Sean Kelly / Parks Conservancy
The Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series is a program on Alcatraz Island that lifts up and highlights the voices of people who have spent time inside of jails and prisons. The National Park Service believes in parks as platforms for dialogue, and Alcatraz Island, being one of the only NPS sites that interprets mass incarceration, works directly with people who have been affected in order to give them a platform to showcase their stories.
About the Speaker
Facing 40 years to life in prison due to California's three strikes law, Rafaella’s addiction was too strong and shame too deep. After 6 overdoses, she was arrested and sentenced to 8 years 8 months.
After completing her AA in Psychology and transferring to UC Berkely, she is now pursuing a double major in Psychology and Sociology and proposing her own research. Rafaella will share her story with the hopes of inspiring others’ to improve their lives. “I firmly believe that all of my hardship was worthwhile if I am able to make a difference in someone else's life.”
How to Attend
While all events are free, a ferry ticket is required to reach Alcatraz. Purchase ferry tickets at Alcatraz City Cruises. We recommend the 12 PM boat or earlier.
If you are part of a justice-impacted group and are interested in attending one of the days, please email NPS about community tickets for these events.
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- Park
- Activity
- Service