Project Director
Project Director, Leon Benson, Exoneree, Artist, and small business owner - Leon spent 25 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. He brings that experience, his artistic prowess, and love for his family to this project to raise our collective voices.
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S.U.N. Families Introduction
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Art From the Inside - Minnesota Guest: Antonio Espinosa
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Indiana Senate Bill 141: Testimony
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Why S.U.N. Families?
S.U.N. Families are deeply inspired by the sacred knowledge that the laughter of a child should never fade beneath any form of oppression, let alone the shadow of incarceration. Leon's story is marred by the unjust separation from my precious one-year-old son and my sweet two-year-old daughter—ignited an unstoppable fire within me, a soulful call to action that cannot be silenced. SU.N. Families co-created with Crystallee in 2023, was 16 when her father was incarcerated, she learned first hand the true meaning of shame being the daughter of someone imprisoned for murder. The team is well equipped to engage with justice impacted families and uplift the unseen.
Within the suffocating silence of prison walls, Leon listened to the heart-wrenching symphony of countless families through confined loved ones, each one struggling under the weight of separation, the affliction of unforeseen futures, and some mourning the innocent lives entwined in the snares of a broken justice system.
As family members we stand at the crossroads of love and loss, deeply aware that the trauma-blast-radius of imprisonment ripples far beyond the iron bars that engages the soul. It is not just the souls behind those walls who suffer; it is the mothers, fathers, siblings, children—an entire community wrestling with stigma, shame, and the heavy burden of society's judgment. This stain does not simply evaporate when the loved one is released from prison. It lingers like a poisonous fog, deepening the wounds of disconnection, despair, and disenfranchisement.
There are over 2.2 million brothers and sisters imprisoned across this nation—each soul intricately linked to a web of family and friends—we recognize the staggering toll of this crisis. This is not just a statistic; it is a powerful tapestry of human experience, woven with threads of pain, resilience, and undying hope. Our community stands united, fueled by an abiding commitment to advocate, educate, and heal, for we believe in the transformative power of Healing Justice.
S.U.N. is not just an initiative; it is a radiant call of hope piecing through the darkest clouds of despair. We strive to illuminate the stories of families rendered invisible and to dismantle the prison of shame and apathy that binds them. Together, we forge a sanctuary where voices rise, where families reclaim their narratives, and where the sacred work of healing can flourish.
Within the suffocating silence of prison walls, Leon listened to the heart-wrenching symphony of countless families through confined loved ones, each one struggling under the weight of separation, the affliction of unforeseen futures, and some mourning the innocent lives entwined in the snares of a broken justice system.
As family members we stand at the crossroads of love and loss, deeply aware that the trauma-blast-radius of imprisonment ripples far beyond the iron bars that engages the soul. It is not just the souls behind those walls who suffer; it is the mothers, fathers, siblings, children—an entire community wrestling with stigma, shame, and the heavy burden of society's judgment. This stain does not simply evaporate when the loved one is released from prison. It lingers like a poisonous fog, deepening the wounds of disconnection, despair, and disenfranchisement.
There are over 2.2 million brothers and sisters imprisoned across this nation—each soul intricately linked to a web of family and friends—we recognize the staggering toll of this crisis. This is not just a statistic; it is a powerful tapestry of human experience, woven with threads of pain, resilience, and undying hope. Our community stands united, fueled by an abiding commitment to advocate, educate, and heal, for we believe in the transformative power of Healing Justice.
S.U.N. is not just an initiative; it is a radiant call of hope piecing through the darkest clouds of despair. We strive to illuminate the stories of families rendered invisible and to dismantle the prison of shame and apathy that binds them. Together, we forge a sanctuary where voices rise, where families reclaim their narratives, and where the sacred work of healing can flourish.
Prevention at the Intersections
At Prevention at the Intersections, our mission is to collaborate with justice-seeking organizations, nonprofits, and funders through community-based research, program development, evaluation, and training. We are dedicated to building collective capacity to heal from social and community harm, fostering resilience and empowerment in the communities we serve. By addressing the root causes of injustice and promoting inclusive practices, we strive to create pathways for healing, understanding, and social transformation. Learn more at www.preventionagenda.org.