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Reconstruction’s Mission

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The mission of Reconstruction Incorporated is to effect social change by forging individuals that were formerly incarcerated into an organized community of leaders working together to transform the criminal justice system, their communities and themselves. Reconstruction, Inc. exists to provide spiritual, social, economic and political development skills that re-establish our sense of shared community life. In order to achieve these objectives, Reconstruction Inc., will engage members in collective, reciprocal work projects, training activities and creative cultural activities to forge unity from shared work and responsibilities. We aspire to offer political education for leadership advocacy and activism. To involve ex-offenders through outreach via network of members. To involve family members into all three aspects of our work: The Alumni Ex-Offender Association (AEA) The Leadership Education Advocacy and Development (L.E.A.D.) Fight for Lifers, Inc. (FFL) Learn more about our Curriculum. Read more…

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AEA gather with members of the community to dedicate Memorial to Loss in a Carceral State

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On July 8th AEA Gathered with members of the community to dedicate the Memorial to Loss in a Carceral State. The program was the culmination of planning between AEA and Philadelphia Assembled (PHLA). The event featured the walking of the labyrinth, designed by Jared Wood and inspired by traditional African design. The labyrinth can represent the difficult path individuals from our communities are forced to travel as an effect of mass incarceration and the war on drugs. When walked together it gave the opportunity for community members and attendees to not only meditate on these effects but also support each other through a collective experience of healing. The event began with a speaking program featuring Jared Wood (Artist/Educator), William Goldsby (AEA Chair), Mike Lee (Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity) and Mona Washington (Playwright/PHLA). Conversation topics included the impact of incarceration and criminal records on the community and allowed for openRead more… Read more…

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#IfIDieInPoliceCustody– Family Demands Answers, Investigation into Son’s Death in Florida Jail

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LAURA MCTIGHE· MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016 Greetings friends, family, and comrades, I write as a longtime member of Reconstruction Inc. and at the request of Hakim Ali. This past week, a member of the Reconstruction Inc. extended family was “found” dead in a jail cell in Desoto County, Florida. Travis Hartsfield––son of Sharrone Hartsfield and great nephew of Reconstruction’s founder William Goldsby––was brought into custody on Monday, August 1st. On Friday, August 5th, Travis spoke with his mother and made plans for her visit the following week. The day Ms. Sharrone was supposed to visit, she was notified by the jail that her son was dead. He had been in custody for eight days. Travis Hartsfield, with his children. To date, Ms. Sharonne has been unable to get information about her son’s last hours. The Arcadian reported that Desoto County Sheriff’s Office ruled Travis’ death a suicide. Ms. Sharrone knowsRead more… Read more…

Compassionate Release for Terminally Ill

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Compassionate Release for Terminally Ill– Compassionate release refers to a court’s authority to permit the early release of a prisoner based on “extraordinary and compelling reasons.” Congress codified the option for compassionate release in federal statute 18 U.S.C. §3582(c)(1)(A)(i), however several states have taken care to create their own compassionate release statutes applicable to state prisoners. Read more…