America has the highest prison population of anywhere in the world, and young black men have a 50% chance of ending up in jail by the age of 23. Seventy million Americans currently have a criminal record, leading to challenges accessing legal aid, housing, healthcare, voting rights and most importantly, the ability to get a job. Without an income, many fall back into crime and return to jail. The economic and social costs to both society and the individuals is devastating, but with high urban poverty, widespread gang violence, a semi-privatised prison system, and little political will, very little is being done to reform the system. Former convict Richard Bronson is on a mission to change that. He has established the Commissary Club which helps find jobs for those with criminal records as well as finding mentors and support systems for the recently released. In this episode, we speak to Richard Bronson and two former gang members Sean Dupree and Victor Lombard - known as Divine - about their experience of finding work since their release from incarceration. - - - - - Show notes and transcription: https://www.defiance.news/podcast/locked-out - - - - - Timestamps:Coming soon… - - - - - The success of Defiance will be largely down to the support of you, the listener. Below are a number of ways you can help:- Subscribe to the show on your favourite app so you never miss an episode:iTunesSpotifyDeezerStitcherSoundCloudYouTubeTuneIn- Leave a review of the show on iTunes (5* really helps, if you think the show deserves it).- Share the show and episodes out with your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.- Follow Defiance on social media:TwitterFacebookInstagramYouTube- Subscribe to the Defiance mailing list.- Donate Bitcoin here: bc1qd3anlc8lh0cl9ulqah03dmg3r2uxm5r657zr5p If you have any questions then please email Defiance. - - - - -