Adversity Toward Growth: Challenges with Incarceration and Reentry

The City of Boston Mayor's Office of Returning Citizens partners with the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center (KBLIC) at the Boston Public Library to host Jesse Crosson, founder of the Second Chancer Foundation, as he chronicles his journey from drug addiction, being sentenced to 32 years in prison, his personal story of recovery and empowerment while incarcerated, and after being pardoned, his continuing to advocate for reform on social media, with nearly a million followers.

Jesse will speak in the Rabb Lecture Hall from 6 PM - 7:15 PM to online and in-person audiences. For in-person attendees, there will be a coffee meet and greet at 7:15 PM in KBLIC. This will also be a chance to showcase KBLIC's services in the areas of financial empowerment, job searching and starting a small business for second chancers and all our patrons.

To attend in-person, please register on this Eventbrite page.

To attend online, please visit this Zoom webinar registration page.

Just days after his 18th birthday, Jesse Crosson was arrested for robbery and unlawful wounding. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to serve 32 years—twice the high point called for by the sentencing guidelines. His decline from taking a year off before college to completely losing himself was shockingly fast. 

Although crushed by the length of the sentence, he recognized that being arrested had likely saved his life. With the love and support of family and friends, he was able to slowly put his life back together. He tutored and mentored others, earned a Bachelor’s degree, became a journeyman electrician, wrote articles for publication, and found a way forward.

In 2021, Jesse received a conditional pardon from then Governor Northam, after serving nearly 19 years. Jesse took to social media to share his story, advocate for criminal justice reform, and to help those who have also been recently released. He has developed a large online following by explaining the difficulties and adversities that incarcerated and newly-released citizens must overcome. He recently formed the Second Chancer Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping returning citizens get a second chance. He has been extremely helpful to the KBLIC staff in providing information to our incarcerated patrons, and we are proud to have him share his story

About the BPL's COVID-19 health and safety protocols:

• Program attendees are recommended to wear masks covering their noses and mouths.
• Read the BPL's latest COVID-19 guidelines for visiting the library.
• Program performers will not wear a mask during the program.

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