Marlon Peterson
Education
BA '15, Social Sciences, New York University
<p>Marlon Peterson’s work and advocacy have profoundly impacted communities and inspired many across the globe. He is a dynamic social justice advocate, writer, and sought-after speaker whose journey from incarceration to influential change-maker embodies resilience, redemption, and a steadfast commitment to justice. </p>
<p>Marlon serves as the executive director of College and Community Fellowship, an organization committed to helping women with criminal convictions earn their college degrees and gain financial independence. His insightful and powerful narratives have been featured in publications such as Essence, Ebony Magazine, USA Today, and The Nation, and he is also the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, Bird Uncaged: An Abolitionist's Freedom Song. </p>
<p>With a background that includes prestigious fellowships from the Open Society Justice Fellowship, TED Residency, and Aspen Institute, Marlon's expertise and perspective are both deeply personal and widely respected. His TED Talk, "Am I Not Human? A Call for Criminal Justice Reform," has resonated with millions, urging society to rethink and reshape the criminal justice system. Ebony Magazine named Marlon one of the Top 100 Inspiring Leaders in the Black community. </p>
<p>Today, Marlon Peterson continues to inspire change through his writing, speaking, and tireless advocacy.</p>
Education is useless until it is used. As a non-traditional student, my SPS experience allowed me to apply in-class concepts the very next day at work. MY SPS education has also given me the platform to change the narrative of what a college student looks like and how universities respond to students with justice-system involvement. As mid-level manager, entrepreneur, and executive, my SPS education has been a pathway to shifting cultural norms of how society views the gifts that people like me can bring to their institutions. So, I guess SPS has helped me change the world for the better because humanizing people makes for a more tolerant and inclusive society. This education has been useful in ways could not have imagined when I applied.
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