Professor Renford Reese Discusses Violence in America from a New Perspective in Recent Book
Cal Poly Pomona Political Science Professor Renford Reese recently published “Violence in America: From a ‘Criminal’s’ Perspective,” a book that delves into the topic through interviews and personal anecdotes from incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, discussing current political narratives.
With over 17 years of experience fighting for social justice, Reese’s diverse background has grounded his leadership as a professor and community member. This is Reese’s 12th book.
“Unless we understand the perpetrators of violent crime, we will not understand their motives and the symptoms of why they have so much rage, and unless we treat that rage, then we will continue to be immersed in this cycle of violence in America,” Reese said.
Reese is the director and founder of the Prison Education Project, established in 2011, and the Reintegration Academy, established in 2009. He was a co-founding executive director of the California State University (CSU) Project Rebound Consortium. Since its establishment in 2015, CSU Project Rebound Consortium has expanded to 19 out of the 23 CSU campuses and has helped over 1,000 formerly incarcerated individuals graduate.
Reese makes three key arguments in his book: People exposed to early childhood trauma are more likely to engage in negative behavior, people born in disadvantaged environments should be given more opportunities to overcome the challenges that surround them, and Reese contends that the label of “criminal” is a political determination. He believes there is a double standard in how laws are applied, where marginalized groups are discriminatorily prosecuted compared to privileged groups engaging in the same behavior.
“It is a double standard, because in the United States, we have noble principles, but ignoble practices,” Reese said. “The laws might be equal, but the way the laws are applied are unequal. The laws might be fair on paper, but the way the laws are applied are unfair in practice. That’s at the heart of the issue in the criminal justice system in America.”
Throughout his career, Reese has witnessed the power of healing first-hand. He reflects on the success stories of previously incarcerated individuals and the lack of representation in the media. For example, Kenny Butler is one of the many success stories of previously incarcerated individuals who overcame challenges in our legal system.
“Butler was that gangster that you see in the movies. He was a shot caller in prison and spent 23 hours a day on lockdown for two years inside the prison. He was given a life sentence. His sentence was ultimately commuted as he fought his case on the inside, and was released from prison,” Reese said. “He graduated from Pitzer College, and then he would become a Fulbright Fellow, doing work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the country of Uganda. Now he’s an outstanding MPA student at Cal Poly Pomona.”
Reese acknowledges California’s progressive efforts and contributions to change.
“Our state has put probably about $300 million in the transformation of this population over the last seven years. I’m proud of California. I’m proud of the investment that we made in change. I’m proud that we have not given up on this population. In 2017, the CSU Project Rebound Consortium graduated 52 students and in the Spring of 2024, the Consortium graduated 284 Project Rebound students, which brought the total number of Project Rebound graduates to 1,042—a simply phenomenal achievement.” Reese said.
“We would not have these success stories if it had not been for the commitment of this state, the governor of this state, the legislators of this state. There is an ongoing budget to fund programs for formerly incarcerated students at the California Community College, CSU, and UC system levels, and we are witnessing the results of this investment. All Californians benefit from giving this population a second chance.”
Go to Amazon to read “Violence in America: From a ‘Criminal’s’ Perspective.” For more information on how to join the movement, visit the Prison Education Project, Reintegration Academy, and the CSU Project Rebound Consortium.