The Power of a Pardon | Trailer
Preview: Season 7 Episode 6 | 1m 24sVideo has Closed Captions
Shows how life-altering a pardon and reform can be for formerly incarcerated persons.
For five formerly incarcerated individuals who served their time, the only path to redemption and chance to pursue their purpose is through the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. Through intimate and, at times, nerve-racking stories, THE POWER OF A PARDON follows these individuals as they show how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be when trying to build a life after prison.
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Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional funding provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Wyncote Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Power of a Pardon | Trailer
Preview: Season 7 Episode 6 | 1m 24sVideo has Closed Captions
For five formerly incarcerated individuals who served their time, the only path to redemption and chance to pursue their purpose is through the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. Through intimate and, at times, nerve-racking stories, THE POWER OF A PARDON follows these individuals as they show how life-altering a pardon and criminal justice reform can be when trying to build a life after prison.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
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Related to This Preview
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- I made a mistake 25 years ago.
Did I do anything else?
No, I want to put it past me.
- [TINA] One in three adults in America has a criminal record.
- Being in prison is a rough journey.
Every day, I had to hold on.
I was slipping away.
- [TINA] For many, the journey after prison is also a struggle.
- Constitutionally, in Pennsylvania, if you're convicted of a felony or any misdemeanor that is classified as a crime, a falsification, you can't legally hold office.
- It was a fear that I had that I would be rejected.
So I never tried to get another job for 19 years.
I would have to get a pardon, because my record wasn't expungable.
- [TINA] Five formerly incarcerated people work to rebuild their lives.
- When somebody is starting over and rebuilding, why wouldn't we want to be there to say, go, go.
There is a path to forgiveness.
- When I walk in here, it just makes me feel as though my dreams are coming true.
I'm gonna be a real business owner.
- We should never throw anybody in prison and say that they can't change, that they shouldn't be given a second chance.
That's not who we are.
- [TINA] A production of the WNET Group's Chasing the Dream Initiative, "The Power of a Pardon", on Local USA.
The Power of a Pardon | Preview
Video has Closed Captions
Shows how life-altering a pardon and reform can be for formerly incarcerated persons. (30s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional funding provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Wyncote Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.