Raised To Be Violent - interview w/ Harry Peña

On this podcast interview, I am joined by Harry Peña, founder of "Life Impacters Foundation. (LIF)" He is also a partner of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments. It was created as an organizing and campaign hub for people directly impacted by the criminal legal system to come together, build a movement, and lead and implement advocacy campaigns to end the impact of a criminal record following people long after incarceration. Harry spent 22 and a half years in prison.
He shares stories about his childhood that are truly heart-wrenching. Here is a statement that he makes, that pretty much summarizes it all, "But being raised up in a house of violence, when the scripture says you train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he gets older, he'll never depart from it. Well, there are two spectrums to that. If you train a child to be a killer, he's going to be a killer."
On one occasion, as a child, he witnesses his father violently beating on his mother, and in that moment, he picks up a kitchen knife and stabs his own father three times. This, he recalls, was my first act of violence. This is just a sample of the various forms of abuse, torment, and trauma that he will go on to experience, which will create in him a hate for mankind in general.
This story delves into the transformative journey of overcoming traumatic pasts, gang life, and incarceration by finding redemption through faith, personal reflection, and dedication to advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming struggles, seeking justice, and supporting others in similar situations, ultimately working towards a brighter future free from permanent punishment and systemic barriers.
(This is Part 1 of a 2-part interview)
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