What does freedom look like? A timely question as we celebrate Pesach. Partakers mentors had a unique experience a few weeks ago that gave us yet another lens through which one may witness or understand another’s perspective on freedom.
On March 21, a first-of-its-kind celebratory event was held at MCI Norfolk Prison. It sounds like an oxymoron to define an event at a prison as celebratory! The event brought together Partakers mentors, who are teams of congregants from TBE and other synagogues and churches; their mentees, who are incarcerated at the prison and enrolled in or have graduated from the College Behind Bars Program; and the Emerson Prison Initiative professors. The event was the brainchild of Alex, Amy Benjamin’s mentee who planned and implemented an afternoon of appreciation for Partakers mentors who volunteer to support inmates while they engage in college study in prison. It must be acknowledged too that such an event involved jumping through a myriad of bureaucratic hoops. With Amy’s support and work with Alex, his vision was realized.
How was this particular visit different from all others? On regular visits to the prison, when mentors and mentees enter the large visitors’ room, we are directed to specific seats where we must stay, and are only allowed to move from our spots to go to the vending machines to purchase snacks for our mentees, all under the gaze of Correction Officers. On this visit, the physical space was transformed into a reception hall complete with table cloths, decorations, and photocopied programs. The food was special too; catered sandwiches, homemade cookies, and fresh fruit. On this day, the inmates moved freely around the visitor’s hall, with authentic smiles, greeting mentors and professors with handshakes and hugs, introducing people to each other, engaging in lively conversation. They were relaxed in their roles as hosts and clearly proud of their event. Unique too was we all enjoyed the freshly prepared foods from the buffet line, some of which was prepared by inmates. What can feel so usual to mentors, an afternoon reception with food and speakers, was clearly a liberating experience for the inmates. There were about 100 people combined.
The emcee of the event was Randy, our mentee, who graduated 2 years ago from the EPI program with a BS in Multidisciplinary Studies. He continues to engage with EPI as a tutor in order to stay involved with the program. He introduced speakers from Emerson and his fellow inmates who spoke to their experiences in school and with their mentors. Each inmate speaker wore his EPI purple shirt over their prison clothes and each spoke about the deep connection they have for the shirt as it is a symbol of their education and accomplishment. It also represents the bonds formed among the inmates who value the culture of education. We “kvelled” watching Randy in a leadership role, comfortably introducing speakers conveying his intelligence, emotion and humor. Randy has frequently told us that when in school he has felt “free” and when visiting with us in the visitor’s hall he also feels “free” as he can be open with his ideas, and connect to the outside world. Education itself can be freeing.
While the celebration was designed as an appreciation event, it felt more like we were collectively celebrating relationships that have developed between mentors and mentees over the years as well as everyone’s relationship with Emerson Prison Initiative. The inmates created a poster that hung in the hall that expressed their thanks. We all could admire it however prison rules do not allow phones during visits, so sadly we had no way to photograph their creation. The overall theme was their gratitude. We were struck that each inmate could, either on the poster or in their speeches, talk about deep emotions and love they feel towards their mentors and their fellow inmates. It became clear that each inmate felt that he got the best mentors—and the mentors are convinced that they were matched with the best inmate.
The event was truly unique: a sacred afternoon of connection and also a perspective on freedom. It only happened because of the vision of the Emerson Prison Initiative; Arthur Bemberry, who developed the Partakers mentoring program; and Alex, an inmate who worked tirelessly to get permission and implement this day. It is the result of openness, honesty, and a willingness for everyone on all sides to go outside of their comfort zones to connect with another human who may be so radically different in a multitude of ways. To quote Randy, who I believe spoke for his fellow inmates, “Who could imagine a Dominican guy from Lawrence would ever meet white people from Newton who I love, and now feel are like family?” The relationships established are beautiful and powerful. Certainly in this day and age we need these experiences that touch our humanity.
For additional information regarding Partakers, please contact Amy Benjamin.