Eldra Jackson III – In Circle and Openhearted Inside Prison Walls – Act 1

In this deeply insightful conversation, Eldra Jackson III fearlessly shared his life journey, from growing up as a military brat during the Cold War era to facing the consequences of his choices, leading to incarceration. He opened up about the constructs he created to protect himself and how they shaped his path, though despite the darkness, Eldra found strength in resilience and the importance of self-forgiveness, highlighting the significance of seeking support within a men's group. His transformation is a testament to the power of self-discovery, passion, and courage, reminding us that taking the first step paves the way forward.

A writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around ‘toxic’ masculinity, Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth, acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor for organizations like Youth Empowerment and Goals Association, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Alternatives to Violence Project.

Website: https://insidecircle.org/