Actor From ‘The Wire’ Supports Ex-Prison Inmates At Newark Event

NEWARK, NJ — Former prison inmates in New Jersey who want to get a fresh start have a friend in Emmy Award-winning actor Michael K. Williams.

Williams, who is known for his roles on “The Wire,” “Boardwalk Empire” and “Bessie,” recently appeared at an event in Newark to support the New Jersey Reentry Corporation’s (NJRC) newly launched ambassador program.

The nonprofit, which helps former inmates to get back on their feet, is modeling its program after one at Columbia University. The goal is to increase dialogue between law enforcement, court-involved persons and local clergy and community leaders by tapping into the power of “ambassadors,” who will guide people suffering from the cycle of incarceration or addition to resources that can help them.

The ambassadors will also serve as advocates for reentering persons with law enforcement, medical and mental health providers, and the business community for prospective job opportunities.

Another part of that process will be telling the stories of people who have served time in New Jersey prisons and their struggles to reenter society, according to the NJRC.

Hence the outreach to Williams.

“You’ve seen me play good guys, you’ve seen me play bad guys,” the actor said in a video released Monday, promoting the NJRC’s upcoming annual conference on April 9. “You’ve seen me play folks in the middle. But the one thing I’ve learned from all my characters is that prison is a bad place.”

It’s hard enough making it through a prison sentence, Williams said. But being released on the streets without proper resources to get back on your feet? That’s even harder, he added.

Watch the full video.

• See related article: 60 Former Prison Inmates In NJ Get New Careers, Fresh Starts
• See related article: Here's What It's Like To Survive Solitary Confinement, NJ Inmates Say
• See related article: New Jersey Restores Voting Rights To People On Parole, Probation

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