Mission Statement
Freedom Unshackled is a coalition of individuals who have come together to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system in the United States of America. We are not interested in introducing new laws. We are only interested in working with community based organizations, local and state legislators and state governors around upholding existing policies and procedures that benefit incarcerated men and women.
We intend to take one issue at a time looking at comparisons from state to state. Our goal is to advocate for more uniformed, universally used policies and procedures within the Department of Justice. We will do this with love, light and transparency. Our mission is this: To simply see if incarcerated men and women can have a fair chance without prejudices, biases or preconceived notions within the criminal justice system.
We Are
Freedom Unshackled
(Click on photos to see bios)
Mavis Littlejohn
A lifelong community activist, advocate and organizer; former Board V.P. of AVillage, Inc., Former member of Albany's Community Leadeship Team; Co-Creator of The Black Doll Project; Concerns: Minority health disparities, Criminal Justice Reform, and Substance Abuse.
Marc Littlejohn
My family’s history has been entwined with America’s history since our arrival in the mid nineteenth century. As a descendant of slaves I feel it is my duty to continue the fight for the equality of Black, brown, Indginous, LGBTQ individuals and those who have suffered at the hands of systemic racism and unjust laws. Being a member of Freedom Unshackled provides me the opportunity to interact directly with members of our state government to effect change and hold political decision makers accountable. In correcting injustice.
I am a designer, educator and entrepreneur. I am committed to supporting the advancement of all marginalized people.
I am a designer, educator and entrepreneur. I am committed to supporting the advancement of all marginalized people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reigine St Pierre.jpg
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.
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
Adonijah Niles
My name is Adonijah Niles, most know me by Addie. I am an activist for Social Justice, a Self Published Author, and Master Life Coach. I was formerly incarcerated while pregnant at the age of 20. My story is a very unique one, but one of many from women around the world.
I want to fight the defects that are within the criminal justice system that are against our brothers and sisters alike. I believe in ‘each one teach one’ which means that as we learn, we should be teaching and showing those around us how to fight for our human rights!
I want to fight the defects that are within the criminal justice system that are against our brothers and sisters alike. I believe in ‘each one teach one’ which means that as we learn, we should be teaching and showing those around us how to fight for our human rights!
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.