Senator Hendon's district has one of the highest percentages of ex-offenders not only
in Chicago but nationwide. Some of them are trying to turn not only their lives around,
but the lives of their youth. Reginald "Akkeem" Berry spoke to the community meeting
about a problem in Chicago Public Schools policy, as well as possibly in state law, that makes
their job harder. Akkeem and some fellow ex-felons and allies had a demonstration
outside CPS offices on March 18, encouraging CPS to take a look at ways to involve ex offedenders
in education. He advocates a a policy that is watchful over the ex-offenders but doesn't
ban their employment.
Contact: Reginald "Akkeem" Berry, Jr., 773-957-4214 www.savingoursonsministries.org
Interviews available from:Reginald "Akkeem" Berry, Jr.,Q.L. Anthony,
Bonni McKeown
Ex-Felons Barred from Urging Youth to Give Up Their Guns
A diverse group of educators, community leaders and ex-gang members
gathered in front of the headquarters of the Chicago Public Schools at
125 South Clark Street and marched to the State of Illinois Building
to protest a state law banning former felons from working in
classrooms.
Ironically, the same felons are allowed to speak in the classroom in
volunteer programs. But they are not allowed to get paid as contractors,
which would allow them the opportunity to make a living--a problem
that often drives ex-offenders back to a criminal lifestyle.
The law, intended to protect children, has instead had the
effect of denying kids access to the best gang and violence prevention
information around: straight-talk from reformed, former gang
bangers. Speakers at the demonstration on Thursday lamented the
recent, tragic surge of youth murders in Chicago, and argued that
children were being systematically denied information that could save
their lives. The law or policy, they argued, must be repealed. Former gang
members led the crowd of 40 in a chant: "Change the law, before its
too late, let the kids learn--from our mistakes".
The event was sponsored by Saving Our Sons Ministries founded in 2006
by Reginald "Akkeem" Berry, Jr. Berry, who turned his life around
after decades of imprisonment for a murder he committed 22 years ago,
is committed to stopping the cycle of gun violence. "I worked hard to
put my life back on track, and now I work just as diligently to
prevent youth from making the mistakes I did." Mayor Daley has
recognized him for his work, and signs at the protest displayed
glowing letters of recommendation from police officers and
schoolteachers for his educational programs. Kids listen to him
because he speaks from experience. "Real recognizes Real,” Berry said.
Another educator and ex-felon Q.L Anthony echoed the same themes,
"Kids don't listen to pubic school administrators because they can't
relate to them, but they see me and they know I am speaking from the
heart." Anthony has led classes that literally disarm at-risk youth.
"I have had kids hand over their guns at the end of the program,"
Anthony said, "so I know I am doing something right." Because of this
law against ex-felons however, he cannot be compensated for his work
for the public schools, so he does it on a purely volunteer basis.
Other protesters echoed his plea to "give us the chance to atone for
the harm we have done, by preventing future violence."
