot. 18:21.866 --> 18:23.300 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:20% Correct. - And now you're back. 18:23.366 --> 18:24.700 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% Why are you back? 18:24.766 --> 18:28.300 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% Well, we back, we, we back, me and my partner, 18:28.366 --> 18:30.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% we back because we promised the families, 18:30.633 --> 18:32.466 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% you know, people come and see you one day, 18:32.533 --> 18:34.233 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:45% then you don't see or hear from no more. 18:34.300 --> 18:35.400 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 18:35.466 --> 18:37.433 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% We make sure and keep coming back and check up on you, 18:37.500 --> 18:38.733 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% make sure you, okay. 18:38.800 --> 18:41.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% So let you know we still supporting you regardless 18:41.066 --> 18:42.200 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% after the fact. - Right. 18:42.266 --> 18:44.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% And that's what the other organizations don't do. 18:44.066 --> 18:45.200 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:25% But we do. 18:45.266 --> 18:46.800 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% We doing what we call a follow up. 18:46.866 --> 18:48.533 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% So we make sure we give 'em all the, 18:48.600 --> 18:50.133 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% all the, uh, services that we do. 18:50.200 --> 18:53.666 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% We call it a referral that we give to our human service. 18:53.733 --> 18:55.800 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% And we, you know, we help the family. 18:55.866 --> 18:57.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Like I say, we do our trauma care. 18:57.833 --> 18:59.866 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% Uh, she got wound care. She has a wound. 18:59.933 --> 19:02.166 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% So we, we help 'em out with bandages and they need 19:02.233 --> 19:04.833 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% bandages and talk to 'em to keep their spirits lifted 19:04.900 --> 19:05.900 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% a little bit. 19:05.966 --> 19:08.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% She's, uh, she's in great spirits for 11-year-old 19:08.266 --> 19:09.066 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% shooting victim. 19:09.133 --> 19:09.900 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 19:09.966 --> 19:11.033 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:30% She's, she's strong, she's strong. 19:11.100 --> 19:12.600 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:47.5% Little, little kid. 19:12.666 --> 19:13.800 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% You talk about this. 19:13.866 --> 19:17.433 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% So like, matter of factly, but 11-year-old girl got shot. 19:17.500 --> 19:18.300 align:start position:42.5% line:84.67% size:12.5% Yeah. 19:18.366 --> 19:19.300 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% Very unfortunate. 19:19.366 --> 19:20.800 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:47.5% It's unfortunately, you know what I mean? 19:20.866 --> 19:25.133 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% But she's here so she can live and talk about it and try to 19:25.200 --> 19:28.000 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% get, you know, I and try to help other youth pay attention 19:28.066 --> 19:28.833 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:57.5% to what's going on too. 19:28.900 --> 19:30.666 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% Also, even though you are a youth, 19:30.733 --> 19:31.900 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:32.5% but you still gotta feel aware. 19:31.966 --> 19:35.133 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:70% Where, where do you guys get the strength to do this work? 19:35.200 --> 19:37.000 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% Just give it back for being, you know, 19:37.066 --> 19:39.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% coming up in the, around it, you know what I'm saying? 19:39.633 --> 19:40.733 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:65% Being around it, you know. 19:40.800 --> 19:43.466 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:35% Where you stem from, but just comes. 19:43.533 --> 19:44.766 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% It's something that happens every day. 19:44.833 --> 19:46.533 align:start position:30% line:84.67% size:40% We deal with it. 19:46.600 --> 19:48.833 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% It feel good to give back, you know what I mean? 19:48.900 --> 19:50.266 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:40% Because when you come up as, you know, 19:50.333 --> 19:53.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:57.5% a street person, so you want to give back sometimes. 19:53.466 --> 19:55.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% It ain't all bad. - Right. 19:55.066 --> 19:57.566 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% You know what I'm saying? - We can kind of see it coming. 19:57.633 --> 19:59.266 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:30% For a lot of the, uh, teenagers, 19:59.333 --> 20:00.666 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% we kind of see it coming. 20:00.733 --> 20:05.200 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% So we, our job is kind of deterred them from getting 20:05.266 --> 20:06.633 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% into the streets like that. 20:06.700 --> 20:09.533 align:start position:37.5% line:79.33% size:27.5% So we offer jobs, uh, schooling, 20:09.600 --> 20:12.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% training, a lot of other stuff that when we out here, 20:12.866 --> 20:15.700 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% what we call canvassing and we walk up on these corners and 20:15.766 --> 20:18.233 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% talk to these young guys, we got something to offer. 20:18.300 --> 20:20.700 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% And that, and that's kind of our way of giving back. 20:20.766 --> 20:22.300 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% We offer them jobs and, you know, 20:22.366 --> 20:24.000 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% try to get 'em off the street. - Give 'em hope. 20:24.066 --> 20:24.966 align:start position:45% line:79.33% size:12.5% Yeah. Give 'em hope. 20:25.033 --> 20:27.766 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% What, what makes you a credible messenger? 20:27.833 --> 20:30.500 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% No, un unfortunately, when I was 17, 20:30.566 --> 20:32.333 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% I was convicted, first degree murder. 20:32.400 --> 20:34.966 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Since life without parole, I ended up serving two 20:35.033 --> 20:35.866 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% and a half years in prison. 20:35.933 --> 20:37.333 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% Wait, how, how old were you when you... 20:37.400 --> 20:39.000 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% I was 17 when I went in. 20:39.066 --> 20:40.466 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% And you were sentenced to... 20:40.533 --> 20:43.600 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% Life for without parole in 27 and a half to 55 years, 20:43.666 --> 20:44.900 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% running a consecutive. 20:44.966 --> 20:46.133 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 20:46.200 --> 20:49.100 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% You know, so basically I saw I was never getting out again. 20:49.166 --> 20:51.133 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% You know, that was it for me, you know, so, 20:51.200 --> 20:52.633 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% But here you are. - Yeah, I am. 20:52.700 --> 20:53.633 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% And how did that happen? 20:53.700 --> 20:56.133 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% You know, while outside I did a lot of work. 20:56.200 --> 20:58.400 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% President NAAACP, they worked with different, 20:58.466 --> 21:00.633 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% different organizations, created organizations. 21:00.700 --> 21:02.933 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% I worked with a lot of politicians inside the walls. 21:03.000 --> 21:05.166 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% I did a lot of things, you know, to better myself. 21:05.233 --> 21:07.200 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% And it changed who I was, you know, 21:07.266 --> 21:10.100 align:start position:40% line:79.33% size:20% and, and unfortunately in 2000, 21:10.166 --> 21:13.433 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% uh, 12, a law changed called Millerford, Alabama. 21:13.500 --> 21:14.933 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% The Supreme Court decided a case 21:15.000 --> 21:16.100 align:start position:37.5% line:84.67% size:20% Exactly. 21:16.166 --> 21:17.666 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% When that changed, they gave me the opportunity to make 21:17.733 --> 21:18.966 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:42.5% parole, you know. 21:19.033 --> 21:21.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% So it changed, it changed in 2012. 21:21.566 --> 21:24.566 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% They fought four years [indistinct] for a couple years. 21:24.633 --> 21:25.966 align:start position:25% line:84.67% size:50% I came home in 2019. 21:26.033 --> 21:26.933 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 21:27.000 --> 21:29.600 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:55% Know upon coming home, I worked in reentry. 21:29.666 --> 21:32.100 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% You know, my first day home I was doing re-entry work. 21:32.166 --> 21:33.933 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% Then somebody told me about the program mayor, 21:34.000 --> 21:36.300 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% you know, he said it was George Moey runs the program, 21:36.366 --> 21:37.466 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:42.5% so you might, you might know him. 21:37.533 --> 21:39.066 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% I said, well, I heard a lot about him, 21:39.133 --> 21:42.500 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% you know, from a prosecutor, very, very fair individual. 21:42.566 --> 21:43.833 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% I said, let me interview. 21:43.900 --> 21:45.700 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% And I interviewed and I, I got the job, you know. 21:45.766 --> 21:46.233 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:10% Wow. 21:46.300 --> 21:47.300 align:start position:27.5% line:84.67% size:45% And last question. 21:47.366 --> 21:49.433 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% How, how do you feel about your work now? 21:49.500 --> 21:50.700 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:32.5% It's my life. 21:50.766 --> 21:53.433 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% You know, I feel like, oh, the death to society. 21:53.500 --> 21:54.833 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% You know, I paid my debt to the system 21:54.900 --> 21:56.300 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:70% by doing the time in prison. 21:56.366 --> 21:59.866 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:80% But I took a life, you know, how can you repair taking a life? 21:59.933 --> 22:02.200 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% You know, my religion that says you take one life, 22:02.266 --> 22:03.933 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% like heal the life of the whole world. 22:04.000 --> 22:05.066 align:start position:32.5% line:84.67% size:35% You save life. 22:05.133 --> 22:06.733 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Like, it's like you saved life for the whole world. 22:06.800 --> 22:09.000 align:start position:35% line:79.33% size:32.5% So my penance man, and you know, 22:09.066 --> 22:10.800 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% is to do the right thing. 22:10.866 --> 22:12.266 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% Try to save lives out here. 22:12.333 --> 22:14.200 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% You know, unfortunately I made a terrible mistake 22:14.266 --> 22:15.966 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% that I can't reverse. 22:16.033 --> 22:18.366 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% But I can use my story to use my, 22:18.433 --> 22:20.600 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% my knowledge and my journey to make sure other people don't 22:20.666 --> 22:21.800 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:55% make the same mistake. 22:21.866 --> 22:24.666 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% So there might, there might be some people who say, 22:24.733 --> 22:29.100 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% this dude locked up all these people when he was the DA, 22:29.166 --> 22:33.566 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% then he gets locked up and now he gets it. 22:33.633 --> 22:36.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% Well, he should have got it a lot earlier. 22:37.033 --> 22:39.166 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% Well, that's a fair assessment. 22:39.233 --> 22:40.433 align:start position:20% line:84.67% size:60% I can't argue with that. 22:40.500 --> 22:42.500 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% All I know is about my own life journey, 22:42.566 --> 22:44.400 align:start position:17.5% line:84.67% size:62.5% my own spiritual journey. 22:44.466 --> 22:47.466 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% And I really believe now, and I used to tell people, 22:47.533 --> 22:49.100 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:42.5% um, if I could do it all over again, 22:49.166 --> 22:50.633 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:37.5% I would've been more like my father. 22:50.700 --> 22:53.833 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% 'cause what I think now is I can do more to prevent crime 22:53.900 --> 22:57.366 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% and to reduce recidivism by teaching vocational skills, 22:57.433 --> 23:00.300 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:52.5% workforce development to returning citizens. 23:00.366 --> 23:01.833 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:37.5% So if you could do it over again, 23:01.900 --> 23:04.000 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:45% you would not have become a prosecutor? 23:04.066 --> 23:04.733 align:start position:45% line:84.67% size:7.5% No. 23:04.833 --> 23:06.066 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% If I could do it all over again. 23:06.133 --> 23:08.866 align:start position:27.5% line:79.33% size:47.5% Um, well, I think I would've been happy being a, 23:08.933 --> 23:11.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% a, a high school history teacher and football coach and 23:11.866 --> 23:13.966 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:52.5% running a day camp in the summer like my dad. 23:14.033 --> 23:16.833 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:62.5% And really addressing the individual needs that people 23:16.900 --> 23:19.233 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% have to help them become the best that they can be. 23:19.300 --> 23:23.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% And do you feel like you deserve to go to prison? 23:23.200 --> 23:26.333 align:start position:12.5% line:84.67% size:72.5% Um, well, for the crimes, no. 23:26.400 --> 23:28.800 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:55% But I think God had me where he wanted me to be, 23:28.866 --> 23:31.166 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% to become the person I'm supposed to be and to shed 23:31.233 --> 23:35.600 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% myself of the people and the places and things that had got 23:35.666 --> 23:38.466 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% me into this kind of like a self-destructive cycle 23:38.533 --> 23:42.000 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% of trying to prove my worth to everybody and trying to have 23:42.066 --> 23:42.933 align:start position:32.5% line:79.33% size:35% to tweet every day as a DA, 23:43.000 --> 23:44.833 align:start position:25% line:79.33% size:50% oh, I did this great thing, I did this. 23:44.900 --> 23:47.566 align:start position:22.5% line:79.33% size:50% That whole lifestyle was really kind of phony. 23:47.633 --> 23:49.700 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Um, and I really found that the people that I was most 23:49.766 --> 23:53.133 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% real with were the guys I was in prison with. 23:53.200 --> 23:55.900 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:67.5% Um, and so I think my tribe now is those people 23:55.966 --> 23:58.200 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% and the people who are really the underdogs 23:58.266 --> 24:00.366 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:65% and the people that no one else wants to help. 24:00.433 --> 24:03.133 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% Um, I really find my real passion in that now 24:03.200 --> 24:04.900 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:57.5% and just trying to talk to those folks. 24:04.966 --> 24:08.800 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:75% Most former prisoners find out pretty quickly that a lot of 24:08.866 --> 24:13.333 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% people see incarceration as disqualification. 24:13.400 --> 24:17.300 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:70% Some returning citizens find a way to make lemonade 24:17.366 --> 24:21.100 align:start position:10% line:79.33% size:77.5% outta lemon, realizing that the roads they've traveled, 24:21.166 --> 24:25.600 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:62.5% the isolation, the shame, maybe even the harm they've 24:25.666 --> 24:29.700 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:60% witnessed, suffered, and sometimes even perpetrated, 24:29.766 --> 24:33.466 align:start position:20% line:79.33% size:60% maybe that can make them uniquely qualified 24:33.533 --> 24:35.866 align:start position:22.5% line:84.67% size:52.5% to be of service now. 24:36.866 --> 24:40.033 align:start position:30% line:79.33% size:40% With like-minded people of goodwill, 24:40.100 --> 24:43.800 align:start position:17.5% line:79.33% size:67.5% Returning Citizens are best qualified to persuade others 24:43.866 --> 24:47.700 align:start position:15% line:79.33% size:65% from going down those same roads of anger and despair, 24:48.533 --> 24:53.533 align:start position:12.5% line:79.33% size:72.5% or to help folks make headway when they leave prison and 24:53.600 --> 24:56.066 align:start position:15% line:84.67% size:67.5% decide to find another way. 25:35.333 --> 25:38.766 align:start position:22.5% line:10% size:52.5% Returning Citizens is made possible by... 26:09.800 --> 26:14.266 align:start position:12.5% line:10% size:72.5% The United Way, fostering the success of those who as they 26:14.333 --> 26:18.166 align:start position:15% line:10% size:70% return to our neighborhoods, remain a largely untapped 26:18.233 --> 26:21.133 align:start position:35% line:10% size:32.5% resource, the formerly incarcerated. 26:21.700 --> 26:25.266 align:start position:20% line:10% size:57.5% Waterman II Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation 26:25.333 --> 26:27.733 align:start position:20% line:10% size:60% at the recommendation of David Haas, 26:27.800 --> 26:30.266 align:start position:30% line:10% size:40% the Independence Foundation.