This week we took off on the road to Galesburg, where our very own Ronnie Carrasquillo took the stage alongside Dan Protess, the producer of the impactful PBS.org documentary ‘In Their Hands.’ This documentary tour focuses on the urgent need for reform within the Illinois parole system, exposing the flaws that keep individuals behind bars due to politically motivated factors.
Ronnie’s story is a powerful testament to the struggles faced by many ‘C’ number prisoners in Illinois. Despite being a model prisoner, he found himself trapped with a staggering 200 to 600-year sentence. The system focused on his past gang involvement rather than recognizing his accomplishments over the last 39 years before his release. It overlooked the positive changes he had made. It wasn’t the parole board that set him free; it was the courts that finally acknowledged the injustice of his situation.
During our visit to Galesburg, Ronnie delivered two impactful presentations on Thursday and one more on Friday at the Savoy 16 + IMAX, sharing his journey and the urgent need for reform. With the support of the Unshackled Building Bridges team, we are advocating for those who have faced similar battles, calling for a transformation in our justice system.
This trip was a tremendous success for both our organization and the documentary, which is currently touring throughout the state and soon making its way across the entire USA. Ronnie will be back home tomorrow, ready to continue the fight for justice and hope for our community.
I want to extend a huge shoutout to our affiliate partners and everyone who supports Ronnie in his fight to create positive change for our community! Together, we are unshackling the chains of the past and building bridges to a brighter tomorrow. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shine a light on these crucial issues.
You can watch “In Their Hands” on PBS.org. This powerful documentary reveals one man’s fight for freedom and sheds light on the politics of parole. It tells the gripping story of Ronnie Carrasquillo, who battled against the Illinois parole system while spending 47 years imprisoned. Despite being a model prisoner, his fight for freedom came through the courts, which finally recognized the injustice he faced.
The film highlights the flaws in a system that often overlooks personal growth and redemption. If you want to learn more about Ronnie’s journey and the urgent need for reform in our justice system watch In Their Hands. Revealing the fight for freedom that pulls back the curtain on the politics of parole and uncovers the truths that have long been hidden, advocating for a system that values justice and rehabilitation over political agendas; be sure to check it out on PBS.org./a film by Dan Protess
Our Affiliated Partners:
– ILRCC Reentry and Registration Services
Galesburg event, Co-sponsored by Education Justice Project, The Field Foundation of Illinois and FirstFollowers Champaign-Urbana.
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