Prison Scholars Discuss Book by PJI Program Associate Tray Jones

Written by Julia Butler

The Prison Scholars Program at the D.C. Jail welcomed Arlando “Tray” Jones III, program associate at the Prisons and Justice Initiative, on Aug. 12 as part of a weekly guest lecture series. The scholars discussed Jones’ memoir, “Eager Street: A Life on the Corner and Behind Bars.”

Jones was wrongfully convicted at 16 years old and served 37 years in prison before being released in July 2022. In 2009, he wrote and published “Eager Street,” the first of two books he wrote while incarcerated.

“Eager Street” reflects on Jones’s experience growing up in late-70s, early-80s Baltimore amidst familial loss and the growing drug culture. Jones said the opportunity to reflect on his past while in prison made him want to tell his story.

“I think when we’re in prison, we get a chance to step back from your life, just a little bit,” said Jones. “That gives you the best opportunity to see it and portray it, to tell it. Because once you can tell your story, you can own it. You own your life.”

Jones said he hopes his book will inspire the scholars to reflect on their own experiences and tell their own stories as a form of growth and self-improvement.

“Hopefully the scholars that are in the D.C. Jail will glean the courage or the inspiration to champion their own story as opposed to living in someone else’s if they are, or at the very least, give definition to their life so their life won’t be given definition to them,” said Jones.

Valerie Coats, program manager of the Prison Scholars Program, said she knows Jones will serve as a role model for the scholars.

“His perspective is invaluable and I know the strength and resilience he embodies will inspire and leave a lasting impact on the students,” said Coats.

Jones intends for his lecture to become a continuous conversation not only about his experience, but the scholars’ as well.

“I hope that each person sitting in that jumpsuit is determined for themselves to take control, command of telling their own story,” said Jones. “Because that’s what ‘Eager Street’ is all about. ‘Eager Street’ is my story. And I believe that we all have our stories to tell.”