America has 5% of the world’s total population but 25% of the world’s prisoners. 65 million people have a criminal record in the United States. Having a criminal conviction can trigger over 900 civil barriers including barriers to employment, housing and education.
We set up a camera and asked people with criminal records to share their stories. This is what they told us.
Shereketha Jenkins
In a bitter custody battle, Shereketha Jenkins was accused of child abuse for spanking her daughter for misbehaving in school. Now, Shereketha cannot volunteer in her daughter’s school and is having trouble finding employment. Despite the struggles, she still makes time to dance with her babies.
James Codie
At 56 years old, the only job James Codie can find is making $7.75 an hour washing dishes 20 hours a week. He is working to change his life around, but his job applications constantly get rejected. Despite it all, he hasn’t lost hope. He knows that he is still here for a reason.