I founded the UnLocked Project because after experiencing parental incarceration as a young child, I wanted to use my adversity to support the children of incarcerated parents and create a community of like-minded advocates. Seeing this organization grow and create impact has been one of the most heart-warming experiences of my year.

I joined the UnLocked Project because I am passionate about social justice and believe our current criminal system lacks resources, care and empathy for those impacted by incarceration. I believe meaningful change starts with those brave enough to advocate for reform. UnLocked embodies this belief – and joining UnLocked has given me the opportunity to be involved in reform and take action for those often ignored.

Hi everyoneee! I’m Seven Forson, and I originally joined the Unlocked Project to connect with others and seek support as someone with an incarcerated parent. My goal was and is to help break the stigma linked to children of incarcerated parents and shed some light on the complexities of familial incarceration. Being part of Unlocked has done so much more than I originally imagined and has been such a rewarding experience! It allows me to highlight the importance of creating a sense of belonging for students at UMD and in our wider community through peer support groups and community service. Together, we can make a positive impact and UNLOCK our understanding and acceptance!

I loved the idea of a support group for children of incarcerated parents, which is something a lot of people feel alone in. It’s so important for people to have a place where they feel understood and not judged for what they have gone through while gaining additional resources that may help with the effects of parental incarceration.

I enjoyed what the project stands for and what they do for people who are going through things that not many people actually talk about.

I joined the UnLocked Project because I have grown up in a community with higher than average rates of incarceration and witnessed firsthand how my peers were affected by growing up with a parent in jail. I wanted to apply my educational background in human development to help improve the outcomes for people who have felt like their situations have negatively influenced them.

While I haven’t been personally impacted by the incarceration system, I have explored its flaws and systemic biases for years. From learning about its profit-driven motive (private prisons), to its targeting of communities of color, to the mental health crises and trauma that many inmates experience, I continued to become fascinated yet disturbed by the criminal justice system. I’ve been invested in learning more about it and driving change, hence my draw towards The UnLocked Project!

I chose to join UnLocked because I believe that achieving justice for those secondarily impacted is just as important as securing justice for those directly affected. My goal is to bring change and hope to often-overlooked groups, such as individuals with incarcerated loved ones. I aim to challenge and transform the prevailing narrative that suggests, “if it didn’t happen to you, it doesn’t matter.”

I joined The UnLocked Project because I want to be the change I wish to see in the world. Too often, young people are partaking in criminal activities that change the trajectory of their lives. A lot of these individuals have parents that have been or are incarcerated. So, joining a program like this allows me to aid in breaking generational cycles to improve the life quality of people in our generation.

While I haven’t been personally impacted by the incarceration system, I have explored its flaws and systemic biases for years. From learning about its profit-driven motive (private prisons), to its targeting of communities of color, to the mental health crises and trauma that many inmates experience, I continued to become fascinated yet disturbed by the criminal justice system. I’ve been invested in learning more about it and driving change, hence my draw towards The UnLocked Project!