Prison Reform & Effective Reentry: Yusuf Wiley on Reducing Recidivism
By Lana Reid | November 29, 2023
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Yusuf Wiley, author, reentry expert, and prison reform advocate, to discuss prison reform and effective reentry strategies for reducing recidivism. Yusuf shares how formerly incarcerated individuals face significant barriers after release, including access to housing, employment, and supportive services, and why evidence-based reentry programs are critical to long-term success. The conversation centers on dignity, accountability, and creating pathways that support successful reintegration into society.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Yusuf Wiley offers an in-depth conversation on prison reform, reentry, and community stability.
Yusuf explains how incarceration often leaves individuals unprepared for reentry, despite their desire to rebuild their lives. He discusses the systemic challenges formerly incarcerated people encounter, including limited job opportunities, housing restrictions, and a lack of coordinated support systems that address real-world needs after release.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Yusuf explore the importance of evidence-based reentry programs. Yusuf shares how structured support, job training, education, and accountability play a crucial role in reducing recidivism. He emphasizes that successful reentry requires more than punishment — it requires intentional preparation, policy alignment, and community investment.
The discussion also highlights the human impact of prison reform. Yusuf reflects on how reentry programs that focus on dignity, responsibility, and long-term planning improve outcomes not only for individuals, but for families and communities. He underscores that reducing recidivism strengthens public safety and creates more stable neighborhoods by addressing root causes rather than symptoms.
This episode reinforces the need for comprehensive reentry strategies that prioritize rehabilitation, opportunity, and sustainable community reintegration.
About the Guest
Yusuf Wiley is an author, reentry expert, and prison reform advocate whose work focuses on reducing recidivism through evidence-based programs and coordinated support systems. He is committed to helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society while strengthening community stability and public safety.
For more information on Yusef Wiley:
https://www.ywspeaks.com
https://timelistgroup.org
https://www.amazon.com/If-Knew-Then-Yusef-Andre-Wiley/dp/1986610500
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusefandrewiley/
https://www.youtube.com/@yusefandrewiley
https://instagram.com/yusefandrewiley
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are advocates, leaders, and change-makers addressing systemic challenges and working toward equity, accountability, and community well-being.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
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The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
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