Motivations from my life | Tamika Sheppard | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Tamika Sheppard did not aspire to be a “crackhead prostitute,” as a child, but her addiction to drugs repeatedly led her to a life on the streets and prison. It was in prison, Ms. Sheppard says, that she learned that her life matters. She hopes her story encourages others to not follow her path.
Incarcerated | Naomi Blount | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
“Incarcerated,’’ words and music by Naomi Blount, is about the regret and pain of mistakes leading to incarceration and the heart-break of lost relationships and opportunities. Performed by Ms. Blount and friends, including: Tamika Bell, Florence Caesar, Rose Marie Dinkins, Tequilla Fields, Leah Johnson, Varnell Jones, Jacqueline Massey, Tameika Minnifield, Christina Castro Pedroza.
Living confined, thinking free | Cheryl Pullins | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Confinement, whether real or imagined, can restrict our lives in multiple, negative ways. In “Living Confined, Thinking Free,’’ Ms. Pullins tells us that opening ourselves to all possibilities can free us from the prisons of our minds and emotions.
Wrong side of the road/freedom | B.L. Shirelle | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
“Wrong Side of the Road/ Freedom” by B.L. Shirelle. Members of the group include Monique Mull, guitarist, who also wrote the music and lyrics, Demetrius Patterson, rapper, Emily Smith, guitarist, and Kelly Klunk, lead vocals. Ms. Mull says that the two songs are representative of the mistakes made in their lives that led them to prison. While there may be a number of causes that led them to criminal behavior, Ms. Mull says, they all know that they always had a choice to do otherwise. Members of the group include Monique Mull, guitarist, who also wrote the music and lyrics, Demetrius Patterson, rapper, Emily Smith, guitarist, and Kelly Klunk, lead vocals. Inmates at Muncy State Prison.
Foundations of friendship | MeLisa McManus + Tina Brosius | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
MeLisa McManus and Tina Brosius, both sentenced to life in prison as teenagers, say they grew up together in prison. After two decades of incarceration, the two women said the “Foundations of Friendship,’’ they have found has helped them become productive citizens with the hope of showing the world all that they have become.
Changes and consequences | Amelia McPeek | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Amelia McPeek, corrections officer at SCI Muncy, admits that her personal disappointments fueled by alcohol consumption in her off hours, created an angry, unpleasant demeanor that was ruining her life both professionally and personally. Her decision to change her attitude has changed her life for the better and she encourages others in her talk entitled “Changes & Consequences.’’
Working toward redemption | Heather Lavelle | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
College-educated Heather Lavelle was a successful professional until alcohol and drug addiction led her to commit a crime that resulted in a life prison sentence. Ms. Lavelle discusses “Working toward Redemption,’’ beginning with the hardest task of all - forgiving herself.
Tattooed | Deb Sahd | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
“Tattooed,’’ written and performed by Deb Sahd, executive assistant to the Secretary of Corrections. Ms. Sahd sings about the importance of the simplest acts of kindness and the impact it has on others – sometimes leaving an indelible memory that can change a life for the better.
I’m a woman first | Tiffany Williams | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
“I’m a Woman First,’’ performed by Tiffany Williams. Words and music by Ms. Williams and Diamond Dallas. Ms. Williams sings about humanizing inmates, reminding everyone that she has a name as well as a number and besides her crime and shame, she is a woman first.
Behind closed doors | The House of Hope | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
The House of Hope is an in-patient and out-patient treatment program helping women who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual assault. Terri Woodling, manager of the program at Muncy, cites statistics of domestic violence, while several offenders share their personal stories through poetry. Participating offenders, in order of appearance, are: Annalita Ross, Holly Miller, Rachel Kozloff, Krista Blake, Jamie Barnes, Felicia Fox, Jusquivida Jackson-Smith and Andrea Prince.
Resiliency and recovery | Jennifer Storm | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Jennifer Storm, Pennsylvania’s Victim Advocate, shares her personal story of healing from sexual abuse, followed by self-destructive drug and alcohol addiction, in “Resiliency & Recovery.’’ Her journey of recovery has resulted in a career dedicated to helping other victims through public service. As the state's Victim Advocate, Ms. Storm is responsible for representing the rights and interests of crime victims. Her duties include notifying crime victims of potential for inmate release and movement with the correctional system, as well of offering the victims an opportunity to provide testimony and other assistance.
This is not my home | The Lady Lifers | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
A life sentence in Pennsylvania means exactly that. These women, all of whom have served decades in prison, sing of the very real possibility of dying alone in prison. The Lady Lifers, including Brenda Watkins, lead vocals, Dannielle Hadley, Debra Lee Brown, Theresa Battles, Diane Metzger, Thelma Nichols, Joann Butler, Lena Brown and Trina Garnett. Words by Howard Woodring, music by Naomi Blount.
The storm | Tameka Flowers | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Through words and song, Tameka Flowers, shares her message of child abuse prevention. In “The Storm,’’ Ms. Flowers challenges mothers to protect their children, fathers to be an example of “how a man is supposed to love” their daughters, and urging communities to be aware, become involved and prevent destructive behavior to the children in their neighborhoods.
The institutions that change you | Piper Kerman | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
“The Institutions that Change You,’’ Piper Kerman, author of the memoir, “Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison,’’ speaks about the importance of education to incarcerated individuals as an investment in rehabilitation. Ms. Kerman currently works as a communications consultant with nonprofit, philanthropies and other organizations. She is also a frequently invited speaker to students of law, criminology, gender and women's' studies, sociology and creative writing, as well as correctional organizations and justice reform.
It’s your choice | Renee Cardwell Hughes | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Love is the real key to success, Judge Hughes says, crediting her parents for her personal success. We all have someone who loves us and wants the best for us, Judge Hughes says, adding that “It’s Your Choice,’’ to want to succeed. Retired Philadelphia Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes has had a successful legal career and now heads the American Red Cross in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Value, vision and victory | Shirley Moore Smeal | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Shirley Moore Smeal, Executive Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, speaks about “Value, Vision and Victory.’’ Ms. Smeal reminded the audience that, in the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, they “mustn’t confuse a single failure with a final defeat,’’ and that where they are does need not define who they are.