Reclaiming Our Humanity: Foundations of Success for Formerly Incarcerated Black Men

• In Event: The Physical and Mental Health Impacts of Incarceration

Abstract

African American men are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, with systemic racism contributing to high recidivism rates and barriers to education, job training, and reentry services. This study counters dominant narratives by exploring the lived experiences of six formerly incarcerated African American men in California through the lenses of Black critical race theory and abolitionist theory. Six themes emerged: (1) Early educational experiences and the love for learning that was not cultivated; (2) The absence of belonging in traumatic environments; (3) Building meaningful connections during incarceration through mentorship, reading, and debating; (4) Post-incarceration programs that facilitate transitions and educational opportunities; (5) Success factors such as education, networking, and reactivating inner genius; and (6) Recommendations for culturally relevant mentorship, affordable education, job placement, and cross-collaboration between higher education and reentry organizations. The findings underscore the critical need for systemic changes in reentry practices and policies to better address the unique needs of African American men. This research offers actionable insights to improve reentry experiences and promote equity through culturally relevant support systems, collaborative initiatives, and policy reform.

Author

• Robert Mossi Alexander, University of San Francisco