The Voice of An Advocate: Sheena Beasley Can’t Be Stopped

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Even though I never went to prison, I still had a criminal record. That made it hard to find a job. I got through several interviews with one company that offered me the job and gave me the start date. I had sent them my files—I was honest about my criminal past—and I thought I must be in the clear.

At the last minute, I got a large envelope from their head office saying, "Ms. Beasley, we don't hire felons."

I was very shocked. I did exactly what the judge and probation officer had ordered me to do, getting permission to travel and see family and whatnot. By this time, I had even paid off my restitution! My probation officer recommended my early release from probation.

But on paper, I still had that felony. My past could impact everything, from getting a decent job to finding a place to live. And, because I still had bills to pay, I had to take what I could get.

What I didn't realize was that a seed was being planted for something much bigger than myself. In the midst of my struggles, the Holy Spirit said to me, "I've got a vision for your life."

CREATING CONNECTIONS

That vision became The Almond Connection (TAC), which I founded in 2016 to serve returning citizens. TAC is a nonprofit organization connecting people who have gone through the justice system to job training, employment, housing, healthcare, education, counseling, legal support, social services, food, and clothing.

Then, I was searching Google for information about second chances, and I came across Prison Fellowship^®. As I was reading the website, I realized we shared some of the same goals for helping people be restored. The organization was so well spoken of and nationally known. And it excited me that they were going into prisons, as well as serving families on the outside. I thought, I want to be a part of that.

I started giving a little bit financially. Then I applied to be a Justice Ambassador, to volunteer with advocacy efforts and reforms.

Even as a young girl, I helped take care of people—my grandmother, my seven siblings. I was the one my mother trusted to take care of business when she wasn't around, so I've always been a "helper." I really do believe that I am my brother's keeper. Then, when I experienced the stigma of having a criminal record, I wondered how other people would be able to make it.

THE VOICE OF AN ADVOCATE

So many barriers stand in the way when you return home to your community with a criminal record. It's why I believe in reentry organizations like The Almond Connection. It's why as a Justice Ambassador, I am speaking up, sending letters, and engaging with lawmakers to help bring about change.

Recently, I had an opportunity to share my story in an opinion piece for the Greensboro News and Record. In it, I called on Sen. Thom Tillis to support the EQUAL Act. This legislation would end the 18 to 1 sentencing disparity for crack and powder cocaine offenses.

After the newspaper ran the piece, I got a phone call from Sen. Tillis' office. They told me that the senator would be endorsing the EQUAL Act. And, not only that—Sen. Tillis said the op-ed was instrumental in his decision to sign on as a co-sponsor! Then, they asked if I would schedule a time to meet and continue the conversation.

I was shocked and overjoyed. Next, I reached out to the staff at Prison Fellowship to help prepare me with the talking points and resources I would need. Without that, I would be really intimidated. Like, Oh, what do I say? But Prison Fellowship was there every step of the way to answer my questions and equip me to advocate.