Celebrating the Introduction of BPI Reentry in the Albany Region

Last Friday was the introduction of BPI reentry to Albany and the Greater Capital Region. It was also an opportunity for me to share with many of you the vision of Freedom Is A Must.

Thank you to those who were able to attend and be a part of the evening.  It was a great night with good music, amazing food, and powerful speakers.

DJ Air Alert set the mood with positive vibes. Juice Factory VII provided juices, wraps, salads, and acai bowls for the evening. Then, the evening was topped off by words of wisdom, purpose, and inspiration from a diverse group of folks.

Dr. Alice Green, civil rights leader and founder and Executive Director of the Center for Law and Justice, shared the importance of reentry work and a bit about Eddie Ellis.

Paul Collins-Hackett (aka Batman), who is a member of Albany Community Police Review Board and A Village Inc., spoke about why he wants to be a part of the collective work and some of the ways he can make it happen, which includes offering job, volunteer, and training opportunities for folks coming home.

Tammar Cancer ’17, Richard Rivera ’21, Rodney Spivey-Jones ’17, and John Zoccoli ’15, BPI alumni who are all involved and leading with radical care, spoke from their personal lived experiences about the importance of the work ahead.

For those who were not able to be there, do not fret. There will be more opportunities in the future!