Amplified Voices

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Ray Boyd was incarcerated in 1992, facing a 50 year sentence. He ultimately spent close to 30 years in prison in Connecticut before being released. Ray experienced Covid 19 while incarcerated and reentry during the pandemic. Ray shares his story with Amber and Jason. Ray, Amber, and Jason are joined by Barbara Fair from Stop Solitary Connecticut.
You can find Ray's book, Model Inmate on Amazon by clicking here.
In 2021, the Protect Act to limit the use of Solitary Confinement and create oversight for the Department of Corrections was passed by the Connecticut House and Senate. Governor Lamont vetoed the bill, and instead issued an executive order that can be repealed at any time. In 2022, Connecticut advocates led by Stop Solitary are organizing to finally have the Protect Act signed into law.
You can learn more about Stop Solitary CT visiting here.
Background on The PROTECT Act

An Act Promoting Responsible Oversight and Treatment, and Ensuring Correctional Transparency (PROTECT) Act would: 1) create a Commission for Correctional Oversight made up of formerly incarcerated people, family members, experts in medicine, mental health, and corrections, and representatives from the legislative and executive branch; 2) stop extreme isolation and promote effective alternatives, bringing Connecticut in compliance with international minimum human rights standards; 3) end abusive restraints and dehumanizing strip searches; 4) protect social bonds by guaranteeing incarcerated people a minimum number of free letters and access to contact visits; 5) promote correctional officer wellness by requiring trainings and other strategies to mitigate trauma; and 6) promote transparency by requiring public reporting of key corrections department data.

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In this episode of Amplified Voices, Jason & Amber speak with LaReese Harvey, a Connecticut native and walking testament to the power of perseverance. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and a formerly incarcerated black woman, she's faced some of the greatest oppression there is. Despite encountering significant obstacles and trauma, LaResse has committed herself to breaking down the abuse to prison pipeline through her writing, coaching and public advocacy.
LaReese is the author of the book, Buttons Journey, as well as one of the first inductees into the Great 8, organized by the Connecticut Hall of Change . She welcomes communications and inquiries at [email protected] and expresses a sincere thanks to Community Partners in Action for their love and support during her reentry process.
*Trigger warning* This episode includes references to childhood sexual abuse and violence behind bars. Survivors of violence should listen with a support person, listen in chunks or turn the podcast off if needed.

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Life can twist and turn in unexpected ways, as Greg Mingo, a Harlem native, profoundly understands. His story, one of resilience amidst the vibrant yet challenging streets of New York, unfolds as he shares the gravity of his choices and the socioeconomic forces that impacted his life. Our latest episode invites you into an intimate conversation with Mingo, revealing the stark realities youth face, navigating through a world that's often pitted against them, and the consequences that follow.
From a life-altering injury to a wrongful conviction that led to decades of imprisonment, Mingo's personal trials are a testament to the human spirit's capacity for endurance and transformation. His journey through the criminal justice system exposes battles of a legal case that captivated media attention. Yet, amid the harshness of incarceration, Mingo's will to educate himself, advocate for others, and his ultimate triumph in securing clemency with the help of a high profile campaign (#FreeGregMingo), illuminates a path of redemption and action that continues to inspire at 69 years old.
In an age where second chances can be scarce, Mingo's advocacy work shines a beacon on the importance of reform and empathy within the legal system. He shares with listeners the value of the 'clemency collective', a group dedicated to system reform, and invites us all to engage with the transformative potential of individuals having an opportunity to redefine their lives. Join Amber, Jason and Mingo on Amplified Voices Mingo's continues to uplift his voice - a rallying cry for change, hope, and understanding.
About Greg Mingo:
Greg Mingo is a clemency grantee who spent over 40 years in prison following a wrongful conviction. He was released in September 2021. Greg has taught the law, communications, domestic violence, and fatherhood. He is an ambassador for the innocent project. He is a community leader for Releasing Aging People in Prison (RAPP) advocating for parole reform. He also works with CUNY Law School on clemency, resentencing and parole issues. He co-founded the Clemency Collective to advocate for the granting of clemency on a rolling basis. He is a consultant for In Arm’s Reach a foundation that tutors and mentors the children of incarcerated parents. Additionally, Greg works with Hudson Link for higher education in prison, volunteering his time to build transitional housing for men and women returning home. Change.org has recognized Greg as one of the top change makers in 2021 and again in 2022. In January, Greg was honored with a proclamation from the New York State Senate for his work to improve opportunities for the wrongly convicted and those who deserve a second chance. Greg is an advocate for social, racial, and criminal justice reform, and so much more.

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In this episode, Jason and Amber speak with Morgan Godvin, a freelance writer, scholar and advocate who spent time behind bars after she sold her best friend heroin and he died of an overdose. In a matter of days, Morgan found herself grappling with the death of her friend while also navigating an unrelenting justice system. Morgan shares her story of addiction and struggle, highlighting how she quickly became aware of racial and socioeconomic disparities in the criminal legal system. She explains how our nation's reliance on incarceration exacerbates addiction and often charges family members, friends, and others who share drugs as murderers while doing nothing to help.
In February of 2020, Morgan was appointed to serve as a commissioner on Oregon’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission. In January of 2021, she was appointed by the Oregon Health Authority to the Measure 110 Oversight and Accountability Council where she was one of 21 Oregonians determining the grant funding that came in tandem with drug decriminalization.
You can learn more about Morgan at https://www.morgangodvin.com/
A listing of her published writings can be found at: https://www.morgangodvin.com/portfolio
Watch Morgan's appearance on CNN here: https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2020/11/14/from-addiction-to-advocacy-for-drug-decriminalization.cnn

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