E-mail a friendSeptember 17, 2009
R. Dwayne Betts, author of A Question of Freedom and national spokesperson for Campaign for Youth Justice, reflects on his time in prison, his success after his release, the importance of books and the need to be more involved in the lives of young people.
R. Dwayne Betts
R. Dwayne Betts
Activist explains how he managed to survive and thrive in prison while so many other young people don't make it. (1:23)
Full interview. (23:27)
R. Dwayne Betts is a testament to the ability to turn one's life around. Raised in Maryland, his early years showed academic promise. His behavior changed in high school and, at 16, he began a journey that would end with a nine-year prison sentence. After spending most of his teens and early 20s in prison, Betts earned his degree from the University of Maryland, started a book club for boys and is national spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice. A published poet, he's has also written a memoir, A Question of Freedom.
