Before They Could Dream: An Exploration of Youth Justice and Incarceration in the United States

Episode 7: Protecting Potential: A Roundtable Discussion

In the finale of Before They Could Dream, host Abd’Allah welcomes Donnell, Catherine, Eddie, April and James all back for an in-person roundtable discussion. Together, they reflect on the powerful stories shared throughout the series and synthesize the key insights. The conversation focuses on moving forward, exploring tangible solutions and actionable steps to reform the youth justice system and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to realize their full potential. Themes may include physical, mental, and sexual abuse, along with adult language. A partnered production of The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions (AIFCS), The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY), Green Buzz Agency and our expert panelists.

Episode 6: Evolving Ambitions

Travel back to the late 1980s and early ’90s, to Galveston Street in Washington, D.C. Once a child with dreams of becoming a scientist, James is forced to confront the consequences of harmful policies and a broken criminal justice system that reshape his life. This episode explores parental loss and the lasting ripple effects of harm,  and how it extended to the family and friends who supported James throughout his journey. Mother and survivor ayoola mitchell joins us, along with experts Dr. Robert Kinscherff, Eduardo Bocanegra, Marsha Levick, and Josh Rovner, to provide critical context on the complex issues at play. Themes may include physical, mental, and sexual abuse, along with adult language. A partnered production of The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions (AIFCS), The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY), Green Buzz Agency and our expert panelists.

Episode 5: A Stitch for Every Pound

Raised by her grandparents in Carrboro, North Carolina, April was a fiery, independent teen, until one relationship altered the course of her life forever. In this episode, we explore the power dynamics involved in coercive control and the realities of teen pregnancy and parenting while incarcerated. Featuring expert insight from Yasmin Vafa and Marsha Levick.  Themes may include physical, mental, and sexual abuse, along with adult language. A partnered production of The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions (AIFCS), The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY), Green Buzz Agency and our expert panelists.

Episode 4: Where Dandelions Grow

Eddie, a lover of the outdoors with dreams of playing professional football, takes us back to his childhood in Washington, D.C., during the height of the “superpredator” myth era. As fear-driven policies take hold, his story reveals the devastating impact of gun violence on communities of color and the isolation of youth placed in solitary confinement. This episode features expert analysis from Marsha Levick and Eduardo Bocanegra, adding critical context to Eddie’s lived experience.  Themes may include physical, mental, and sexual abuse, along with adult language. A partnered production of The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions (AIFCS), The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY), Green Buzz Agency and our expert panelists.

Episode 3: The Cavalry Walked Away

Meet Catherine, a young girl from Florida who loved to dance and light up a room—a stark contrast to the difficult journey her life would take. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of childhood abuse and uncover data and insights into the unfair realities stacked against young girls in America’s criminal justice system. We are joined by experts Yasmin Vafa, Dr. Robert Kinscherff, and Marsha Levick, who provide the critical legal and scientific context to help inform these topics. Themes may include physical, mental, and sexual abuse and suicide along with adult language. A partnered production of The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions (AIFCS), The Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth (CFSY), Green Buzz Agency and our expert panelists.