We are ready | The Green Machine | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
A prison band’s catchy anthem about why they are all ready to go home.
When regrets become wings | Reginald Dwayne Betts | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Nearly three decades ago, a fellow incarcerated person slipped “The Black Poets” by Dudley Randall under Reginald Dwayne Betts’ cell door, sparking a transformation in solitary confinement. Now, as the founder and CEO of Freedom Reads, Betts leads a team — many formerly incarcerated — building and opening Freedom Libraries in prison cellblocks across the country.
Of prosecutors and second chances | Chadwick Dotson | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
The current director of the Virginia Department of Corrections has worn many hats, but he started out after law school as a young, tough-on-crime, hard-as-nails prosecutor. Listen to his fascinating story.
A comedian and his dead mom walked into a bar…. | Mike Seville | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
In his grand finale, prison warden/stand-up comedian Mike Seville has us laughing so hard, we’re crying as he tells us about his mother.
Pride: my double-edged sword | Michael Hill | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Misguided pride got Michael Hill into serious trouble. Listen to his story and take heed.
Treating prison like college | Tyson Curley | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
When Tyson Curley got to prison, someone told him to conduct himself as if his family could turn on the TV and see everything he was doing, so that’s exactly what he did.
A series of earthquakes in my life | Jerell Smallwood | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Jerell Smallwood didn’t have the easiest start in life, and it instilled in him a fierce determination to protect children. Listen to his story.
Why I hire the formerly incarcerated | Ben Davenport Jr. | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Ben Davenport Jr. volunteered in prison with his church group, and it changed his life. Listen to his story.
Becoming a justice defender | D. Jeremiah Lark | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Jeremiah’s journey from justice offender to justice defender has been nothing short of miraculous. Prepare to be inspired.
The age-old dilemma of daughters and dresses | Mike Seville | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Comedian/warden Mike Seville takes the prison stage for the third time to regale us with more hysterical tales of his family.
The devil knew my name | Charles Mason Monroe | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
So much extraordinary talent lies hidden behind prison walls, and singer-songwriter Charles Mason Monroe is a perfect example.
How I learned to believe in myself | Lamonte Grady | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Listen to how Lamonte Grady turned himself around while at a pit stop in prison
She cried | Shawn Chick | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
A truly gifted and lyrical poet, Shawn Chick takes us on a journey through heartbreaking tragedy but ultimately towards redemption.
Practical lessons learned from a jail cell | Mike Taylor | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Drawing on his faith and his experience with a formerly incarcerated person, Sheriff Mike Taylor shares tips on how to be successful.
Bypassing my youth helped lead me to prison | James Steele | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
As a young child, James Steele wanted to be a policeman, but by 16 he was incarcerated. Listen to his story.
The impossible dream | Maurice Martinez | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Singer Maurice Martinez delivers a beautiful rendition of “The Impossible Dream.”
The fight for racial equality and justice | Rae Cousins | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Rae Cousins grew up moving between two worlds: her family’s community of poverty and her school’s community of affluence. This, combined with her beloved cousin’s 24-year incarceration, galvanized her to dedicate her life to fighting for racial equality and justice.
Tricks every parent should know | Mike Seville | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Mike Seville is a bit of an outlier: he’s the father of six, a prison warden, and a stand-up comic. There is no doubt he is s a funny, funny man. Listen to how he manages his kids.
From nothing | DéVon Smith | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Rap artist DéVon Smith wants to impact today’s youth in a positive manner by sharing his story in a way they can appreciate—through music.
Saving a dog saved me | YeneGeta BenYisrael | TEDxGreenRockCorrectionalCenter 2024
Training dogs gave YeneGeta BenYisrael a purpose in prison and a pathway forward.