The year 2023 marked a significant moment for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (DST), as they continued their legacy of service and advocacy by organizing a transformative event for returning citizens—individuals re-entering society after incarceration. With a deep commitment to social justice, empowerment, and community betterment, Delta Sigma Theta’s event aimed to shed light on the challenges returning citizens face while offering practical support and resources for successful reintegration.
The event was a manifestation of DST’s mission to advocate for marginalized communities and provide tools for personal and collective empowerment. It also underscored the sorority’s dedication to combating systemic issues within the criminal justice system, supporting initiatives that focus on restorative justice, reentry programs, and opportunities for those reestablishing their lives post-incarceration.
Background: Delta Sigma Theta’s Commitment to Social Justice
Founded in 1913 at Howard University by 22 visionary women, Delta Sigma Theta has a long history of activism and social reform. From their participation in the 1913 Women’s Suffrage March to their ongoing efforts in education, political awareness, and economic empowerment, the sorority has continuously fought for social justice and civil rights. DST’s Social Action Commission has played a key role in driving initiatives related to voter education, poverty alleviation, and criminal justice reform, often centering on the needs of African American communities.
The 2023 Returning Citizen Event was a natural extension of the sorority’s work. It not only demonstrated their commitment to reforming criminal justice but also illuminated the often overlooked and misunderstood challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration.
The Challenge of Reentry: Understanding the Importance of Support
The reentry process for returning citizens is often fraught with obstacles. Studies show that formerly incarcerated individuals face high levels of unemployment, housing instability, limited access to healthcare, and discrimination. These challenges are further exacerbated for Black and minority individuals due to systemic racism, lack of access to resources, and the stigma of a criminal record.
Moreover, returning citizens often struggle to reconnect with their families, find suitable housing, and secure employment—all of which are critical components of a successful reintegration. Without adequate support, many of these individuals are at risk of recidivism, which perpetuates the cycle of incarceration and poverty in marginalized communities. The National Institute of Justice reports that approximately 68% of released prisoners are re-arrested within three years, largely due to the lack of support systems designed to help them reintegrate.
This data highlights the need for comprehensive reentry programs that focus on both immediate needs—such as housing, food security, and employment—as well as long-term emotional, mental, and social support. Delta Sigma Theta’s Returning Citizen Event was designed to address these very issues, offering a multi-faceted approach to reentry that emphasizes community connection, education, and empowerment.
The Event: A Community-Centered Approach
Held in multiple cities across the United States, the 2023 Delta Sigma Theta Returning Citizen Event drew hundreds of participants, including returning citizens, community leaders, social justice advocates, and members of the sorority. The event featured a combination of workshops, keynote speakers, and panel discussions, all designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the reentry process successfully.
One of the key features of the event was its focus on providing direct, actionable resources for returning citizens. Workshops on financial literacy, job readiness, entrepreneurship, and mental health counseling were offered throughout the day, allowing attendees to gain practical skills and strategies to overcome barriers to successful reintegration. Delta Sigma Theta also partnered with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to provide information on housing opportunities, employment agencies, and educational programs.
Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment
Economic empowerment was one of the main themes of the event, with a heavy emphasis on financial literacy. Returning citizens often face significant financial challenges, including debt accumulated during incarceration, difficulty securing stable employment, and lack of access to traditional banking services. The event’s financial literacy workshops covered topics such as budgeting, credit repair, and savings strategies.
Several speakers also highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a viable pathway for returning citizens to achieve financial independence. Given the discrimination formerly incarcerated individuals often face in traditional job markets, entrepreneurship can offer a unique opportunity for self-sufficiency. Participants learned about small business loans, grants, and mentorship programs that could help them launch their businesses.
Employment: Breaking Barriers and Building Opportunities
Another major focus of the event was employment, with a special emphasis on removing the stigma attached to having a criminal record. Returning citizens often struggle to find work due to employer biases and the legal constraints of having a felony conviction. Workshops on job readiness, résumé writing, and interview preparation aimed to equip attendees with the skills they need to succeed in the job market. Several companies that have a history of hiring returning citizens were present, conducting on-the-spot interviews and providing information about job openings.
A highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring employers who actively recruit and hire returning citizens. These companies shared success stories of employees who had overcome their pasts and become valuable team members, emphasizing the importance of giving second chances. They also discussed how businesses can benefit from hiring returning citizens, citing research that shows individuals with criminal records often exhibit strong loyalty and dedication once allowed to rebuild their lives.
Mental Health and Emotional Support
Reentering society after incarceration can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Many returning citizens suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, and a lack of social support, all of which can impede their ability to reintegrate successfully. Delta Sigma Theta recognized the importance of addressing the mental health needs of returning citizens by offering workshops and counseling sessions led by mental health professionals.
One of the most impactful moments of the event was a workshop on trauma-informed care, which focused on understanding the emotional toll of incarceration and the process of healing after release. This session encouraged returning citizens to address their mental health challenges head-on and provided resources for ongoing therapy and counseling services. It also emphasized the importance of family reunification and the challenges that come with rebuilding relationships after long periods of separation.
Community Building and Restorative Justice
Community was another central theme of the event, with Delta Sigma Theta encouraging attendees to tap into their networks for support. The sorority emphasized that successful reentry is not just the responsibility of the individual but of the entire community. Panel discussions on restorative justice explored how communities can work together to create an environment that welcomes and supports returning citizens, rather than stigmatizing them.
Attendees were also introduced to various community-based organizations that provide ongoing support for returning citizens. These organizations offer services such as mentorship, housing assistance, job training, and legal aid, all of which are critical for long-term success.
Voices of Returning Citizens: Stories of Resilience and Hope
A particularly powerful aspect of the event was the space it provided for returning citizens to share their personal stories. Several attendees took the stage to discuss their experiences of incarceration and reentry, offering candid insights into the challenges they faced and the triumphs they achieved. These stories of resilience served as a source of inspiration for both returning citizens and community members, illustrating the power of second chances.
One participant shared her journey of being incarcerated for over a decade and the emotional toll it took on her and her family. She described how difficult it was to find employment after her release, but thanks to a mentorship program, she was able to secure a job and eventually start her own business. Her story exemplified the importance of mentorship and support systems in breaking the cycle of recidivism.
Another speaker, a man who had spent several years in prison, spoke about the importance of community in his reentry process. He credited a local nonprofit organization with helping him find housing, employment, and emotional support. His message was clear: with the right resources and a supportive community, returning citizens can overcome the barriers they face and build fulfilling lives post-incarceration.
The Path Forward: Delta Sigma Theta’s Continued Commitment
The 2023 Returning Citizen Event was more than just a day of workshops and panel discussions—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of giving second chances and the role that communities play in supporting returning citizens. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has long been a champion of social justice, and their commitment to helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society is yet another example of their dedication to empowering marginalized communities.
Moving forward, DST has pledged to continue its efforts in advocating for criminal justice reform, supporting reentry programs, and providing resources for returning citizens. The sorority plans to host similar events in the future and to expand its partnerships with organizations that focus on restorative justice and community reintegration.
Conclusion
Delta Sigma Theta’s 2023 Returning Citizen Event was a testament to the power of community, the necessity of comprehensive support systems, and the potential for individuals to transform their lives when given the opportunity. It showcased the sorority’s unwavering commitment to uplifting those who have been marginalized by society and emphasized the importance of creating a more just and equitable world for all.