1. How would you explain the disproportionate incarceration rate for minority groups generally, and black males specifically, in America today?

Im not exactly sure how to answer this question. I would need to know more information about this. It may have something to do with their upbringing and the whole poverty cycle that we have previously talked about. They are stuck in this poverty cycle that may force them to go to extremes to achieve money or food or shelter.

2. What are the effects, on communities, families, and individuals, of incarceration?

At the presentations that we attended one of the members read us a letter from an ex convict that was unable to come to new york because of her probation. She explained that she had request a few months ago to get permission to come to new york to be a part of the presentation. She was denied this request. She has also been denied her request to go to another state to visit her family for almost 4 years. This is just one example of how ex-prisoners are not being integrated back into society. They feel alienated and frustrated. They served their time and fulfilled their debt to society yet they are still being punished.

3. What should be done to address the challenges of incarceration faced by communities, families, and individuals?

I believed there need to be more programs like the one we got the opportunity to see. These types of programs can raise awareness about the wrongs of society concerning ex-convicts and the issues they face. These programs need to travel to schools and communities alike to spread awareness to all age groups and come up with a plan to find a solution.

4. As a member of the Siena Franciscan Community, and a Siena Bonner Service Leader, how can you be an ally to, and imagine working to address the challenges faced by, formerly incarcerated people at some point in your Siena career?

We can raise awareness about the issue right here on the Siena campus. We can see if the presenters we saw would be willing to come to Siena and reenact what they did for us. I think so many students on campus will be very concerned with this issue and have a lot to say about it. We may be able to come up with some sort of plan or atleast take a step toward bettering this problem.


B-Love