before I could progress physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually within my life.” He started examining and navigating his inner struggles and worked to develop better social and empathetic skills. During the period of conducting this self-examination, Whiteside met Jerome Dillard, a co-founder of EXPO, who became one of his mentors. “When EXPO came along, it was very instrumental in helping me start that change toward realizing what I needed to become a productive citizen. I knew I could either be a hurt person who went out and hurt other people or a different person who would be a better influence.” After his release from prison, Whiteside decided to expand upon the positive growth he’d started while in prison and join the efforts EXPO was bringing to prisoners across the community. “One of the things EXPO advocates for is if a prison is going to incarcerate someone, then provide them with programs so when they are returning home, they’ll be able to hit the ground running and be successful and not contribute to the recidivism rate.”
Whiteside’s decision to further his position with EXPO from a mentee to a community organizer came as he realized the positive influence the organization brings to those within the prison system. “I knew what inspired and worked for me when I was in prison. And that was watching formerly incarcerated people return to the prisons, do presentations, and share with us about the success and contentment they were having in the real world.That’s why I chose to engage in this and be a living example of what worked for me.” Living Example
“I knew I could either be a hurt person who went out and hurt other people or a different person who would be a better influence.”
- Ramiah Whiteside
Commitment, Passion & Preparation He says his position as an organizer requires commitment, passion, and preparation to face the many challenges that arise when helping others fight against a system designed to keep people in prison. He says he’s proud to see the momentum the organization is gaining as he works to ensure people leaving prison have access to healthcare, employment, transportation, housing, and other systems they need to reintegrate into society. “We’re sending a message that issues like voting and accessing programs are serious. So many people aren’t able to vote because of prior convictions, and we’re speaking with the governor and other leaders to try and change some of that legislation.That’s my work here at EXPO, and that’s what I’m committed to doing.”
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