Makeba: Why I decided to go to college

If you are a child of someone who is incarcerated and you have a question for me, you have three options:

  1. Post a question in the comments section below,
  2. Send an email to questions@livesinfocus.org,
  3. Call (646) 867-1891 to leave a message.

I also welcome questions from others who might simply be interested in knowing more about how the life of children is affected when a parent is incarcerated.

Click on the player above or download this video here. (iPhone version)

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: How has your parent’s incarceration affected your interest in staying in school?

[Use the comments feature below or call (646) 867-1891 to leave an audio message.]

5 Responses to “Makeba: Why I decided to go to college”

  1. Comment by Bobby Blanchard
    October 27th, 2008 at 6:04 am

    Dear Makeba,
    I am the director of the Children’s Center at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. I was really impressed by your video column and wonder if you would be willing to come to the facility some time to talk with members of our Teen Program about your life choices, why you’ve made them and how you have coped with your mother’s incarceration. The Teen program includes Teen aged and Pre-Teen aged children of women who are currently incarcerated at BHCF. We have two staff who work with the kids and their mothers on visits and also work with the kids in the community. I know you must be a very busy young woman but if you think you could find the time to come up on a weekend day that would be very interesting and helpful for us. I would also love your feedback about what teen aged children of incarcerated parents need most in terms of motivation to move forward with their lives and to hear your story. Please get in touch and keep up the good work!
    Best Regards,
    Ms. Bobby Blanchard
    Director
    The Children’s Center

  2. Comment by Serena Alfieri, Associate, Women in Prison Project
    October 28th, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    Dear Makeba,

    Thank you so much for sharing, your perspective is so important and so needed.

    Warmly,

    Serena

  3. Comment by Schlauchboot
    November 22nd, 2008 at 7:08 am

    Hi I like your post “Makeba: Why I decided to go to college” so well that I like to ask you whether I should translate into German and linking back. Answer welcome. Greetings Schlauchboot

  4. Comment by Kroatien
    November 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 am

    Hi I like your post “Makeba: Why I decided to go to college” so well that I like to ask you whether I should translate into German and linking back. Answer welcome. Greetings Kroatien

  5. Comment by Sandeep
    November 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 am

    Please feel free to translate. Thanks so much.

    Sandeep

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