In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

An Obligation to Dignity
Harvard Magazine by Lydialyle Gibson October 6, 2021

A glimpse into Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts’ life, the founding of Freedom Reads, and the importance of beauty in prison.

A Canon for the American Prisoner
The New York Review by John J. Lennon October 5, 2021

Incarcerated journalist John J. Lennon in conversation with Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts.

Head of the Class: Nearly Half Of The 2021 MacArthur "Genius" Grant Winners Are Black
Essence by Kevin L. Clark September 30, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts was awarded the MacArthur fellowship and ‘genius’ grant.

Finding Freedom In Words: Lawyer Poet Reginald Dwayne Betts Receives MacArthur Fellowship
NPR by Samantha Raphelson September 29, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts on receiving the MacArthur fellowship, his journey, and the origin of Freedom Reads.

Here are this year’s MacArthur fellows and ‘genius grant’ recipients
PBS NewsHour by Don Babwin September 28, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts was awarded the MacArthur fellowship and ‘genius’ grant.

From Jail To Law School To Genius Grant
Above the Law by Kathryn Rubino September 28, 2021

Lawyer, poet, and Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Desmond Meade received MacArthur Foundation ‘genius’ grants.

Reginald Dwayne Betts, New Haven poet, lawyer and advocate for the incarcerated, receives MacArthur Foundation ‘genius’ grant
Hartford Courant by Eliza Fawcett September 28, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts was awarded the MacArthur Foundation fellowship and ‘genius’ grant.

Reginald Dwayne Betts on Living Between the Poles of Yale-Educated Lawyer and Prison-Educated Poet
Literary Hub by Brad Listi July 21, 2021

Otherppl host Brad Listi chats with Reginald Dwayne Betts about his journey from incarceration to law school, and his poetry collection, FELON.

We Must Give All Prisoners Access to Resources to Pursue College Education
TIME Magazine by Reginald Dwayne Betts May 27, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts argues for expanded access to education in prisons.

Reginald Dwayne Betts On Incarceration, Chauvin Verdict — And Poetry
St. Louis Public Radio by Evie Hemphill April 21, 2021

Reginald Dwayne Betts speaks about his journey, the power of books, and the Yale Law School Million Book Project (now Freedom Reads).

If we truly believe in redemption and second chances, parole should be celebrated
The Washington Post by Reginald Dwayne Betts April 4, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts writes about the importance of parole and second chances.

In his journey from jail to Yale Law, felon-turned-poet writes 'to remember who I am'
Star Tribune by Rohan Preston March 6, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts speaks to his journey through incarceration, poetry, and the Million Book Project, now Freedom Reads.