In episode 3 of Hiding in Plain Sight: the Neighbors You Never Hear From, Host Tia Ryans speaks with Hanif Parker, who explains the effects of an addiction that lead to his incarceration and the social ills in urban spaces that challenged his identity. Hanif is a certified drug and alcohol counselor and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies from Rutgers University-Newark. His work in reentry includes spearheading a correlational study that highlights the adverse effects of parole-mandated reentry groups; that work is being used to pass legislation today.
Hanif's Book Recommendations:
[Books that help one map a pro-social identity]
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goldman
Social Intelligence by Daniel Goldman
A Rational Guide to Emotive Behavior by Albert Ellis and Ron Harper
The Art Of Living Consciously by Nathaniel Brandon
Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
"Hiding In Plain Sight: The Neighbors You Never Hear From" is an audio series that will take you on the reentry journey through the first-hand experiences of 6 people and where they are today. The series is hosted by Tia Ryans, Founding Executive Director of NJ F.O.R.T.E House. NJ F.O.R.T.E House provides access to a healthy and transparent living environment and assists with academic readiness for formerly incarcerated students transitioning through post-secondary education. The organization takes meaningful steps to promote inclusiveness, autonomy, accountability, and economic self-sufficiency for our participants. Devising and implementing a supportive housing strategy upon reentry and maintaining strategic partnerships with community institutions to maintain retention and minimize felon disenfranchisement. Support the work of NJ F.O.R.T.E House by visiting www.njfortehouse.org.
The series is part of the Newark News & Story Collaborative made possible with funding support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the Victoria Foundation. The Newark News and Story Collaborative trains community members in storytelling, media-making, and other creative art forms to share and amplify their experiences. It’s laying the groundwork for a collaborative network that will address longstanding information inequities in Newark, New Jersey. For more information and stories, visit newarkstories.com.