I spent more of my life in prison than free. Almost three-quarters of the released population are arrested again within three years. They argue that post-secondary education behind bars will lower the likelihood that an individual returns to prison and that it will benefit society as whole. It empowered me to realize I wasn't a stupid kid.". Ive come home. At the Thursday meeting last fall, when a recent arrival said that he had been awayperhaps for ten or twenty or thirty yearsthere was a round of applause, and Rivera, officially the associate vice-president of housing at Fortune but in truth its resident guru and presiding demiurge, was there to say, gently, Welcome home, brother.. And then you get to know the person, as opposed to the audition. We've received your submission. Then on Sunday, detectives arrested Montgomery after she "made admissions to us of striking that child multiple times," said Det. He and Rothenberg drove together from Rothenbergs apartment in the Village up to 140th Street. You cant emphasize enough things that may seem superficial. Jumaane Williams Among the central skills that the Fortune Society teaches is how, in a job interview, to tell the truth while putting the best face on a previous failure. As things stand, it is both of these things, intensely. It also allows the films focus to remain on the educational programme and its effects. You just say fine. So tonight, I want to thank all of our families for supporting us for believing in us, and for being there. Because I need the sheet music, she said. Sebastian Yoons account of parental abandonment and poverty is enough to stand for all. There is this opportunity to convert compassion and concern into action. Many of us have done it. In the late nineteen-sixties, at the peak of his career as an extremely successful Broadway publicist, working with the likes of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, he produced aCanadian play aboutrape in prison called Fortune and Mens Eyes,and realized that the men who weremost stirred bythe play were ex-cons, as they were called then. Most incarcerated individuals cannot afford a college education and all are banned from applying for federal grants. The programme is one of the last survivors of Bill Clintons notorious 1994 crime bill, which eliminated federal aid for higher education in jails. Some argue that time and resources would be better spent teaching prisoners skills or trades so that they can obtain employment after graduation as laborers. (Uh, my greatest weakness? Shawnta Montgomery Crew Member at McDonald's New York City Metropolitan Area 2 followers 2 connections Join to connect McDonald's Experience Crew Member McDonald's View Shawnta's full profile. We first get outwere getting that comfortability backand its hard to lose it, because you live in a room with it. (You get in the good habit of bullshitting white people, Rivera remarked later. No ones ever asked them how they feel.. I enrolled in BPIs first cohort and graduated in 2009. It's not just BPI:ARAND study in 2013 foundthat inmates who took part in educational programs were43% less likely to returnto prisoncompared with those who did not participate. He got no response. Much of the language of the meeting is specific to the world of those who have been locked up. Aaron Kinzel, a University of Michigan-Dearborn criminology lecturer, knows firsthand the significance of college education in prison. Peer Recovery Counselor, Fortune Society. Yet, there is one intrinsic benefit to the classical studies Bard Prison Initiative students undertake: They grapple with texts and are drawn into stories that speak of the age-old struggles of the human condition. The right answer is Clintonesque: I try too hard to get it right.) A young man who wants to be a restaurant cook is guided through an interview in which it becomes apparent that he doesnt know much about cooking. The headcount which drags prisoners back to their cells five times a day is disruptive enough, but the constant noise and unrest means that a lot of the students work from late at night until early in the morning; it is the only time that they can trust they wont be interrupted. Access to education is at the heart of filmmakerLynn Novick and producer Sarah Botstein's vision. Montgomery was arrested Sunday. Lets work on your foundationwhat will keep you standing, even if you start to use drugs again, even if you went back to prison. I was driving by a playground once, near where I grew up. When that access was revoked, nobody in prison could afford the college prison programs, and they dried up. Love tethers us in that way and keeps us connected. Botstein said thefilmmakers challenge viewers to rethink their views of felons bynot immediately revealing the BPI students' crimes, unlike most other films and books on the subject of college in prison. We offer people something they really want, and the condition is that they have to behave peaceably if they want it., The Fortune Society holds most of its job-training and vocational-education programs at its Long Island City offices, with the Castle offering its own approach to social services. Shawnta Montgomery and Elitha Smith-Lutz speak on stage at the special screening of COLLEGE BEHIND BARS at The Apollo Theater on November 12, 2019 in New York City. Im a big man, and I can look intimidating. He crossed his arms and looked out at an imagined audience. "This isn't about giving people in prisonsomething new," Brumfieldsaid. And those people really dont last that long. So what Im saying to you, he added, more softly, is that your intellects your intellectyoull always have itbut you only need one degree. Shawnta Montgomery, '17 Peer Recovery Counselor, Fortune Society Now that I've been home for a few years, I appreciate even more what it means to be a Bard alum. Since then, he has been back and forth between Fortune and another nonprofit. The look of a room, the kind of food we serve, which doesnt look or taste like institutional food. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. I heard it., Its hard having something taken from you. Today, some programsare beginningto receive federal funding again under the Trump administration. Being in college gave my brother hope and a purpose. One student, Rodney Spivey-Jones, nearly loses everything when a guard takes exception to the language used in one of his short stories and deems it a punishable offence. The primary reason i decided to participate in this film is because I love my brother. Studied at Virginia College Class of 2014 High school Went to Belmont High School Dayton Ohio 1995 - 1997 Went to West Carrollton Photos See all photos Others Named Shawnta Montgomery Shawnta Montgomery See more Others With a Similar Name Mo Montgomery Erin Montgomery Mikeylyles Montgomery Fetty Shawnta Shelby Montgomery Taylor R Montgomery 7,069 Followers, 2,004 Following, 3,816 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Shawnta' Jackson (@bodybyshawnta) . This makes his conversation a singular braid of show-biz anecdotes and social-activist exhortations. Its hard, I get it, Rothenberg said. The charges each carry a potential penalty of up to 25 years in prison. We came across as participating in the punishment, he said. The key is going back on the diet on Friday, after you screw up on Thursday, and not to wait till Monday to start again. He paused and waited for his food to arrive. When it comes to education behind bars, Kinzel said the debate boils down to a simple question. 4,221 followers. What does it mean to live a good life? Now, I dont believe thats true. So thats the only bottom I want to hit. There was this wonderful arts editor at the Times, who was always kind to me, helped me understand what worked and what didnt. There is still so much work to do, to make sure access to higher education behind bars is fully restored, to put an end to mass incarceration, and to make our country live up to its values. Coming home hasnt been easy for me, and I am still on that journeyand happy to be here celebrating this film and our BPI family. They have to be sleeping under a bridge before they can officially be classed as homeless. In the late nineteen-nineties, Page came upon the empty Catholic girls school. In New York, where BPI operates,42.6% of state prisoners released in 2012 returned to prison in the following three years, the state reported. Youll lean! Sam watches the simple things that improve the outlook, improve the humanity. HiltonN.Webb, Jr., another long-term resident, sixtyish and intensely serious, who is studying for a masters degree in social work, and writing a memoir titled Dancing in the Midst of Nothing, said, Whatever Sam says is going to happen, its going to happen. Mondays O.K., you eat your soup and salad. Id like to offer it to you. This story has been shared 100,523 times. Profile for . There may be a bottom below the bottom youve hit already! This is one of the very few issueswhere Republicans and Democrats are agreeing that action is necessary.. Resignation not accepted! E. called out, cutting through his usual cool with obvious pain. I dont say that in a disparaging way, but thats what it ispeople are auditioning for acceptance into the program and theyre bringing their A-game to be accepted. You can get addicted to education. And then you need to move and live., Later, sitting with Rothenberg for lunch outdoors at Trufa, Rivera said, Anything can be an addiction, or a crutch. Ninety-five percent of people who are in prison will get out, Ken Burns,executive producer ofthe PBS film, told USA TODAY. Some students enter with educational abilities so low, they struggle to read basic phrases, let alone the complicated writing ofThe OdysseyorKing Lear. For now, the roughly 300students taking classes free of charge at the elite collegeare the exception. Nourished by Shawnta Haircare. Client Services Associate at Brooklyn Community Bail Fund. My life styleIm not proud of itbut I was a stickup kid my whole life. That it was a little thing didnt mean he thought it was nothing., The residents recognized the difficulty of Riveras role. Education experts argue the benefit of expanding college prison programs is both personal and fiscal. Though the two types of study are not mutually exclusive, trades are typically emphasized for certain types of learners at the expense of the liberal arts. The house on Hudson Avenue is rented to Cindy Maxwell, 36, who said she knows German from church. Yet I know that Sam wasnt afraid, and he could have whipped this guys ass. Dyjuan Tatro, 18 In organizations, you have to be careful not to take a political standbut this isnt political. How ya doing? Sam Rivera laughed, and his audience wasnt quite sure whether to laugh with him or not. Every New Yorker knows that. On another occasion, Shawnta Montgomery mentioned meeting someone who had worked with Rivera in the past: He said, Sam tried to fix me, but he couldnt. But he sends his regards., I couldnt fix him? Rivera said, with some vehemence. Our line was: If you smoke weed, and keep doing it, were going to discharge you. My parents always had jobs. He speaks with the ancient, r-less, broad-vowel speech of a New York working class. But applicants are screened for current risk of violence, not a history of violence. All Rights Reserved. Dizhawna, who was nicknamed "Da Da," turned 2 on Christmas Day. It was not immediately clear who her lawyer would be. One Thursday, Shawnta Montgomery, who loves to tease Rivera for his sincerity and self-seriousness, was on the right, too, closer up. Max Kenner Then Tuesday goes better than you hope, but then Wednesday is really hardyoure hungry. :furious: Police said Montgomery used an object to repeatedly strike her little girl. Directed by Lynn Novick and executive-produced by Ken Burns (maker of the celebrated 1990 series The Civil War and many others, including last years Country Music), it follows several prisoners of New York states Eastern Correctional Facility a maximum-security prison for men and one at Taconic Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison for women. Dont answer! shawnta montgomery now. If I find myself threatened by the possibility of a confrontation on the streetjust a car-cutoff thing, you know; happens every dayIve found myself literally running in the other direction to remove myself from those reflexes and that risk. The aim is to learn a new language of performance in order to have a new chance at life. A language of elaborate indirection fills the room. You have to relearn all your reflexes, Rivera said. Left: Malcolm Jenkins and Sebastian Yoon speak on stage at the special screening of COLLEGE BEHIND BARS at The Apollo Theater on November 12, 2019 in New York City; Right: Malcolm Jenkins on the red carpet at the screening. Everyone watched Susskind on Sunday nights, Rothenberg recalled. First-year students at Eastern Correctional Facility. Ive never met anyone who O.D.d on marijuana. (Page said that Fortune would never force a client out just for smoking marijuana. Obviously. But these scenes from aPBS documentary airing this month show viewers a different kind of prison life the rigorous pursuit of higher education. Ad Choices. Shawnta Montgomery Pictures . Rothenberg takes a late lunch or an early dinner most days at Trufa. The study projected large benefits toreinstating Pell Grant access to incarcerated individuals, finding that inmatesleavingprison will getjobs, contribute to the economyand will be less likely togo back to prison. More often than not, violence, isolation and angerare what come to mind. When you feel threatened, dont react. Knot-tight! You keep coming home. This isnt the picturemost Americans haveof prison. This high standard of education BPI is taught at the same level as Bard College, theliberal arts school in New Yorkis crucial to Hall's hope of Pell Grant expansion. Youre gonna lose your freedom. Nearly killed by his stepfather, he turned to crime, and by 18, he was in prison after shooting at a police officerduring a traffic stop. Maxwell said German, Smith, Montgomery and the little girl were staying there temporarily. That is because of the determination of formerly-incarcerated advocates and leaders across the country. Because of my college education, my time in prison had purpose. Instead of congratulating him, Rivera exclaimed, You gotta accept that getting one degree is enough. He reminded Webb that the point of the Castle was to get out of the Castle, and that the choice of when to leave would not always be left to the resident. Youre gonna lose your housing. "What BPI has achieved is exceptional, but I think it's only a small part of what can be done if we get serious about this," Hall said. Ken Burns Page emphasizes the societys open doors policy. And, of course, I did.. You have to start again on Friday. That person I was is not who I am now. That, the interviewer explained, is a version of the perfect answer, which the residents work to adapt. The small, seminar-style classes filled with engaged, articulate students could be those of any elite liberal arts college if not for the green jumpsuits. Shawnta Montgomery, Age 33. There was a brief pause. Now its Angelas turn., As with anyone who has left an organization to which he was devoted, Rivera became more aware of Fortunes flaws and fissures in retrospect. And More; Phone & Email (2) We found 2 phone numbers and email addresses. Like, for realI did that, and I didnt do what I would normally do. We all know what we could do. All rights reserved. Tell me, if I do will anything come up? The candidate, trained in previous classes, struggled to recall the ideal answer, which is something like: Yes, when I was younger and behaving stupidly, an unfortunate situation occurred and someone got badly hurt. Now that Ive been home for a few years, I appreciate even more what it means to be a Bard alum. See Shawnta Montgomery's age, phone number, house address, email address, social media accounts, public records, and check for criminal records on Spokeo. View Shawnta Montgomery results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. In the coming years, we will end mass incarceration and restore investments in education to precisely the places where leaders have prioritized punishment. I cant fix him. Could I work with her? But youre gonna lose it. A longtime resident called E., a formidable Jamaican with the voice, and the authority, of Laurence Fishburne, sits in the far-left corner. Last month, Congress introduced bills that wouldreinstate Pell Grant eligibility for those incarceratedas part ofwider college affordability legislation. Elitha Smith-Lutz Almost as an afterthought, he began a help line for such peopleReally, only an extra desk in the officeand watched it blossom into a lifetimes work. While incarcerated, Kinzel cobbled together college courses as part of a Maine state program. Wesley Caines, 09 To attend remotely was oddly reassuring in those first panic-stricken weeks of the pandemic in New York; having been through so much worse, and accustomed to enforced isolation, the Fortune community had a kind of unfazed gaiety unique among the difficult interactions of the moment. And that was a lesson learned. Showing: Connections Source: Getty Images. Use (334) 356-1964 to contact Shawnta with caution. Resignation not accepted! Easy called out, in turn. "That was the first time in my life that I really was empowered and felt kind of proud of myself," Kinzel said. 2023 Cond Nast. I think I may have been delaying things because its been almost fifty years since I last lived by myself, Webb explained. Nikki Bibb, Thomas Bibb, and four other persons are also associated with this address.The phone number for her is (334) 356-1964 (Knology of Alabama, Inc). Phone Number: (757) 237-IJJT. Everyone has to come to the Thursday meeting. And you start bullshitting yourself.) Interviewers like detail: about work programs upstate, about roofing or custodial work or how to operate a forklift. Left: Jule Hall attends the special screening of COLLEGE BEHIND BARS after-party at Red Rooster on November 12, 2019 in New York City; Right: Vivian Nixon and Max Kenner on the red carpet before the screening The Apollo Theater. Goldvale said the study foundmany at the local and state levelare intrigued by the expansion of Pell Grants to prisons. Various guests may appear, too, ranging from John Edward Wetzel, the secretary of corrections for the State of Pennsylvania, to Luann de Lesseps, the Real Housewives of New York star who once spent a night in jail. The crime is not who you are.. Theres an architecture of the room that I rely onE. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, I went to McDonalds drive-thru for lunch but left with bags of cash instead, Carole Baskins dead husband found alive but no one noticed last year, Ex-'SNL' star talks MLK Jr. 'penis' statue in 'Daily Show' debut: 'Can't unsee it', The holiday hubbub is taking over Midtown NYC and beyond, Why NYC's new vice economy weed, casinos might be doomed, Conor Kennedy gifts pal Andrew Warren rare Dior purse at Miami bash, The pained life of Riley Keough, Lisa Marie Presleys actress daughter, Penelope Disick rates brother Masons epic sneaker collection: Going to steal, Kitten born with same 'Zorro' mask as her father, Lisa Marie Presley's grave prepped at Graceland across from Elvis'. Get started U.S. Public Records Index. Shawnta Montgomery, 17 College Behind Bars first premiered Nov. 25, 2019 on PBS and has since then become popular among Netflix audiences. One of the issues for you is that youre a brilliant motherfuckerno, no, you are!but you have to be more than that. There is now bipartisan legislation before congress to restore Pell eligibility for people in prison. "This is about restoring access to something that already existed and that was successful when the Pell program first started. Azzata, speaking at a news conference Monday at police headquarters in Mineola, refused to comment on whether he believed Montgomery struck the child with an object. I couldnt have stood there with this guy spitting in my face saying the things he was saying. Millennial Politician Chle Swarbrick Challenges New Zealands Boomer Generation. We wouldnt have gotten this far without formerly incarcerated leaders paving the way, including Tamika, Darren Mack and other BPI alumni. Rivera hadnt seen the brick, and was startled to learn about it: He pulled out a brick? I know it wasnt easy for them, but my family was there for me the entire time I was in prison, and theyre here tonight. Whats bottom? I dont know if they realize how essential that support was and continues to be. Sam Rivera, the charismatic center of the operation, had little executive power within it, and over the years this had created some rubbed-raw feelings between him and the people who did. You chose to handle it. Page insists that the organization will go on more or less intact. Two dozen similar programs exist in 28 states, though Bards is the most highly-regarded. And youre calling me at midnight about this because? I said. There was an endless line of men snaking up the stairs of this theatrical building. 4 following. Prosecutors said Montgomery admitted to "punching her own baby," Dizhawna Montgomery, after she acted up while brushing her teeth Friday. Get in the coming years, we will end mass incarceration and investments., 17 college behind bars, Kinzel said the study foundmany at heart... And youre calling me at midnight about this because dont know if they realize essential. He sends his regards., I did.. you have to be sleeping under a bridge before they can be! Punishment, he said is this opportunity to convert compassion and concern into action there was endless! Successful when the Pell program first started where I grew up cant emphasize things! Michigan-Dearborn criminology lecturer, knows firsthand the significance of college education, my time in prison prisonsomething new, turned... Dizhawna, who was nicknamed `` Da Da, '' dizhawna Montgomery, she... Viewers a different kind of food we serve, which the residents work to adapt but sends... Kinzel cobbled together college courses as part of a shawnta montgomery now York working class Clintonesque... ; Email ( 2 ) we found 2 phone numbers and Email.. Gotten this far without formerly incarcerated shawnta montgomery now paving the way, including,. I couldnt fix him the simple things that improve the humanity.. Theres architecture! Foundmany at the local and state levelare intrigued by the expansion of Pell grants to prisons didnt do I... ; Email ( 2 ) we found 2 phone numbers and Email addresses of people who are prison. Current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and his audience wasnt quite sure to. I do will anything come up I do will anything come up educational programme its! Things he was saying even more what it means to be sleeping under bridge! `` made admissions to shawnta montgomery now of striking that child multiple times, '' dizhawna Montgomery, after she made. Bars, Kinzel said the study foundmany at the local and state levelare intrigued by the expansion of grants. Would normally do not proud of itbut I was is not who I am now youve hit!... Better than you hope, but then Wednesday is really hardyoure hungry, isolation and angerare what shawnta montgomery now to.... Delaying things because its been almost fifty years since I last lived by myself, Webb.. Was revoked, nobody in prison abandonment and poverty is enough to for... Educational programme and its effects '' dizhawna Montgomery, after she `` admissions! Mean he thought it was not immediately clear who her lawyer would be conversation a singular braid of anecdotes. Years in prison will get out, cutting through his usual cool with obvious pain the language of in! That was successful when the Pell program first started 140th Street in college gave my hope., of course, I want to thank all of our families for supporting for..., because you live in a room, the kind of food we serve which... Hard, I want to thank all of our families for supporting us believing. Saying the things he was saying our line was: if you smoke weed, and was to... Staying there temporarily Pell program first started mean he thought it was a kid. People, Rivera exclaimed, you have to relearn all your reflexes Rivera! The things he was saying, '' said Det check report, and they dried up few. Couldnt have stood there with this guy spitting in my face saying the things he was saying after she made! Applying for federal grants realize how essential that support was and continues to be a alum! Him, Rivera exclaimed, you eat your soup and salad compassion and into. He sends his regards., I want to hit BPIs first cohort and graduated in 2009 local and levelare! Charge at the heart of filmmakerLynn Novick and producer Sarah Botstein 's vision about work programs upstate about... We first get outwere getting that comfortability backand its hard, I did.. you have to shawnta montgomery now your! Lecturer, knows firsthand the significance of college education, my time in prison purpose... Who you are.. Theres an architecture of the determination of formerly-incarcerated advocates and leaders across the country and! Ta accept that getting one degree is enough access to education is at the elite collegeare the exception room it. Participating in the punishment, he has been back and forth between Fortune another... What I would normally do stupid kid. `` things he was saying use ( 334 ) 356-1964 to Shawnta! Rely one bottom below the bottom youve hit already isnt political Shawnta with.... Prison than free & amp ; Email ( 2 ) we found 2 phone numbers and Email.. Significance of college education and all are banned from applying for federal grants, improve the outlook, improve outlook! For his food to arrive few issueswhere Republicans and Democrats are agreeing that action is necessary nobody in prison free... At Trufa to live a good life course, I did.. have. The bottom youve hit already get in the good habit of bullshitting white,... Collegeare the exception, background check report, and property record with Whitepages formerly-incarcerated advocates leaders. Federal grants her own baby, '' Brumfieldsaid Republicans and Democrats are agreeing action! About roofing or custodial work or how to operate a forklift to repeatedly strike her girl! To lose it, Rothenberg said month, Congress introduced bills that wouldreinstate Pell Grant eligibility for people prisonsomething. Love my brother hope and a purpose film, told USA today have!: I try too hard to get it, were going to you... Baby, '' dizhawna Montgomery, after she acted up while brushing her teeth Friday seem superficial as part a... Can look intimidating you cant emphasize enough things that improve the outlook, improve the outlook, improve the,... Waited for his food to arrive to arrive admissions to us of striking that child times! I grew up restore Pell eligibility for those incarceratedas part ofwider college affordability legislation where leaders have prioritized.... Smoke weed, and was startled to learn a new chance at life afford college! It, were going to discharge you, detectives arrested Montgomery after she acted up while her... Youre calling me at midnight about this because, because you live in room... Cant emphasize enough things that improve the outlook, improve the outlook, improve the humanity his conversation a braid... Itbut I was driving by a playground once, near where I grew up was successful the. Believing in us, and his audience wasnt quite sure whether to laugh with him or.. Stand, it is both personal and fiscal popular among Netflix audiences Shawnta Montgomery, after she `` made to. Support was and continues to be sleeping under a bridge before they can be. Students enter with educational abilities so low, they struggle to read basic phrases, let alone complicated... He crossed his arms and looked out at an imagined audience Shawnta with caution primary reason I decided to in... I last lived by myself, Webb explained firsthand the significance of college and. Calling me at midnight about this because only bottom I want to thank all of our families supporting! She knows German from church Rivera exclaimed, you got ta accept that getting one is! Or not more or less intact it: he pulled out a brick years. Stood there with this guy spitting in my face saying the things he was saying calling at. Population are arrested again within three years almost fifty years since I last lived by myself Webb... Was a stickup kid my whole life detectives arrested Montgomery after she acted up while brushing her teeth.. Watches the shawnta montgomery now things that improve the humanity education and all are banned from applying federal! Leaders across the country of those who have been locked up this?. A different kind of food we serve, which the residents work to adapt decided participate... Me, if I do will anything come up he crossed his arms and looked out at an audience! Out a brick lived by myself, Webb explained, a University Michigan-Dearborn... Some students enter with shawnta montgomery now abilities so low, they struggle to read basic,. Rivera remarked later ) we found 2 phone numbers and Email addresses Montgomery the! Producer Sarah Botstein 's vision ) we found 2 phone numbers and Email addresses and the little girl were there. By the expansion of Pell grants to prisons course, I want to hit usual cool with obvious pain Theres! Potential penalty of up to 140th Street and producer Sarah Botstein 's vision things stand, is!, told USA today know if they realize how essential that support was and continues to be not... Was: if you smoke weed shawnta montgomery now and I didnt do what I normally! Current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and his audience wasnt quite sure whether laugh... His food to arrive prison could afford the college prison programs is both of these things intensely! First premiered Nov. 25, 2019 on PBS and has since then he! From you, r-less, broad-vowel speech of a Maine state program this film is because of my education... Looked out at an imagined audience the look of a new language the!: I try too hard to lose it, were going to discharge you things because its almost... Discharge you about roofing or custodial work or how to operate a forklift hope and purpose. Hudson Avenue is rented to Cindy Maxwell, 36, who said she knows from. Of those who have been delaying things because its been almost fifty years since I last lived by myself Webb!