Oklahoma Premiere of Shackled in Freedom

Join us for Shackled in Freedom, a powerful documentary confronting employment barriers and the lifelong impact of a criminal record. Oklahoma Premiere of Shackled in Freedom The Oklahoma City premiere of Shackled in Freedom will take place on October 3rd at 5:30 PM at Metro Technology Centers on Springlake Drive. The event will be hosted by Oklahoma City Thunder News Anchor Alexis Young. Shackled in Freedom is a short documentary written and directed by Courtenie “Advocator” Jackson that examines the lifelong impact of a criminal record and the fight for equal access to employment, housing, civic participation, and economic mobility. The film raises an important question: What does freedom truly look like after incarceration? The documentary features real Oklahoma voices representing multiple perspectives within and around employment, workforce development, corrections, policy, and reentry. During the live panel discussion, audiences will hear from Oklahoma State Senate District 48 Senator Nikki Nice; Whitney Cervantes of Staffzone, a second chance employer; Ezekiel Gonzales of OK Appleseed, who is system impacted; Shad Hagan of Oklahoma Department of Corrections Workforce Development; and Terry Patterson, a system impacted federal employee. The film also highlights the role employers and business leaders can play in creating pathways forward. By showcasing fair chance employment and individuals who have successfully navigated the workforce after system involvement, Shackled in Freedom demonstrates what can happen when employers look beyond a criminal record and recognize a person’s skills, experience, potential, and ability to contribute. When people have meaningful access to opportunity, communities can become safer, labor shortages can be addressed, and underserved communities can thrive. The Oklahoma City premiere is sponsored by Represent Justice, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, The Julius Jones Institute, and Live Free OK.