WHO ARE THE “REFORMED OFFENDERS?”

“The reformed offender is no longer a threat to public safety. We have appeared before our first, second, third and fourth parole boards and are still being denied parole release.    We have been denied parole based on the ‘instant offense.’ The ‘instant offense’ will never change. People and conditions can and do change and we, as reformed offenders, have shown through our demonstrated words and actions over the years, that the false reasoning used by the Parole Board to deny parole should not be allowed to stand…    “As reformed offenders, we realize that we will always owe a debt of atonement to our families and communities, because of the history of crime and ignorance that we once helped to perpetuate requires our commitment to eradicate.    We have shown remorse, obtained college degrees, organized and coordinated prison programs aimed at reforming others. We have enormous resources of skills, knowledge, and experience to offer. We ask that you hold us accountable and that you hold your elected officials responsible.”  (George BaBa Eng, 2007)     George BaBa Eng is the Director of Programs for PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC.. He is a Reformed Offender. After 36 years of incarceration in the states of NY and NJ, he is free, living with the rules and regulations of NY Parole Supervision. While on the inside, he spent most of his time getting an education, taking advantage of therapeutic programs, and working to better himself while encouraging fellow prisoners to do the same. He earned an Associate Degree in Para-Legal Studies and a BS in Sociology. He graduated cum laude in 2004. He also holds a diploma from the NY Theological Seminary in Christian Ministries/Pastoral Counseling.    In addition to taking therapeutic programs, he created a few and earned the NAACP’s prestigious Thalheimer Award in 1991 for “exemplary program development.” His work experience on the inside is extensive, having served as a law library clerk, teacher’s aide, chaplain’s clerk, and facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Project.   Mr. Eng is also a writer whose words have been shared in print, electronic, and broadcast media. In 2003, a scholarly paper on “Restorative Justice” was shared at the Manning Marable Conference on Africana Studies at Columbia University in NYC. He is also a certified Peer Counselor and a certified Educator/Trainer for  HIV/AIDS awareness.     WE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE REFORMED OFFENDERS   SHAWNON BOLDEN (aka Bro. Mu’haimin)   This  is Bro. Mu’haimin (center) with his family. Each family member provided  a beautiful letter of support for Shawnon’s first parole board appearance.  He also received several letters of reasonable assurance from organizations that believed that he was both parole ready and parole eligible. His family has encouraged and inspired him since he was first incarcerated in 1990. In turn, he has encouraged and inspired them by showing remorse for his crime, securing an education, and working hard to show his willingness to be an asset to his family and community. Members of the  Circle of Supporters for Reformed Offenders helped Bro.Mu’haimin and his family with letters of support, phone calls, and by providing guidance in the preparation of his “parole package.” We had a major victory! Bro. Mu’haimin will be FREE in 90 days (January 7, 2014)!      Mu’haimin’s Resume.       Mu’haimin’s Bio.         James Mc Moore  (aka Bro. Adl)   We have known  James Mc Moore for several years. Through frequent letters and phone calls, we have been kept abreast of his many achievements. He has recently earned 18 college credits from Siena College, Londonville, NY. In a recent letter (08-21-13), F. Pizzo, C. O. & Staff Advisor of the B1-Aftercare Addiction Counseling Program at Mt. McGregor  C. F. describes him as being diligent and productive  in this offender ran program as a staff member. Mr. Mc Moore facilitated the curriculums that governed the programs’ daily and evening activities, consisting of therapeutic group meetings, sessions, and seminars. C. O. Pizzo also states, “He has always displayed a strong desire to rehabilitate himself as well as help others do the same by immersing into all aspects of the program, as well as through sacrifice of personal time.” We actively support Bro. Adl as he prepares for his upcoming parole hearing, scheduled for May of 2014. We know that he is eager to be a free and focused asset to his family (shown above) and his community.