WTTW is partnering with DePaul University’s Center for Communication Engagement for Rewriting the Narrative on Life After Prison. Join us at DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus for this conversation in connection with FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison, a year-long WTTW initiative offering an intimate look at the challenges and opportunities facing people returning to society after spending time in prison. The series follows them as they seek to restart their lives while carrying the stigma of a criminal record.

Panelists will discuss societal barriers impacting formerly incarcerated people, the negative stigma they face, and misinformation about their rights as citizens.  Panelists include Legal Aid Chicago Attorney Regina Hernandez, DePaul Political Science Professor Christina Rivers, North Park University Assistant Director of the Writing Center Antonio Pizarro, North Park Theological Seminary student and professor's assistant Marcos Gray, and representatives from DePaul Students Against Incarceration. The event will include a question & answer session, and light refreshments will be provided. 

FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. Visit the website (wttw.com/firsthand) to explore the project.

WTTW is proud to partner with Injustice Watch and Illinois Humanities throughout 2023 on journalism and community engagement initiatives related to FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison.

This event is free, but RSVP is required.

Lead support for FIRSTHAND: LIFE AFTER PRISON is provided by Ann and Rich Carr. Additional support is provided by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation; Leo Krupa Trust (The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of Leo Krupa Trust); Denny and Sandy Cummings; the Marc and Jeanne Malnati Family Foundation; and Alexandra and John Nichols.