Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Barbara D. Gaskins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Barbara D., appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

last year I lost my god brother due to overdose in addition to overdose he was formally incarcerated. I know you probably don’t have a lot of time so I’ll be brief. His mom passed when he was around 10 or 11 and he didn’t have a role model so he found his self on the street. He joined the United blood nation, which led to of course the life of crime while he was incarcerated was able to obtain all the services needed such as medical or healthcare such as opiates etc, but once released right before he contacted the judge his CO and others and asked for assistance for addiction. No one talks about the collateral consequences, such as not being able to obtain snap benefits, or USDA food boxes or even healthcare upon release. When he was released, I was able to help him his birth certificate, but we couldn’t get an ID and nor could we get a Social Security card, even though we had potential employment. His child support started up and he was unable to pay it. He couldn’t get assistance with healthcare so he turned to using being that we were unable to secure employment because of those items he ended up going back to the streets and selling, and I found him overdosed in the room across the hall from me… this is a story that happened so often because everyone wants to talk about Reentry or talk about reform but don’t want to help everyone and so many fall along the cracks.

in addition at the age of 17, I was charged with the misdemeanor. The court held a misdemeanor until I turned 18 so I was charged as an adult now granted I didn’t spend active time but that misdemeanor continues to hold me back even after a bachelors degree a masters degree, and a host of certifications, so I understand firsthand the issues that justice involved individuals go through and will continue to be an advocate and voice for change.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

So as discussed earlier I was convicted of a misdemeanor at the age of 18 and the charge has led to many job offers being rejected but in 2022 I was able to take my advocacy from the streets and used it to seek a seat in Congress where I ran for US House NC -3 on the platform for Criminal Justice Reform. If I can drive anything home it would be not to let society define who you are or what you can do…as long as you can dream it you can make it happen

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being an advocate for a criminal justice reform allows you to participate and function at a grassroots level, but it’s very very important to understand that when you want true reform, you have to seek seats at tables where discussions such as policies and legislation are being implemented. Otherwise your voice will be unheard. It’s very important to understand the civics process regarding issues And take part make sure you vote, make sure you understand what specific candidates represent you or the changes that you want to occur, and get behind that candidate or that candidate be the one that steps up to make a difference

Contact Info:

• Twitter: @Barbara4nc

Image Credits
NC Forward Party, Steve Whitsits Photography, Barbara D. Gaskins