Jesse Crosson speaks with Rachel about his experiences as an inmate for 22 years in Virginia prisons and his perspectives on how there is better way to address criminal justice, a way that respects victims and prioritizes both public safety and genuine rehabilitation for offenders. He also shares how learning meditation and a spiritual experience when hitting bottom as an alcoholic radically changed the trajectory of his life and how such resources should be made available to all inmates. As he and his friend and colleague for the project, journalist, Courtney Stewart puts it, there's a better way to address criminal justice in a way that respects victims and prioritizes both public safety and genuine rehabilitation for offenders. He discusses why he believes we can be part of the solution.
Jesse Crosson is a former inmate in Virginia correctional facilities, a writer and activist on behalf of reforming the way the justice system works and the way inmates are treated. While in prison, he received a degree in psychology from Ohio University. He volunteered as a mentor in the mental health treatment unit, he learned job skills taught programs, connected with other people, and as he puts it, passed on the love and support that was so steadily given to him by so many. Jesse was released after nearly 19 years in August of 2021, with a conditional pardon by the Virginia Governor, citing the fact that he had committed the crimes before the age of 18, was sentenced to twice the high point of the sentencing guidelines, and had made great strides to improve himself and help others while inside. jessecrosson.com
Destiny Lines: Sacred Activism for Peacemaking and Ending Violence
Healing is Peacemaking
Rachel Mann PhD
sacred activist | healer | spiritual teacher | social scientist
rachelmannphd.com
rachelmannphdconsulting.com