Lives on the Registry: How a man on the Sex Offender Registry turned setback into a writing career

RoShawn Evans defied the odds. He was once jailed, but through strength and perseverance he emerged from the corrections system ready to make a change in the world.
And he’s doing just that thanks to his education at the University of Houston-Downtown. In fact, Evans was recently named UHD’s Political Science Student of the Year.
“I was in class, and my phone started blowing up,” he said. “People were texting me telling me I received this award. It was quite a surprise, and I am honored to be recognized for my work at UHD.”
While his academic performance is certainly noteworthy, it is Evans’ contributions to the community that are helping so many Houstonians overcome the same challenges he once faced.
Evans is co-founder of the nonprofit organization Pure Justice. The group advocates for criminal justice reform and supports communities that are at risk for incarceration. The group includes families of those who are behind bars and individuals who may have served time under questionable circumstances or were wrongly convicted. Among its initiatives are workshops addressing citizens’ rights and how state and local governments are structured. It also assists with legal counsel and support for community members who might not be able to afford the services of a lawyer.
“We work to bring fairness and equity to the criminal justice system, as well as create economic opportunity for marginalized groups,” Evans said. “We also empower our group’s members to advocate for themselves … whether it’s through educational opportunities or other means.”
The organization has partnered with other community organizations for events in Houston, and Evans emphasizes the need for groups like Pure Justice here in Houston. Still, the road to start this local nonprofit was one filled with physical and emotional challenges.
Evans documents his trials with the criminal justice system in his book “Stolen Identity - 1953521.” The book follows his journey from being convicted to his emergence from incarceration with a mission to help others who have been in the same situation.
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[@shandellmansion7579]

Thank you for sharing ur story. I hope and pray the registered sex offender laws get changed. Especially for first time offenders so that they can get a better second chance in life which has it’s difficulties all in itself.

[@itszach6808]

Don’t deserve it. You should be ashamed

[@tammielawson6423]

Thank you for sharing your story. I feel that chain brother the damn registry is punishment and punitive. We are all humans and we all deserve equal protection under the law and equal opportunities!!

[@Rodog2815]

Thank you for listening.

[@whitelivesmatter2396]

Every single state should have a Romeo and Juliet law meaning if you’re 18 and your girlfriend is 16 you should be allowed to date without having to worry about going to jail

[@jonathan.s993]

Very inspirational and I support this all the way because this type of problem needs to get fixed and it can't be ignored s.o's don't get much of a second chance but for I'm glad you guys are giving them a second chance.

[@NARSOL]

Thank you. The registry laws make it difficult for many registrants to be productive citizens, which is why we fight for rational laws. However, it is possible for registrants to overcome these restrictions, which is why we feature inspirational stories as well.

[@kennyfanning469]

I didn't know you were involved in narsol. You've given me inspiration and things to think about. I'm almost finished with the new video for roshawn on pure justice.. it will be very informative. I will become a member of narsol soon.

[@NARSOL]

We look forward to having you join us.

[@vanmcgee5]

I'm in this situation myself and it was no victim and their still trying to convict me and have me register and I never had a record prior

[@NARSOL]

We are sorry to hear about your situation.

[@vanmcgee5]

@@NARSOL kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5LKmIeQdqeLos0si=clqMdCaC7kjlUwc9

[@user-nd1fn6hs7r]

#abolishsoregistry

[@user-nd1fn6hs7r]

It's just not just that after you pay with time you have to still suffer punishment. If US is a nation that believes in God. This should not be so we all sinners and having to continue atonning for past failures is ridicoulos . What happend to grace and forgiveness. But president Biden jumps in and talks about respect and equality for men that or women that wants to transfer their gender. More or equal respect and equal opportunities deserve US citizen or résidents that had paid with time and personal shame.

[@dirttheufo5444]

uma shoe didnt fit type situation,i know someone whos going thru that , he wants closure to move on

[@NARSOL]

Seeking closure is important to move forward and healing.

[@sabrewolf4129]

The story is OK, but the choice of background music is annoying

[@courtneywallace8155]

I know 😓😷😈👽😭☠

[@NARSOL]

Thank you for your support.