Prison to Peace: A Journey of Second Chances | Bessie Johnson-Elmore & William Elmore | TEDxDuke
What happens when time moves forward, but your life stands still? In this powerful and deeply personal talk, William and Bessie Elmore explore the emotional and psychological impact of incarceration through the lens of a life frozen in time. This talk challenges the audience to rethink what justice truly looks like and what it means to sentence someone to prison, highlighting how incarceration doesn't just punish—it suspends. Bessie L. Johnson-Elmore is a dedicated motivator with 32+ years of experience as a support group facilitator and counselor in domestic violence, mental health, and advocacy for incarcerated individuals and their families. She was the first Black female president of Bull City Toastmasters, later earning awards from HUD for a homeowner workshop program and from NAMI for contributions to mental health.A former NAMI Durham Board President, Bessie studied at Rutgers and Seton Hall, continuing her education in Human Services at the University of Phoenix. In 2013, she founded Straight Talk Support Group to assist families of incarcerated individuals. She has worked with nonprofits across multiple counties, volunteered with the ACLU, and facilitated classes at Durham County Jail, Butner Federal Prison, and Troy House. In 2018, she expanded her impact by opening Straight Talk Transitional House, a resource center for justice-involved individuals.To whom much is given, much is required. William Elmore embodies this, dedicating himself to serving others. His unexpected release from Orange County Correctional Facility on December 21, 2015, marked the end of 25 years in North Carolina’s prison system.Known as Will or Mecca, he is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, author, peer support specialist, and advocate. He co-owns SWIT (Success While In Transition) with Tommy Green, a reentry life skills program based on 21 principles for transitioning back into society. Will also co-owns Community Based Landscapers, a second-chance employer focused on giving back. Both of his business partners share his lived experience of long-term incarceration.Prison from the Inside Out, co-authored with Susan Simone, details his journey from a life sentence to freedom. Will continues to mentor youth, support incarcerated individuals, and consult faith-based organizations on prison ministries, transitional housing, and reentry programs. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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