(Photo courtesy of Sarah Turner)

On April 3rd, 2024, St Ambrose University held its 26th annual Social Justice Conference, titled, Unlocking Justice: Confronting the lifelong consequences of a conviction- A Call to Action. This year’s event hosted Jason Sole as its keynote speaker, a “formerly incarcerated abolitionist” and the co-founder of the Humanize my Hoodie movement.

Dr Kristi Lohmeier, Director of the Social Work Program at St. Ambrose set the tone for the conference by emphasizing the importance of listening to the voices of those most affected by the issues that are being addressed. “We must center our understanding of the issue with those most directly impacted by it.” Additionally, Dr. Lohmeier encouraged attendees to “use what is shared today to direct change.”

Sole shared his life journey of redemption and resilience. The conversation sparked by Sole was challenging our current criminal justice system. Sole stated, “I don’t believe that cages are the solution.” 

Sole’s upbringing on the south side of Chicago was characterized by poverty and abuse. Sole was raised in an abusive household with an addict father. This meant Sole witnessed firsthand the cycle of violence and addiction.

As a child, Sole struggled with the temptations of the gang life that surrounded him. After his family was evicted when Sole was just 10 years old, Sole was committed to breaking out of poverty. Sole confessed, “I was tired of being broke.” This desire led him to eventually join a gang.

This life led to Sole’s arrest. While behind bars, Sole experienced the trauma of solitary confinement, “You lose your mind in solitary.”

(Photo courtesy of Sarah Turner)

Upon his release, Sole decided to dedicate himself to advocacy. He went to school for criminal justice, stating, “I might as well get credit for what I know.”

As someone who was formerly incarcerated, Sole is able to bring a unique perspective to the conversation of criminal justice reform. Sole identifies that police do not serve the same function for those who have been incarcerated, “You think I’m gonna call a stranger with a badge and a gun?”

Sole emphasized the importance of building community and fostering environments of support, particularly for those who have been incarcerated. He says his community “loved me back to repair.” Sole remarked, “If the police would have killed me in any of… those mugshots, you never would’ve known what I could be.”

One of these communities built by Sole is Humanize my Hoodie, a movement committed to ending violence against black and indigenous people. Visit their website here.

Sole’s inspiring words at St. Ambrose’s 26th annual Social Justice conference highlighted St. Ambrose’s commitment to social justice. This conference served as an opportunity for the St. Ambrose community to witness the results of collective action and create a desire for a more just society.

Attendees also took part in a reentry simulation to demonstrate the challenges faced by those who have been recently incarcerated. You can view that story here.