We were lucky to catch up with Jason Sole recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The Institute of Aspiring Abolitionists was created in 2021 to educate community members throughout the Midwest about abolitionist strategies. Since then, we’ve made several trips to Canada, visited over 50 sites throughout the nation, have traced my roots pretty far, have created circles to #FreePhilipVance, and currently planning for my upcoming pardon hearing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a formerly incarcerated abolitionist, criminal justice educator, and currently an adjunct professor at Hamline University in the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Department. I was a national restorative justice trainer from 2008-2017 leading circles in jails, prisons, and community but have evolved more into transformative justice work.

In 2019, I received the John Legend “Can’t Just Preach” award for my work to abolish prisons.

In addition, I am a core member of Relationships Evolving Possibilities (REP), a group of abolitionists responding community crises on Fridays and Saturdays in the twin cities. We train our responders in deescalation, provide dispatch experience, and share insights on pod-building.

You can join my community on Patreon, where i share weekly vlogs, behind-the-scenes insights, and invitations to exclusive gatherings. Your support on Patreon helps sustain the movement and build new pathways to liberation.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I learned that I had to unlearn was “better safe, than sorry.”

While raising my young scholars and creating movements, I had to find a way to be there for each and every moment while challenging systems in direct ways.

I applied for a tourist visa to Canada a few years back and they replied stating that I need to gain approval from the FBI and state police. That’s not something I was willing to do. I worked with one of my peeps in Canada and we decided that it makes sense to drive to the border and press my luck, knowing that felony convictions prevent entry.

My heart was beating super fast while I shared my plans with the agent. After answering all of his questions, he encouraged me to enjoy my stay.

I’ve been to Canada five times now and was recently the keynote speaker at the youth symposium in Dresen, Ontario.

If I would’ve played it “safe,” I wouldn’t be able to build with my comrades who hold the stories or fugitive slaves making it across through the Underground Railroad.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve probably pivoted more than anyone I know. I have held roles in the nonprofit, have taught in academia for over 16 years, Held several board roles and have been on the board of Voices for Racial Justice for over 9 years. So, lm accustomed to holding several things at once but before I fully established myself, I ran into a challenging situation. A pivot was critical.

In 2015, I worked at a university in the twin cities but the department was going in a different direction. I was protesting in Ferguson, organizing throughout the country, lecturing at conferences, mentoring youth, and was in my zone.

However, the interpersonal conflicts and secret meetings became too much. I gave a two-month notice as I do for every job, and just put myself out there. I was hesitant to leave because of the job security but I trusted my gut. I didn’t have anything lined up, I was thinking that I’d become an entrepreneur. Then, Hamline University called.

I pivoted to a much younger student population, an entirely new student portal, an entirely new department, and a plan to be the best educator I can be. I’m grateful to have taught thousand of students about peace and justice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jasonsole.com
• Facebook: Jason Sole
• Linkedin: Jason Marque Sole
• Twitter: @iamjasonsole

Image Credits

All of the images belong to The Institute of Aspiring Abolitionists.