Inmate-Turned-Activist Speaking At Rosemont College

ROSEMONT, PA – A former inmate turned activist is coming to Rosemont College in September where he will discuss issues within the nation's criminal justice system.

Jondhi Harrell, former inmate and Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Returning Citizens (TCRC), will speak at the college's Rotwitt Theater of McShain Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, the college announced.

Harrell’s presentation "The Village: Economic Solutions to Mass Incarceration and Criminal Justice" will discuss issues within the nation's criminal justice system, the college said.

The presentation will also go into TCRC’s efforts to assist returning citizens in the transition from incarceration to society by providing job training, housing assistance, counseling services, legal aid, and referrals, according to the college.

Here's what the school has to say about the upcoming event:

Many have said that attending college will open your eyes to the global picture and Rosemont College freshmen will see that through Harrell’s presentation. The discussion is intended to dovetail with Rosemont’s First Year Connections Seminar common read book, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. In Pennsylvania, approximately 3,500 people re-enter society each year. The organization assists in developing life plans and creating pathways to success. Since 2012, TCRC has served over 900 returning citizens and their families in various ways not only in the Philadelphia area, but also in surrounding counties and has a current caseload of 233 program participants.

Harrell's discussion is free and open to the public. Register for the discussion online here.

The event is sponsored by Rosemont College's Institute for Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility.

The Center for Returning Citizens is a Philadelphia-based organization that assists returning citizens in the transition from incarceration to society by providing job training, housing assistance, counseling services, legal aid, and referrals, as well as helps individuals, families and communities with the adverse impacts of incarceration.

Image via Rosemont College