Using The Story of my Crime as a Platform for Restorative Justice | Maxwell Melvins

Using The Story of my Crime as a Platform for Restorative Justice | Maxwell Melvins | TEDxCUNY

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Күн бұрын

A community overrun by poverty, unemployment, drugs and violence were the realities of life for young Maxwell Melvins in Camden, New Jersey. Maxwell hit rock bottom when he was jailed in 1980. In jail, Maxwell joined the Lifer's Group, an organization that used its “scared straight” teaching method to help at-risk youth avoid behaviors that led to a life in prison. In the early 1990s, Maxwell developed a new Lifer's Group project, using hip-hop music as a platform for restorative justice, inmates put their personal stories of incarceration into the form of rap music. That music was used to deliver the Lifers Group message to at-risk youth. Melvins produced two albums and, against all odds, was nominated for a Grammy. Today, Maxwell continues his work as a community activist to address issues such as domestic abuse, juvenile justice, and mass incarceration. He writes for community magazines, participates in panel discussions and other public speaking engagements. Maxwell Melvins is a community counselor and para-professional facilitator. After being jailed in 1980, Max joined the Lifer's Group, an organization founded for the support of long-term inmates. In the early 1990s, he developed a new Lifer's Group project, utilizing his passion for music to produce rap albums. Today, he writes and publishes poetry in community magazines and participates in panel discussions for educational and community events.
@melvins782 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 15

@Chouf-TV 6 жыл бұрын

I was framed and given a case by 3 men as a result of discrimination, I've been fighting it for over half year now even though there are camera recordings of no crime happening, the haters and the system dragged me through hard life and I've become homeless after a successful career as a professional. Today I googled songs about jail and system and I came across an article about the best 10 songs about jail, your song the The Belly of The Beast was the top one, and that is my first time ever knowing about the Lifers Group... Maxwell, you are much appreciated brother, it was a mistake and you paid your dues, please have a clear conscience and be at peace. One Love.

@freerrecords 6 жыл бұрын

Maxwell Melvins is an inspiration. Maxwell, thank you for sharing your story.

@khalildiego4594 2 жыл бұрын

instablaster

@JackieS812 3 жыл бұрын

So proud of what your trying to achieve as well as what you've achieved thus far! Keep speaking to the youth! God bless you Sir!

@dabai281 3 жыл бұрын

SALUTE TO MY BIG COUSIN MAX 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿🖤💯💯💯💯💯 LOVE YOU CUZ KEEP WINNING

@maxwellmelvins4591 3 жыл бұрын

OK THANK YOU VERY MUCH jASON ONE LOVE GIVE THE FAMILY MY BEST REGARDS LOVE YOU ALL FAMILY

@jemimaaslana 3 жыл бұрын

Powerful

@MadelineSanders2100 3 жыл бұрын

While doing research on methods for reducing mass incarceration, I came across your video. I really applaud how you ultimately turned your life around. One thought I had is that you should have been required to go into a drug treatment program because it is clear that is what precipitated your problem. Sadly, the entire phenomenon of mass incarceration has been in part to lock up both drug dealers & drug users which is insane. A t present I and some others are thinking about how to reduce the massive prison & criminal justice lanes of those caught in its grip. I wish you the continued best as you travel to impact the lives of others.

@maxwellmelvins4591 2 жыл бұрын

We are all socially responsible and have to come together as a community..