From Incarceration to Advocacy: The Transformative Power of Second Chances

By Tyrone Walker, Director of Reentry Services

While reflecting on the profound impact of second chances during Second Chance Month, I’m drawn to the journey that led me from incarceration to advocacy, culminating in my current role as Director of Reentry Services at Georgetown University’s Prisons and Justice Initiative (PJI). The experiences I had prior to my release inform my approach to assisting others during their transitions from incarceration to freedom.

My educational journey began within the fences of Cumberland Federal Prison in Maryland, where I made my first attempt to earn my GED,  but I failed on my first try after months of studying. Three months later, I was re-scheduled to take the portions I failed and I blew the test out of the water. It felt like the weight of the world dropped off my shoulders. This was one of the happiest days of my life because I worked at something and achieved it, despite my physical confinement.

The thirst to acquire formal knowledge led me to apply and get enrolled in Allegany College of Maryland. I was taking classes until The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (VCCLEA), also known as the Crime Bill, removed Pell grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals. After the Crime Bill was implemented, I was forced to stop taking classes, having earned a one year business certificate from Allegany College of Maryland, which shattered my hopes of earning my associate degree.

Although I did not earn my associate degree, I had accomplished things that were valuable. During my incarceration in Maryland, I earned my GED, a college business certificate, nearly eleven years of work experience in the Federal Prison Industry (Unicor), extensive certifications, and a wealth of knowledge through self-study. 

Then, I was transferred to Atlanta Federal Penitentiary in Georgia, where I earned my certification as a Professional Trainer from the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT), with a specialization in Cancer Recovery. I taught classes on fitness and wellness while I tutored others to help them become Certified Professional Trainers. At the same time, I was also one of the lead workers inside the Recreational Department. 

After being transferred to McDowell Federal Prison in West Virginia, I collaborated with fellow incarcerated individuals on the Incarcerated Reentry Council, guided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (FBOP) Reentry Coordinator. In this capacity, I acquired valuable reentry skills despite facing uncertainty regarding my path, as I was serving a parolable indeterminate juvenile life sentence ranging from 27 years and 8 months to life.

It was fulfilling to assist others in accessing resources that prepared them for their return to society and supported their rehabilitation, even as I awaited my own second chance.

During the pendency of my motion under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016, I was housed at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), a Second Chance Pell Experimental Site. I began taking classes in the Georgetown Prison Scholars program. Despite my incarceration, it felt great being back in a college class setting and to be academically challenged. While awaiting resentencing, I mentored young adults in CTF’s Young Men Emerging (YME) Unit, advocating for reforms within the unit that prioritize a therapeutic environment over a punitive one. This experience facilitated a seemingly seamless transition into society upon my release on December 4, 2018. After serving nearly 25 years, I was given a second chance.

As we celebrate Second Chance Month, I am constantly reminded of how my second chance enabled me to rebuild relationships and make a positive impact in my community. I’m reminded of the resilience and potential within individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.

Tyrone Walker

Like many returning citizens, I encountered numerous challenges: loneliness, PTSD, and the daunting uncertainty that comes with reentering society. For instance, when I first rode the subway after many years, the bustling crowds startled me. Being on the subway triggered a panic response because of the hypervigilance that prison life ingrained in me. Moreover, I grappled with tasks like connecting my laptop to WiFi, remembering login passwords, and navigating the complexities of family dynamics. In reality, my family and I were practically strangers to each other and we had to learn about each other as adults living under one roof to rebuild our relationships. Fortunately, the stability provided by my sister’s housing support and the opportunities offered by the Georgetown Pivot Program eased my transition, without which the journey would have been even more challenging.

I spent time thinking about the countless hours of legal research that I did in the prison law library and the hardships, caused by long-term incarceration, that I have faced. Reflecting upon these parts of my life provided me with insight on how I could make positive changes for the men and women who were still incarcerated, fighting the fight of their lives. I became the voice for the voiceless with my knowledge and first-hand experience. Testifying before the D.C. Council and advocating for the Second Look Amendment Act of 2019, underscored to me the importance of legislative action, as well as how I could be a part of that change.

I knew after that day that my purpose was to help the men and women who will soon be reintegrating into society. I recognized how my second chance transformed my life and I wanted to help bring second chances to others.

As Director of Reentry Services at PJI, I spearhead initiatives aimed at supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community. Drawing on my personal experiences, I am deeply committed to developing comprehensive programs that address the holistic needs of those reintegrating into society. It is immensely gratifying to witness our program graduates embracing life alongside their families, friends, and other members of the Georgetown community, as they proudly cross the graduation stage. They are poised to secure employment, enhance financial stability at home, and contribute to the reduction of recidivism. Their journey is empowering and designed to sustain lives beyond the confines of prison walls.

It is immensely gratifying to witness our program graduates embracing life alongside their families, friends, and other members of the Georgetown community, as they proudly cross the graduation stage.

Tyrone Walker

As we celebrate Second Chance Month, I am constantly reminded of how my second chance enabled me to rebuild relationships and make a positive impact in my community. I’m reminded of the resilience and potential within individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. My journey from incarceration to advocacy epitomizes the transformative power of second chances. By sharing my story and leveraging my experiences, I hope to inspire others to believe in the possibility of redemption and work towards a more just and inclusive society for all.