Hello DSST! My name is Travonda Favorite and I am the 2019 Core Value winner for Respect. I am so excited to share with you today my choice for an organization representative of my Core Value award.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with students and families in underserved communities in New Orleans and now here in the Montbello area of Denver. Unfortunately, I have witnessed the results of racial disparities that have led to the incarceration and/or death of black youth. The Sentencing Project works for a fair and effective U.S. criminal justice system by producing groundbreaking research to promote reforms in sentencing policy, address unjust racial disparities and practices, and to advocate for alternatives to incarceration.
I currently have a former student who has been incarcerated since his late teens who I am now watching mature into a young adult behind prison walls. Regardless of the time he has served or the lessons he has learned, he is still seen as young black man who "deserves" to be in prison.
The core value of Respect speaks to me wholeheartedly in regards to the Sentencing Project's mission because the criminal justice system should be designed to be fair for all people. Their research has shown the many disparities that lie within our current system and as an educator. I see the impact that this has had on students and families of color in our communities. Respect sees no color, age, nor gender, and the Sentencing Project has been working for over 30 years to advocate for those, such as my former student, who may not be able to do so for themselves.
DSST will be donating $1,000 to the Sentencing Project. For more on Respect, check out this video where former Responsibility winners share what this Core Value means to them!