Joining The Army Against Mass Incarceration with Dan Slepian and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez
JJ Velazquez is a justice advocate and public speaker who spent 23 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit before being granted clemency and ultimately exonerated in 2021. A tireless advocate for criminal justice reform, Velazquez works with organizations like the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice to create connections between incarcerated individuals and their communities, emphasizing the transformative power of proximity. Joining him is Dan Slepian, an award-winning journalist and longtime producer for Dateline NBC, whose investigations have exonerated wrongfully convicted individuals and inspired systemic change. Together, their partnership has illuminated the stark realities of mass incarceration and the resilience required to overcome its challenges.
This powerful episode delves into Velazquez’s personal journey of finding purpose through service while incarcerated, highlighting how his work with fellow incarcerated individuals became his salvation. Velazquez shares moving stories of his efforts to prevent self-harm and inspire hope among his peers, illustrating the deep human connections formed within the prison system. Slepian recounts his own journey of uncovering wrongful convictions, including his 20-year relationship with Velazquez, which he credits with profoundly transforming his understanding of justice. The discussion also explores systemic failures, including the barriers to exoneration even with overwhelming evidence, and the need for widespread advocacy to combat mass incarceration.
Episode Outline
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:00) JJ Velazquez’s Journey to Finding Purpose
(00:07:15) Lessons from Viktor Frankl and Stephen Covey
(00:10:00) Acts of Service Inside and Outside Prison
(00:15:30) Dan Slepian’s Role in Exposing Wrongful Convictions
(00:20:00) The Impact of Proximity on Justice Reform
(00:25:00) Coping with Trauma and Finding Resilience
(00:30:15) Challenges of Reentry and Family Reconnection
(00:40:00) Advocacy Through the Frederick Douglass Project
(00:45:00) Mobilizing an Army Against Mass Incarceration
(00:50:00) Final Reflections on Forgiveness and Systemic Change
