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Freedom Unshackled
Mission
Freedom Unshackled is a grassroots organization focused on addressing challenges of racial discrimination and gender inequity within the criminal justice system. We accomplish this by confronting elected officials and advocating for the voiceless.
We fight to speak truth to power while representing incarcerated marginalized groups. We demand justice, inclusivity, and dignity for all races, genders, and ethnicities within the criminal justice system.
Vision
Freedom Unshackled’s vision is to advocate to improve policies and practices that negatively affect minority groups within the criminal justice system. We will utilize our allyship with community members, community based organizations and those directly or indirectly affected by incarceration.
Values
Equality in justice
Equality in the Access to Justice
Equality in Human value
Equality in rehabilitation efforts
We Are
Freedom Unshackled
(Click on photos to see bios)
Nicole Cook Reed
My name is Nicole Cook-Reed, and I am formerly incarcerated having served 10 straight years in prison. I am passionate about advocating for the systemic injustices of the currently and formerly incarcerated. I have drastically transformed my life for the better, but it was not as a result of the criminal justice system; and I would like to continue to work to help change that. As we can't truly expect to stop recidivism, and the rapid rates of incarceration, if the system isn't designed to do so. Because of my own personal experiences, and what I have built on my own in society; I have the platform to promote change, and have made it part of my life's mission into doing so.
Roni Minter
I'm a formerly incarcerated and I feel that there's a need for systemic change within the criminal justice system. My focus has always been on the forgotten population of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. I live my life in the Fight for Justice; especially for those of us that were touched by the criminal system. I am also the founder of Sistas Healing Old Wounds, Inc., based in Albany New York. We work to address policies and procedures that impact incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women.
I believe in the moto of 'Do No Harm' so it's past time to right the Harm that was done through the criminal justice system under harsh laws that fuel mass incarceration and over sentencing, especially in respect to Black men and women.
I believe in the moto of 'Do No Harm' so it's past time to right the Harm that was done through the criminal justice system under harsh laws that fuel mass incarceration and over sentencing, especially in respect to Black men and women.
Donald Johnson
My name is Donald Johnson
I work for BRC Shelter I'm a Program Aid
Ex convict who changed his life after 35 years of in and out of the prison system
My name is Donald Johnson
I work for BRC Shelter I'm a Program Aid
Ex convict who changed his life after 35 years of in and out of the prison system
I work for BRC Shelter I'm a Program Aid
Ex convict who changed his life after 35 years of in and out of the prison system
My name is Donald Johnson
I work for BRC Shelter I'm a Program Aid
Ex convict who changed his life after 35 years of in and out of the prison system
Jo Masseaux
I am the mother of one son and little sister to, two currently incarcerated men in the state of Florida.
My reason for, the honor of being a part of such an amazing organization is to inform the uninformed as well as inform myself of the inhumane ways these individuals are being treated, in this current day and age...that there are so many being lost and forgotten about once behind the wall.
I want to be a part of making the system be held accountable for their actions and to heal the families and help them cope with the fears they, as I am dealing with.
I finally can say that being an advocate and voice for those who have been silenced is again truly an honor...for this is my "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything", moment.
Prison Reform is where I will stand and for this I will not fall nor fail.
My reason for, the honor of being a part of such an amazing organization is to inform the uninformed as well as inform myself of the inhumane ways these individuals are being treated, in this current day and age...that there are so many being lost and forgotten about once behind the wall.
I want to be a part of making the system be held accountable for their actions and to heal the families and help them cope with the fears they, as I am dealing with.
I finally can say that being an advocate and voice for those who have been silenced is again truly an honor...for this is my "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything", moment.
Prison Reform is where I will stand and for this I will not fall nor fail.
Deborah Williams
Deborah Williams is a longtime advocate, specializing in the needs of Black women, incarcerated individuals and poor and the working class. She was a Volunteer Chaplain for the NYS Department of Corrections and worked with the Office of Governor mario M. Cuomo to bias within the NYS prison system. She co-developed the Sister-Reach Program that was facilitated in local jails to link women to self-sufficiency resources and support. Deborah is the Owner of Tanner Group Incorporated, a for-profit business consortium and Tanner Foundation, its charitable partner, whose mission it is to support marginalized people and empower them as leaders and mobilize them to marshal their power to achieve systemic change.
Marc Littlejohn
Matt Decker
Matt Decker
Matt Decker. I am a carpenter living and working in Albany, NY. I joined Freedom Unshackled because I am ashamed of the high incarceration rate in The United States and the toll it takes on our country and our people. I want to see fewer people going into jails, and more people coming out.
Matt Decker. I am a carpenter living and working in Albany, NY. I joined Freedom Unshackled because I am ashamed of the high incarceration rate in The United States and the toll it takes on our country and our people. I want to see fewer people going into jails, and more people coming out.
Torieana St Pierre
My name is Torieana St. Pierre and I am from the Seacoast area of New Hampshire. I have felt strongly about the injustices regarding the prison system as a whole, and have always wanted to be an advocate for the incarcerated population of the U.S. Addressing clemencies is one of the first, and very important steps in changing the system. I joined Freedom Unshackled not only to hold political figures accountable in their ability to make a difference that has often been ignored and underutilized, but to also learn more about how we can make a difference and spread our message throughout all the States.
Dominique St Pierre
My name is Dominique St. Pierre and I am a local resident of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I joined Freedom Unshackled to support a logical initiative that aims to grant clemencies more frequently. The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and we have an opportunity to address that statistic.
Amaya St Pierre
My name is Amaya St. Pierre I am 22 years old and from Portsmouth New Hampshire. I joined this coalition because I think it’s important that we pay attention to matters that are not frequently addressed. There are people in prison who qualify for clemency, but these cases are not always reviewed. It’s crucial that we hold elected officials accountable, and allow incarcerated individuals to live productive lives outside of prison.
Reigine St Pierre
My name is Reignie St. Pierre, I am 20 years old and from Portsmouth, NH. I joined freedom unshackled to support to learn from all of the members of the coalition. It is important to hear from other’s experiences and from this, spread freedom unshackled’s message and goal through social media.
Jennifer Zimmerman
I have worn many hats & have been involved with a number of organizations, but my heart is for people that have suffered at the hands of any form of injustice. I believe that the criminal justice system is, as it stood yesterday and stands today, an extension of systemic racism. There are people that need us to use our voices because theirs are being silenced. I have a moral obligation to stand when I’ve been called.
Dorthy Siegel
Dorothy was co-founder and Assistant Director for 24 years of Cephas Attica, Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit in Rochester, NY. Cephas ran 8 discussion groups in 5 different NYS prisons and had transitional housing for men and women coming out of prison. As part of the transition, Cephas ran a bakery and catering service and a construction company where the residents learned job skills and work ethics. Cephas twice won the NYS Eleanor Roosevelt Volunteer Service Award.
In 1996 Dorothy left Cephas and began working at Catholic Family Center in the Refugee Dept. Her responsibilities were supervising the program for employment for refugees and running the welfare to work program. She retired in 2009.
Since retirement, Dorothy has volunteered at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, a medical clinic for the uninsured and at Patrick Place, a comfort care home. She also enjoys very much her time with her 17 grandchildren.
In 1996 Dorothy left Cephas and began working at Catholic Family Center in the Refugee Dept. Her responsibilities were supervising the program for employment for refugees and running the welfare to work program. She retired in 2009.
Since retirement, Dorothy has volunteered at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, a medical clinic for the uninsured and at Patrick Place, a comfort care home. She also enjoys very much her time with her 17 grandchildren.
Harriet Webster
I am Harriet Webster a native of Albany, New York. I graduated from Fisk University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.. I’m retired from NYS ITS as an Associated Administrative Analyst. I was the coordinator of Personnel, training and logistic issues for the Planning & Technology Division. I was also a Youth Division Counselor for NYS Children and Family Services. I am also a certified Foster and adopted mother for Albany County. I held the position of Co-Director for PFEM Cornelius House Community Center. I’m a member of Greater St. John COGIC. My ministry is that of Helps. I am passionate about helping and encouraging others to reach their full potential.
Paulene K Toussaint
My name is Paulene K. Toussaint and my goal is to improve the lives of disenfranchised populations. The criminal justice system is just one of the many methods where systemic racism has overly negatively impacted the blacks, Latinx and indigenous communities. You took the first step by visiting our page and I am happy you are here. Advocacy is effective with numbers, so please join in the fight to ensure everyone has equal access to human rights and decency.
Ken Siegel
Cherrie Burgess
Cherrie Burgess has been a resident of Albany since 1999, moving from Long Island,New York. Cherrie has recently retired and has relocated to North Carolina. She is the mother of three sons and seven grandchildren.
She began her work here in Albany with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. She has worn many hats; pre-k teacher, teacher assistant, summer camp director, director of after-school program at Arbor Hill Elementary, facilitator for SUNY video conferences with childcare council, and educational assistant for the Department of Environmental Conservation. Cherrie has more than 30 years of experience in the educational field. Cherrie was the recipient of the " Boys and Girls Club of American Youth Advocate" award, "The Hidden Hero" award, the "Ujima Journey" award ,and the recipient of the United Sisters of New York "Women Who Rock" award. She is a board member of the Ujima Journey Organization, a friend and associate to the Adirondack Wild, and the John Brown Organization in Lake Placid.
Cherrie ,is a nature advocate,is the president of the Youth ED-Venture and Nature Network, a program founded by her late husband, Brother Yusuf Burgess. Cherrie and the YENN Organization has exposed the underserved youth (families) with opportunities to engage in outdoor activities in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and Yosemite National Park.
Cherrie believes that it takes a village to raise our children and help empower our communities
She began her work here in Albany with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. She has worn many hats; pre-k teacher, teacher assistant, summer camp director, director of after-school program at Arbor Hill Elementary, facilitator for SUNY video conferences with childcare council, and educational assistant for the Department of Environmental Conservation. Cherrie has more than 30 years of experience in the educational field. Cherrie was the recipient of the " Boys and Girls Club of American Youth Advocate" award, "The Hidden Hero" award, the "Ujima Journey" award ,and the recipient of the United Sisters of New York "Women Who Rock" award. She is a board member of the Ujima Journey Organization, a friend and associate to the Adirondack Wild, and the John Brown Organization in Lake Placid.
Cherrie ,is a nature advocate,is the president of the Youth ED-Venture and Nature Network, a program founded by her late husband, Brother Yusuf Burgess. Cherrie and the YENN Organization has exposed the underserved youth (families) with opportunities to engage in outdoor activities in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and Yosemite National Park.
Cherrie believes that it takes a village to raise our children and help empower our communities
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