The Secret Life Sentence of Being a Felon | Harley Blakeman | TEDxOhioStateUniversity

The perception and harmful consequence of the word felon in the workplace, told from a felon himself. Just three weeks after Harley Blakeman's 18th birthday he was arrested for Drug Trafficking and sentenced to a year in prison in Georgia. After graduating from The Ohio State Universities Fisher College of Business with honors in 2017, He realized how incredibly hard it was to find employers who were willing to overlook a felony conviction from 5 years prior. Since that time, He has set out on a mission to get 1,000 employers to adopt more background-friendly hiring practices.

[cocopuffgames]

I committed theft when I was 19. I never offended again, paid my restitution, and even got my record expunged. I’m 37 now and was just rejected from a dream job because of one mistake. Even though my record was sealed, they fingerprint for background checks and can still see sealed convictions. The system is completely broken and gatekeepers are everywhere. I feel for anyone who has been treated poorly simply because of a record. My new goal is to start my own company and give others the second chance they deserve.

[PNW_vato]

Coming out was hard and I struggled finding purpose but I started my own business. A landscape business. Make over 100, 000 and hire struggling kids and felons.

[brdy]

It's even worse when someone has been convicted of a crime they didn't commit.

[chris]

This is why people like us need to stick together and help each other out because we’re the only ones who can truly understand what we’re going through. They wanna make it nearly impossible to live a decent life after a past mistake by creating barriers that target the individual but if we create a community then no matter what they throw at us we can still survive.

[spike-]

It gets better everyone, I caught a class B felony when I was 18, did 4 in prison, 4 on parole. I learned to box, got my GED, got in the best shape of my life, and grew up. I wish it wasn't on my record anymore, it doesn't effect me nowhere near as bad, it's been 14 years. After so long, it shouldn't continue to be on your record, I believe that strongly. If you've done better, don't get in trouble for years, why's it still get used against you? Where's the incentive to do better?

[mndeerhunter]

The best decision I ever made was going to college after incarceration. With my college degree I was able to get an apprentice electrician job . After several years of being an apprentice I took my journeyman test and passed . After that I took my masters and passed . It’s all about the little steps and being patient. It took 13 years to get where I’m at now. Don’t give up on yourself and just keep filling out applications or go to school. I never thought it was possible but on January 19th 2021my firearms rights were restored in the state of Minnesota. Anything is possible. I believe in you .

[SSGT]

Non violent charge from 2006, even after college and 6 years of experience, still automatically disqualified over 200 times in 3 years.. Its a constant struggle

[PhillyCheeeez]

Felon. My life has hit a point where I question why even go on anymore. I have always had the mindset to never give up no matter how hard i think I have it, someone has it worse. But my battle I think now it futile. I don't want to be another suicide statistic. But i also don't want to do this.

[yv]

Thank you for sharing your story. It is unfortunate that the stigma of imprisonment becomes an extension of punishment to those who have already served their time. The barriers that are placed on recently released individuals extend into their difficulties for obtaining housing, adequate transportation, maintaining a stable job, having a positive social support system, etc. Some folks also may have parole guidelines or curfews that they must abide by post-release. Conversations about the stigma attached to having been a ‘felon’ are definitely needed to allow people to successfully reintegrate into society.

[edwoodstock]

I'm an Ex Con and I'm getting my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. I don't rely on the system I will open my own business in the future even if is a little chain of hotdog stands. Life is what you make of it.

[josephsaunders]

Most importantly, why should our mistake punish our family ? This problem tumbles through many generations and they don’t see it . Our children should not be effected by something held above their parents head for the rest of their life . I wake up everyday thinking how I can do something impactful for my children, something they would be proud of . I just want to give them a small house and a backyard one day .

Thanks for standing up

[Media-snou]

Going through this situation here in Florida. People don’t seem to understand. They just think because it’s easy for them to find a job that everyone else can as well. I started my own videography business but the work isn’t consistent enough to survive off of. Having a felony definitely does feel like a secret life sentence.

[donvee]

Come to NYC.... They recently adopted a no ask law. Employers are no longer allowed to ask about having a criminal record on job applications. They can only ask once your hired. And if they them hire you they have to explain why and how your felony conviction would be an obstacle to you working there. So if it's a charge for theft and the job is a construction job... It has no relevance and would not fly upon revew by the state unemployment board.

[youtubestudent]

Got an interview today for a job that offers a great salary. They called and asked about my background yesterday and because I was 100% honest I still have the interview. Anyone out there struggling with finding work, just be honest and accept that rejection is in everyone's life. Accept who you are and own your past. Don't let it define your future. Much love.

[reddoor]

Absolutely fu**ing ridiculous that there is still discrimination in this day and age. So many young able men to work and this is what we do??? Just shameful!

[jonathandale]

This hit home.. Im an ex felon from 26 years ago and have a extremely hard time to find work. Whats even worse what work i had back then i was a addict. Now that I've been clean for years i can't even get work, not even in a booming economy, not even in a bottom-of-the-barrel jobs. I understand why ex cons resort back to drug dealing and stealing.. Being an ex-con of ANY kind of felon is a life sentence no matter what anyone tells you. Trust me I know.

[manwithoneblueshoe]

Just got out of jail and I’m a violent felon, I’m only 21 and now my track record has ruined most chances of getting a good job, it’s crazy how a felony can turn your life upside down...makes you want to sell drugs again who wants to make $9 an hour at the wimpy burger

[ladyashephd]

We live in an Unforgiving society that categorizes and labels people.

[kingjames]

I pray that this becomes a billion dollar business. He would be one rich person that would care for the little people.

[kaseypb]

I can so relate. I'm honest about my background. Just a month ago I got hired in a great position. No where on the online application did it ask about my background. I started, filled out all the new hire paperwork, which also said nothing. I spoke to the HR colleague and told her the truth about my past. She questioned me asked me why & what happened & I was honest and told her. She then asked me leave & I complied. She called the next day and said "they're sorry but unable to move forward with my employment" She said "but we believe in second chances so I urge you to apply again in the future" (blew my mind) It's so hard. I've tried everything, I'm super discouraged but trying not to give up.