This week on SHLTMM, I'm going to introduce you to Human Rights Attorney and Chief Advocacy Officer of REFORM Alliance, Jessica Jackson. In turn, Jessica allows us to get acquainted with her mother, Maria, who has played a significant role in her life. These two remarkable women had somewhat similar beginnings as young adults and today both have committed their lives to helping others overcome stigmas, prejudice and injustices. Both women are committed to a life of service to help those who have often been forgotten.
It was a pleasure to speak with Jessica and listen as she shared all that she experienced as a high school drop out and single mother with a husband behind bars. This major turning point in her life, motivated her to complete her GED as well as complete college and law school, with honors, in order to help those similarly unfamiliar with the way the criminal justice system works.
When you hear the compelling stories about both Jessica and her mother, you'll say, 'the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.' Both women have been working tirelessly for decades in order to educate victims and their family members, as well as inform society to be more compassionate and aware and to update the parole and probation system.
Resilience is one of the words that Jessica uses over and over again when describing her mother Maria who is originally from Stockholm, Sweden. Jessica also describes her mom as "a pioneer in her field." Very early on in the AIDS epidemic, Maria was involved with helping patients and their families maneuver the scary waters of a frightening disease. While in graduate school, Maria brought her days old daughter Jessica with her to class. Jessica went where ever her mother took her, to HIV/Aids conferences, seminars, etc. "She showed us" says Jessica, when referring to her mother, "by her actions, not her words, on how to live life." Jessica was adamant about how her mom had a "show them, don't tell them" philosophy about life. In other words, Maria was an example by her actions, not her words. Jessica reflects, "I never once saw my mom give up."
Again, the parallels between mother and daughter are striking, Maria working with HIV/AIDS patients and Jessica with people in prison. Again, those whose lives were turned upside down, found a smart, caring and devoted women to make a difference in these unfortunate individuals lives.
When Kim Kardashian West wanted tutoring in law once aware of wrongfully incarcerated first time offenders, she went to Jessica Jackson for help. On November 29, 2019, USA Today wrote "Kim Kardashian West came on board with the campaign after she heard about Alice Marie Johnson, a grandmother who had served 21 years of a life sentence for her first-ever drug conviction, and was moved to help. Kardashian West was instrumental in convincing Trump to grant Johnson clemency. "
That's just one of thousands of cases that Jackson has had overturned and continues to fight in order to get families back together under one roof.
Both of these women with all that they have accomplished and continue to accomplish is living proof that if you set your mind to something, anything and everything is possible. As Maria said to her daughter "you can do anything, you can achieve anything, if you work hard enough."
REFORM Alliance Mission Statement:
REFORM Alliance aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing.
A justice system that holds people accountable and redirects back to work and wellbeing leads to stronger families and safer communities. Instead of keeping people trapped in a revolving door from probation/parole to prison — which costs taxpayers billions of dollars — we’re working to move people from the justice system into stability.
REFORM’s story starts with the unjust re-imprisonment of recording artist Meek Mill. The shocking two-to-four year sentence he received for popping a wheelie spurred the international #FreeMeek movement, which led to release on bail and eventually his freedom.
Although Meek had the resources and public platform to fight his case, his case is only one of millions. The vast majority of people trapped in the system don’t get their stories told, or have the resources to fight back. On January 23, 2019, a world-class group of philanthropists and activists came together to launch the REFORM Alliance to change this
REFORM Alliance
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New York, NY 10019-5820
If you would like to learn more about how to support REFORM, please contact us at development@reformalliance.com.
#cut50-Co founder along with Van JonesAn organization designed to cut prison populations, but also wipe out the stigmas associated with being incarcerated because of the current criminal justice system. The family member behind bars is not the only one negatively affected.
COO/CAO Reform Alliance; Fmr. Mayor & Council Member City of Mill Valley; WEF Young Global Leader; Co-founder of #cut50; Human Rights Attorney