In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

A look at efforts to beef up libraries in Mass. prisons and jails
WBUR by Simón Rios and Amanda Beland February 6, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts spoke about access to literature in Massachusetts prisons, the 500-book Freedom Library collection, and the Inside Literary Prize.

Dr. King Honored by Leaders at BAM
Our Time Press January 19, 2024

Reginald Dwayne Betts, Freedom Reads Founder & CEO, delivered an inspirational keynote address at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cleveland Public Library to host talk with prison literacy activist, author
Signal Cleveland by Stephanie Casanova January 18, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts will speak about the barriers to accessing books in prison at a Cleveland Public Library event.

Gloria Estefan, Martin Sheen, Mitt Romney & More Headline ‘The Thread,’ New Documentary Series From Life Stories About Purpose-Driven Lives
Deadline by Matthew Carey January 17, 2024

The Thread, a documentary series by Life Stories about living a purpose driven life, will feature author, poet, and Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts among other influential Americans.

BAM Hosts 38th Annual MLK Day Event
BKReader by Brianna Robles January 16, 2024

At the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts “expressed how mercy is the wish of many Black and Brown people who are incarcerated.”

BAM hosts 38th Annual Brooklyn tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
New York Amsterdam News by AmNews Staff Reports January 16, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts delivered the keynote address at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

'Look at where we are now': BAM honors Martin Luther King Jr. at annual tribute event
Brooklyn Paper by Isabel Song Beer January 16, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts delivered the keynote address at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

How to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Paper by Isabel Song Beer January 10, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts is slated to give the keynote address at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Freedom Reads puts on a play at CTF
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation by Lt. Wil Landrum January 3, 2024

Freedom Reads presented a one-person adapted performance of The Latehomecomer, a novel by Kao Kalia Yang, at Correctional Training Facility.

The Lives They Lived: Harry Belafonte
The New York Times Magazine by Reginald Dwayne Betts December 22, 2023

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts penned this in memoriam piece on Harry Belafonte, reflecting how he used his power of celebrity to create change for Black Americans.

'Freedom begins with a book': incarcerated people to judge new US literary award
The Guardian by Olivia Empson December 11, 2023

Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation launch the Inside Literary Prize; one judge and two authors shortlisted for the prize discuss the initiative’s impact.

300 Incarcerated People to Judge New US Literary Award
The Crime Report by TCR Staff December 11, 2023

Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation launch the Inside Literary Prize, the nation's first literary award judged by currently incarcerated readers.