Bryan Widenhouse received a life without parole sentence when he was only 17 years old. During his 31 year incarceration, some of which was spent at the notorious Angola prison, Bryan chose to serve others as a path toward accountability and redemption. When a change in law allowed Bryan to be released, he seized the opportunity to continue serving others. Bryan now works as a State Legislative Affairs Manager for FAMM, challenging extreme sentences and promoting second look laws. He has spoken to members of Congress, testified to legislators, and helped to develop a Speakers’ Bureau to change the narrative around extreme sentences. In this episode of Just Justice, I talk with Bryan about the importance of second chances, his art, and the power of community service to heal and transform.

Ruth Greenberg is often referred to as the Massachusetts mama of medical parole. As a defense lawyer, she's fought for years on behalf of the poor and the incarcerated. On this episode of Just Justice, Ruth tells us about her leading role in the push for compassionate release in Massachusetts. She also was at the forefront in fighting the groundbreaking case that lead to the prohibition of life without parole for anyone under the age of 21 in her state.

To learn more about Ruth and her work: POV: Governor Baker Should Not Be Afraid to Set Dying Prisoners Free, https://www.bu.edu/articles/2019/pov-governor-baker-should-not-be-afraid-to-set-dying-prisoners-free-2/

Cement Head’s last fight: He was denied parole six times — until he was about to become a Covid-19 statistic, https://www.statnews.com/2021/04/14/deathbed-double-standard-its-hard-to-get-released-on-medical-parole-unless-you-have-covid19/

Massachusetts high court rules younger adults cannot be sentenced to life without parole, https://whdh.com/news/massachusetts-high-court-rules-younger-adults-cannot-be-sentenced-to-life-without-parole/ Learn more about Jessica Henry at www.jessicahenryjustice.com