Lifting up the stories and perspectives of Coloradans who don’t often have the chance to be heard. That’s Real Talk, a collaboration between CPR News and Denver7 that features raw, honest conversations with diverse voices from all walks of life. Each week, the show will highlight different issues ranging from renters’ rights to accessing Colorado’s outdoors.
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Lifting up the stories and perspectives of Coloradans who don’t often have the chance to be heard. That’s Real Talk, a collaboration between CPR News and Denver7 that features raw, honest conversations with diverse voices from all walks of life. Each week, the show will highlight different issues ranging from renters’ rights to accessing Colorado’s outdoors.
Justice-involved community members navigate new careers, life
Real Talk
22 minutes 59 seconds
7 months ago
Justice-involved community members navigate new careers, life
Nearly 60 percent of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed a year after release, according to numbers from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
This week’s episode explores how some are using their skills learned while incarcerated to start businesses, become counselors, and rewrite the narrative around second chances for justice-involved people in Colorado.
Some advocates say the term “justice-involved”-- should replace other terms some find dehumanizing like “criminal” or “felon.” It can be used to describe anyone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by the criminal justice system.
From struggling to find employment to overcoming stigma, guests share personal stories of transformation and advocacy. Ken Harris, youth director of Denver-based nonprofit Nxt Chapter, discusses efforts to support re-entry through job readiness and mentorship. Durrell Bumphus, a certified peer recovery coach, reflects on the vocational training he received in prison and how lived experience drives his work helping others.
Longtime activist Candice Bailey, who fought to change laws that barred formerly incarcerated individuals from running for public office and founder and CEO of Lighthouse Consultants Colorado, also joins the conversation.
Real Talk
Lifting up the stories and perspectives of Coloradans who don’t often have the chance to be heard. That’s Real Talk, a collaboration between CPR News and Denver7 that features raw, honest conversations with diverse voices from all walks of life. Each week, the show will highlight different issues ranging from renters’ rights to accessing Colorado’s outdoors.
