University's Prison Education Program and Yale Prison Education Initiative Celebrate First Graduates

When Alpha Jalloh was growing up in the South Bronx, the possibility of a college education felt distant – if not impossible. In reflecting on his upbringing, he recalls feeling marginalized and disenfranchised as he grew up in a world full of inequalities, experiencing physical, structural, and psychological barriers.

As part of the University of New Haven Prison Education Program and the Yale Prison Education Initiative, which enables individuals such as Jalloh who are incarcerated at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield, Conn., to earn college credits, Jalloh has had the opportunity to pursue higher education. He was recently among seven students to earn an associate of arts degree in general studies. He and his fellow members of the inaugural graduating class were recognized as part of a Commencement ceremony.

"I stand here proudly, but sadly, as the first person among my group of friends to earn a higher degree," said Jalloh, who earned the highest GPA of all the graduates. "This program has enabled us to dream in different ways we never through possible. It nourishes the soul and pushes us to find our place in this world."

Jalloh and his fellow graduates, all of whom graduated with high honors, offered their remarks as part of the ceremony, reflecting on their experiences and what the opportunity to continue their education while incarcerated has meant to them. Maurice Blackwell recalled one of his high school teachers telling him and his classmates that some of them would "end up in prison."

Despite that message he received at a tender age, Blackwell has been committed to changing the narrative of his life – in particular, through education. During his time in the program, he found reading works by authors such as Toni Morrison and James Baldwin to be particularly impactful. His coursework was an opportunity to begin to overwrite the "prophecy of prison." Standing before his fellow graduates in his cap and gown, he discussed his inspiration to rewrite his story – and encouraged them to do the same.

"As a community, we shape our stories and shape our narrative," he said. "For those who refer to me as 'Inmate Blackwell,' my cap and gown reflect something more. After facing many challenges, I stand here as a graduate. What first seemed impossible became inevitable."

In 2021, the University of New Haven joined the Yale Prison Education Initiative (YPEI) enabling incarcerated students to matriculate in two- and four-year degrees, creating pathways for released students on campus. The program is designed to offer students a liberal arts curriculum that offers opportunities for them to explore a variety of disciplines and interests. Graduates described exciting and meaningful classes that covered topics from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens to climate change. This Commencement was the first of the program and the partnership.

The University and YPEI have together facilitated more than 500 unique enrollments in credit-bearing college courses for 70 incarcerated students with the involvement of more than 130 faculty members, staff, and graduate students.

"Not only did these students graduate from the program, they built it," said Zelda Roland, Ph.D., founding director of the Yale Prison Education Initiative and the University's Prison Education Program.

Several Chargers, including faculty and staff, offered their support and congratulations to the graduates. Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., recently joined one of the classes for "some of the most significant hours" he spent during the Spring semester. He was moved by the students' dedication and hunger to learn.

As he addressed the students, Dr. Zenger offered some of the wisdom his father shared with him. He also offered inspiration from The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly – which he also shared with incoming Chargers as part of the University's on-campus Convocation this past fall.

"You didn't have to do this, but you did," he said. "The stories you shared with me in class stuck with me. You are role models. Keep learning and keep dreaming."

For Randall Horton, Ph.D., a professor of English at the University whose recent book of poetry, {#289-128}: Poems, received the 2021 American Book Award, the ceremony was particularly poignant. The title of his book comes from his own Maryland Department of Corrections number, when he was incarcerated in that state more than two decades ago. He delivered a reading from the book as part of the ceremony, reminding the new grads that they are much more than simply a number.

"I need this reminder of what's possible inside," he said. "I don't forget what it's like. Each of you, the graduates, has reminded me of the power of the imagination and what's possible. Everything is possible – even on the inside."

Governor Ned Lamont delivered they keynote address as part of the ceremony. In his speech, he addressed each graduate by name and mentioned something specific that they'd discussed in their speech. He told them that, of the many Commencement ceremonies he has attended, this was among the most moving.

"I loved hearing the pride you have in yourselves and what this ceremony is all about," he said. "I heard from most of you that you define your own futures. You learn from the past, but you define your futures. I believe so much in this program and what it means."

After the conferral of degrees, the new grads walked proudly around the room in their caps and gowns as the audience cheered and celebrated with them. Among those in attendance were several current students in the program, whom Gov. Lamont said he hopes to see among the next graduates in the coming years.

The members of the inaugural graduating class described their new goals after earning their degrees, including becoming lawyers, changemakers, and scientists.

Evan Holmes, who was among the inaugural group of graduates, says that while challenging, the program was immensely rewarding. He and his classmates persevered during a pandemic, when it seemed the world was ending, as well as through personal challenges.

Holmes was emotional as he told the audience about learning of his beloved grandmother's death the same day he found out his appeal had been denied. But he persevered, and he told his classmates – graduates and current students – that it was "up to them" to keep the program alive.

"Through it all, we have chosen to persevere as a community," he said. "I've now inherited two universities' worth of friends – in a word: family. It's a community I share my humanity with. We refuse to let circumstances dictate the outcome. Through our education, we are no longer the people they said we were."