Transformation thru Education a Path to Freedom

This is about my son finishing what he started almost twenty-five years ago. In 1998 Khalid graduated from the College of Westchester in White Plains NY with a 3.5gpa. He is currently being housed at the United States penitentiary at Canaan. Khalid's decisions have drastically affected the lives of many people, and entire communities. My son has a duty, a moral obligation to give back to the communities he took so much from. He is currently enrolled at Adams State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminology and stressing the role that a post-secondary education can play in a prisoner’s life. I believe Khalid deserves a "second-look" and continuing his education enhances this. If you believe in redemption, if you believe in rehabilitation, I respectfully ask that you contribute to this cause. This is an investment in life, and we are asking for your help. Khalid has asked me to share this letter with you;

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by Derrick Chauvin. The Bureau of Prisons instituted a Nationwide lockdown due to societies reaction to the senseless murder. Trump Covid, and George Floyd the confluence of these events affected my life tremendously. Traumatizing yet invigorated. Locked down in Thomson Illinois I asked myself a question "Khalid what can you do?" I took a stern moral inventory evaluating myself after 16 years in Federal prison I had accomplished nothing.

Today is August 9, 2021, I am currently at USP Canaan enrolled in the Challenge Program. A Cognitive Behavioral Program based on the "Therapeutic Community model". I have recently been made a mentor in this program. To date I have over 50 programs and certificates ranging from US Politics to Parenting from prison. On July 29,2021 I completed the Blackstone Career Institutes Paralegal Studies Program with a 97.3% average, I am currently helping prisoners get prior marijuana convictions expunged off their criminal records. I am also filing clemency petitions, and motions for compassionate release for some of the others. Between the hours of 8-3pm I facilitate morning meetings, attend process groups, firmly believing that learning how to think in a rational way will save your life.

Last week I was formally admitted as a degree-seeking student at Adams State University. They offer a comprehensive print-based correspondence course for incarcerated students. I am seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Criminology to understand the effects of my crimes on society at a micro-level. I would like to get a master’s degree in this field. I think my life experience and insight can help society. I would like to craft anti-recidivist policies which could reconfigure the present landscape of Comprehensive Prison reform. I feel like reform starts here on the Inside.

I have accomplished more in one year than I did in sixteen and have a lot more to do. Prison is not the end of my story it is just the beginning I need your help and support to take a step in the right direction giving other prisoners the inspiration to follow my lead. Post-secondary education for prisoners gives us the motivation to stay out of trouble utilizing this time in a productive way. A prisoner with a college education benefits society as a whole by disrupting the cycle of recidivism. I need your help to pursue an education in prison and to start the process in here. Thank you for your time and support in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Khalid Barnes