I Ought to Know: Eastern State Penitentiary Searchlight Series

Firsthand Stories of People Impacted by Prosecution and Prison: A Panel Discussion Co-Hosted with FAMM

While 2.1 million people are in prison in America, we still rarely get to hear their stories or perspectives. Join us to hear first-hand the stories of people who have served long prison sentences, people patiently waiting for a loved one to come home, and two former prosecutors now advocating criminal justice reform. Our panelists will share their experiences with and views on mandatory sentencing laws, rehabilitation in prison, the challenges of reentry, and how we can improve our criminal justice system. 

Moderated by FAMM Vice President of Policy Molly Gill. Panelists include: 

• Derrick Cain served a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. He now lives in Philadelphia, runs his own real estate business, and speaks publicly about the need for criminal justice reform.
   
• Amasa Miller served a mandatory minimum sentence of nine years at Graterford Prison. While incarcerated, he overcame a drug addiction and earned his GED. He lives in Bucks County.
   
• Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, from 2013-2017. As U.S. Attorney, he emphasized being smart on crime, utilizing enforcement, prevention, and reentry as tools to improve public safety.

This event is free to attend. Reception to follow.