AVG STORIES
AVG STORIES
ACTIVATE CHANGE
Authentic Voices Global is committed to amplifying voices and shifting the narrative. There are solutions for systemic and social issues, the change can begin with one person and one action. Activate change, join our community and conversation and support our stories.
REDEMPION SCHOLARS
Ask Yourself: How Does your Perception Imprison Others?
EDUCATION HAS THE POWER TO FAIL US, DIVIDE US, OR AID IN ONE’S LIBERATION. The Redemption Scholars is a Documentary that follows three men of color on a journey of redemption as returning citizens (post-incarceration), using education to mold their present lives and build hope for the future.
Prisoners who participate in correctional education have 43% lower odds of recidivating than those who do not have access to and participate in educational programs.
Did you know?
Only 3% of Black men and 4% of Black women hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher while in prison. ( Vera Institute of Justice )
Prisoners who participate in correctional education have 43% lower odds of recidivating than those who do not have access to and participate in educational programs. (RAND meta-analysis)
What is the impact?
The Redemption Scholars is not just the story of three men on a journey to better themselves and those closest to them, but a cultural journey of betterment for everyone. For us as a society to gain a deeper understanding of those individuals who are often written off and dismissed as lost causes, and find ways to make a collective and personal change.
Throughout the documentary we will work hand in hand with Law/Policy advisors, taking these individuals’ experiences and placing them against the lens of implemented laws and policies and past practices, while aiding the Redemption Scholars with suggestions and actionable solutions to bring systemic change.
Chris Lynch
Raised in East Orange New Jersey, Chris fought to not become a product of his environment. He desired to have more for his life, but his desire for instant gratification led him down the path he tried to avoid. He began living a double life, going to school by day and robbing by night. Chris entered prison at 22. While incarcerated he started his journey in higher education through the NJ Step Program in 2014 and is currently a student at Rutgers University – Newark.
While behind prison walls Chris fell back in love with music, allowing him to escape and find peace. His music and education drive him forward today.
Vernon Kyle Lynch
The son of a preacher, Vernon grew up in the church. He was born with congenital cataracts, defined as 80% blind. He spent much of his life overcoming his handicap by combating and manipulating other people. Addiction became his escape from being alone and his window to acceptance.
In 2012 behind prison walls, Vernon began his journey in higher education through the NJ Step Program. He is a 2022 Graduate of Rutgers University – Newark.
He embodies the role of the father to all those he encounters as he redeems his years as an absent father.
Christopher Charriez
Talib had a violent upbringing. By 14 He had his first encounter with becoming a justice-involved youth, and at 19 entered prison. While incarcerated he began his journey in higher education through the NJ Step Program in 2015. Talib is a 2021 Graduate of Rutgers University – Newark
While in prison he received one of the highest callings in the Muslim faith as the lead Khatib (A Speaker/ Preacher).
AVG
EPIC GIANTS
Epic Giant (noun): A person who impacts and inspires other’s stories and history no matter how big or small. A person creating positive change one action at a time.
Does your personal story or the personal narrative of someone you know impact and inspire others and history no matter how big or small? Are you creating positive change for a brighter tomorrow? Share your story, Share your Voice.
AVG
APOSTROPHE
Apostrophe (noun): the addressing of an absent person as if present or of a personified thing.
AVG Apostrophe: Our stories bring freedom and can liberate those around us. Frederick Douglass gave his famous “Apostrophe” as He imagined freedom through the white sail ships upon the sea. We have the power to reshape our narratives when we look them in the eye, share our stories loud, and dare to be free. AVG Apostrophe highlights and captures individual personal narratives birthed out of positive change and freedom.
EDUCATION + CONVERSATION = CHANGE ™
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