In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

Fifteen Questions: Reginald Dwayne Betts on Vulnerability, Collective Memory, and Freedom Reads
The Harvard Crimson by Ciana J. King December 6, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts spoke with Fifteen Minutes, the magazine of the Harvard Crimson, about literature, poetry, prison, and freedom.

The power of books in prison with poet Reginald Dwayne Betts
Connecticut Public Radio by Kevin Chang Barnum, Robyn Doyon-Aitken , Khalilah Brown-Dean, Meg Dalton, Megan Fitzgerald December 6, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts sat down with Connecticut Public Radio's Khalilah Brown-Dean for the Disrupted podcast. Plus, the podcast visited Freedom Reads headquarters to speak with the Freedom Reads team about Freedom Libraries, the power of books, and returning to prisons.

In ‘Gladiator II,’ Denzel Washington again blurs the line between hero and villain
MSNBC by Robyn Autry November 30, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts is mentioned in a piece about how Denzel Washington's adolescence informed his role in the "Gladiator II" movie.

African Exodus, Cuckoo, March Forth, More in PAC NYC's 2025 Programming
Playbill by Molly Higgins November 20, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts is performing a solo show, entitled March Forth, at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) on March 4, 2025, 20 years to the day since his release from prison.

From behind bars, to passing the bar
ABA Journal by Danielle Braff October 29, 2024

ABA Journal writes about Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts' journey from prison to Yale Law School.

Dwayne Betts Brings One-Man Show, ‘Felon: An American Washi Tale,’ to NU Chicago
Chicago Defender by Tacuma Roeback October 24, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts brings his solo show, FELON: An American Washi Tale, to Northwestern University’s Abbott Hall this week.

Dwayne Betts Is Proof That A Book Can Change Your Life
The Book Case from ABC News by Kate & Charlie Gibson October 24, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts shares how Freedom Libraries disrupt the austerity of prison and bring dignity to the space.

I Am Free When I Read
Country Roads Magazine by Jacqueline DeRobertis-Braun October 23, 2024

An in-depth feature on Freedom Reads, this Country Roads Magazine piece centers on Freedom Reads' work and impact in Louisiana.

Artist Titus Kaphar is leaving his mark on Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Inquirer by Bedatri D. Choudhury October 18, 2024

Artist Titus Kaphar's film, Exhibiting Forgiveness, is out in theaters. Freedom Reads partnered with Kaphar to screen the film at the California Institution for Men before it was released in theaters.

3 CT prisons will get new libraries
WSHU by Sara Anastasi September 30, 2024

Freedom Reads, with support from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) and Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, opened 42 Freedom Libraries in Connecticut prisons this month.

Virginia authors shine at Library of Virginia literary gala
Richmond Free Press by Paula Phounsavath September 26, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts was awarded the Library of Virginia's honorary Patron of Letters degree at this year's 27th Annual Virginia Literary Awards.

National nonprofit opens 42 small libraries in three CT prisons
Stamford Advocate by Eric Bedner September 25, 2024

With support from the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) and Connecticut Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, Freedom Reads is opening 42 Freedom Libraries across three Connecticut prisons this month.