Leah outside her mother’s home in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, NY (2019)
“I’m the only person in my family who has ever been to prison. I didn’t want to burden my family while I was in prison so I went without packages and money. I knew I would need their support when I came home and they have helped me with my transition.”
“In July of 1997, at the age of 23, I was arrested for a homicide. After being detained on Rikers Island for 3 years, I was convicted and sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 21 years to life in prison. On January 15, 2019 after serving months shy of my 22nd year mark, I was released back into a society that was unknown to me.
“Where there was minimal technology prior to me going to prison, I was thrown into a world that exists on technology. That in itself presented huge difficulties for me in my transition. However, being as determined as I am to succeed, I hit the ground running, eventually landing two jobs.
“In regards to my place of residence, I decided to transition to my mother’s house, where I am fortunate to have my own little space and although it is not demanded of me to contribute to the household in which I reside, one of my most appreciative accomplishments so far is my ability to do my part.”
Leah at work at a recently opened neighborhood restaurant. Brooklyn, NY (2019)
“I work at the restaurant from about 5pm until midnight a few days a week and on Sundays. I know my supervisor at my day job would prefer me to work just one job. But until he can compensate me more, I need two jobs. The price of living is high.”
Leah, age 44, in the draft room at Taconic Correctional Facility, one week before her release from prison after serving 21 years. Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills, NY (2019)
“As much as I desire to, I will never be able to change my past, but I have allowed my past to change me. Today I realize that it will never be about me, but in my endeavors to do better and be better, I know it starts with me. Today I make better choices and I have better ways to cope in any situation without resorting to violence. I have become a respectable, responsible, selfless, compassionate humbled and mature woman who is always conscious of the people I have hurt and the damage I have done.”
The neighborhood restaurant where Leah works. Brooklyn, NY (2019)
Leah on her way to one of her company’s clients. New York, NY (2019)
“When I was in prison, the system was very antiquated. All of my college work was done manually. We didn’t have access to computers and we didn’t learn any technology. When I came home, I was first introduced to the iPad, which I use for work, and now I can maneuver a computer.”
The apartment where Leah grew up, just a few blocks from where her mother now lives. Brooklyn, NY (2019).
“When I lived here it was Black/West Indian, but now there are a lot of Caucasians in the area. There are a lot of new structures being built. If I had to live around here on my own, I couldn’t afford it.”
Leah, manager at a company supplying restaurants, New York, NY (2019)
“I started working here part-time in March and in September I was offered a salaried position and a promotion. Right now, I’m a supervisor and I train the new field service representatives.”
Leah in her bedroom in her mother’s house, 9 months after her release. Brooklyn, NY (2019)
“When I am in this space, I am able to find the mental strength I need to tackle the daily obstacles I am met with because of my crime. When I am in this space, I am able to reflect on me, how I have transitioned from a weed trapped beneath the surface, into a beautiful sunflower, free and tall reaching for the stars. In this space I know that no matter what I may endure outside of it, when I return to it, I am safe and free to be me.”
