Breaking Chains, Building Futures: Pathways to Redemption, Education, and Excellence

Dr. Stanley Andrisse, endocrinologist, Howard University College of Medicine professor, and founder of From Prison Cells to PhD, delivers a Friday Forum/Conversation Café talk titled "Breaking Chains, Building Futures: Pathways to Redemption, Education, & Excellence" in Latzer Hall. He recounts his arrest at 15, a 10-year sentence under a three-strikes law, studying scientific articles by mail while incarcerated, and earning an MBA and PhD at St. Louis University. Using live audience polling, he contrasts public stereotypes of incarcerated people with those of Black scientists. Introductions come from Michelle of the Center for Civic Education & Justice, a YMCA staff member, and Christine of the Education Justice Project, which co-hosted the visit as part of a larger convening. Q&A addresses K-12 educators, STEM access in prisons, and re-entry policy. Over 130 people attended the talk.