Most people know Leavenworth, Kansas for one reason — movie and film references to the federal penitentiary. But on Tuesday night, Leavenworth was an example of something else — success.
www.kshb.com/…
Campaign Action
Instead, the newly-elected Leavenworth City Commissioner considers himself a success story— especially after how he turned his life around.
"Don’t allow your past mistakes to define who you are. When you make a mistake in life, you learn from that mistake and you move on," he told 41 Action News.
In 2007, Wilson was convicted of a felony and spent three years in prison for possession of Ecstasy. While locked away, Wilson said he became a Christian and decided to make it his mission to teach people not to make the same mistakes he did.
The war on drugs had ensnared a younger Jermaine Wilson, but after serving his time, he was able to get back his right to vote. This year, after working hard on behalf of his community he took the next step — he ran for city office and prevailed.
In Kansas, a place where voter rights are under fire, Jermaine Wilson had an opportunity to participate and serve his community. An opportunity he would not have had elsewhere.
In Florida, individuals who have served their time and returned to the community are denied the opportunities that Jermaine Wilson had — they can’t vote, and as a result, they could never serve in office.
floridarrc.com
Florida is one of only three states that strip all individuals with past felony convictions of their civil rights, including their fundamental right to vote, even after completion of their sentences.
When Prison goes beyond punishment we as a society must commit to our belief in rehabilitation. Prison should always provide individuals an opportunity to change their life, get back on track, and return to the community. He was provided a chance to serve his punishment and return to the community and work every day to improve it.
Why would he do such a thing? What helps prevent repeat offenses? Part of it is allowing individuals to be full participants in their community — and that includes the right to vote.
www.kshb.com/...
But Wilson was determined to continue to do good. He spoke to churches and juveniles at detention facilities, taught inmates how to write resumes and fill out job applications and established the Unity in the Community program.
Leavenworth, best known for its prison, on Tuesday gave a reason to be known for a story of redemption and the reason to give back to many their right to vote.