From Jailhouse to Statehouse: Rep. Cherie Cruz, along with Steven Parkhurst (Freedom Reads)
From Chains to ChangeShow Notes
In this episode, our host sits down with two old friends to discuss their unlikely journeys. Rep. Cruz first met Bruce during a successful 2006 voting rights campaign in Rhode Island, when neither of them could exercise the fundamental right of citizenship. Today, she serves as a valued legislator on the Criminal Justice Committee after having earned two degrees from Brown University. Steve first met Bruce in A-Block, while both were awaiting trial over 30 years ago. Today, he puts his passion into Freedom Reads, installing libraries into prisons and jails across the country with the award-winning Dwayne Betts. Be careful listening, as the accents might get pretty thick!
More from From Chains to Change
Bruce Reilly sits down with Lindsay "Rubia" Garcia, running for Congress in Louisiana's newly-drawn 6th Congressional district.
Geaux Vote Louisiana: A conversation with Baton Rouge District Attorney Candidate Ryan Thompson
In this special episode of From Chains to Change, Nziki Wiltz sits down with the women of the Strictly Servant Society to discuss who they are, the journey of their families through the justice system and incarceration, and what they hope to provide for the community with their new group. Recorded at our headquarters in New Orleans, LA, on Thursday, July 2, 2026
In this Interview, Voice of the Experienced sat down with Gary Crockett, the democratic candidate for United States Senate in the upcoming June 27th runoff election. Filmed/recorded at our main office in New Orleans, LA on June 24, 2026, for a conversation with our community to discuss his candidacy and his priorities if elected.
In this Interview, Voice of the Experienced sat down with Jamie Davis, the democratic candidate for United States Senate in the upcoming June 27th runoff election. Filmed/recorded at our main office in New Orleans, LA on June 12, 2026, for a conversation with our community to discuss his candidacy and his priorities if elected.