When It Clicked: Kerry Washington - Rewriting Justice Through Storytelling
Podcast Information:
- Title: When It Clicked
- Host: Ana Zamora, Founder and CEO of The Just Trust
- Guest: Kerry Washington, Actress and Producer
- Release Date: February 12, 2025
Introduction to Kerry Washington and Her Advocacy
Ana Zamora welcomes Kerry Washington, renowned actress and producer, to discuss her transformative work in the criminal justice system through storytelling. Washington's production company, Simpson Street, focuses on creating narratives that shed light on the complexities of incarceration and its impact on individuals and families.
Notable Quote:
"I'm so glad Carrie has brought us these powerful stories, giving voice to people impacted by incarceration, honoring their full humanity."
— Ana Zamora [03:20]
Kerry Washington's Personal Journey and Shift in Perspective
Washington shares her personal connection to the justice system, highlighting a pivotal moment when her brother was incarcerated. This experience shattered her black-and-white view of punishment and justice, prompting a deeper engagement with the system.
Notable Quotes:
"Having a family member who has come into contact with the justice system... completely writing over everything that we were taught or see in the movies."
— Ana Zamora [08:14]
"My dad was sentenced to financial fines and community service. That vulnerability for me... shifted my sense of where I fit into the justice system."
— Kerry Washington [06:14]
Unprisoned: Exploring Reentry and Family Dynamics
Unprisoned, a Hulu series starring Washington, delves into the challenges faced by individuals returning to society after incarceration. The show centers on Paige, who adjusts to life with her father and grandson post-prison, offering a nuanced portrayal of reentry.
Kerry Washington on Unprisoned: Washington emphasizes the show's tone, balancing tough issues with love, joy, and humanity. She relates personally to Paige's journey, drawing parallels to her own experiences with her non-biological father.
Notable Quotes:
"The show is really about how to love an imperfect parent and how to grapple with our own imperfections."
— Kerry Washington [09:37]
"79 million Americans have reentered society with a criminal record. That's one in three Americans."
— Kerry Washington [14:14]
Daughters: Illuminating Father-Daughter Relationships in Incarceration
As a producer of Daughters, a Netflix documentary, Washington focuses on the emotional bonds between young girls and their incarcerated fathers. The film showcases a unique prison program where fathers and daughters engage in a daddy-daughter dance, fostering reconciliation and understanding.
Kerry Washington on Daughters: Washington highlights the filmmakers' mission to center the girls' experiences, portraying their humanity rather than solely focusing on the incarceration aspect. She underscores the program's success, noting that 95% of participating fathers do not return to prison.
Notable Quotes:
"Every single one of us is the hero of our own journey... figuring out how to face their biggest dragons."
— Kerry Washington [35:34]
"More people need to know that these stories matter and that there is a large community fighting for change."
— Kerry Washington [14:14]
The Power of Storytelling in Changing Perceptions
Washington discusses the critical role of storytelling in humanizing incarcerated individuals and altering public perceptions. By sharing authentic narratives, stories like Unprisoned and Daughters foster empathy, break down stereotypes, and inspire systemic change.
Notable Quotes:
"Great storytelling helps you crack your heart open... moments where they've just felt like their heart was bursting open."
— Kerry Washington [25:47]
"Changing hearts and minds is essential to driving systemic change."
— Ana Zamora [26:28]
Accountability vs. Punishment: Rethinking Justice
A significant portion of the conversation centers on redefining accountability within the justice system. Washington advocates for a system that emphasizes understanding harm, making amends, and fostering personal growth over mere punishment.
Notable Quotes:
"Accountability is an understanding of the harm that was created and the ability to make amends and ask for forgiveness."
— Kerry Washington [28:27]
"Punishment breeds more shame and doesn't allow for that space for people to lean into to grow and change."
— Kerry Washington [30:51]
Insights from San Quentin: Embracing Rehabilitation
Washington shares her experiences visiting San Quentin Prison, observing programs that integrate joy and personal development into rehabilitation. She notes how activities like baseball games and photography lessons provide inmates with a sense of purpose and belonging, crucial for successful reentry.
Notable Quotes:
"Access to opportunities to feel like you matter... plants seeds in people's lives to give them reason to re-enter with resilience."
— Kerry Washington [31:27]
"When you give folks who are incarcerated the opportunity to explore their humanity, it teaches us when to support their transformation."
— Kerry Washington [32:40]
Challenging Myths and Advocating for Change
Washington addresses prevalent myths about the criminal justice system, particularly the misconception that increased incarceration reduces crime. She emphasizes that systemic change requires debunking such myths and fostering a more compassionate, rehabilitative approach.
Notable Quotes:
"The myth that more incarceration reduces crime is not true and keeps us trapped in resistance to change."
— Kerry Washington [33:40]
Conclusion: The Future of Storytelling in Justice Reform
In concluding the conversation, Washington advocates for more stories that highlight the heroism and resilience of individuals within the justice system. She believes that continuous storytelling can dismantle stigmas, promote understanding, and drive meaningful reform.
Notable Quotes:
"Every one of us is the hero of our own journey... more opportunities to allow people to know that this one chapter of their life is not the whole story."
— Kerry Washington [35:34]
"We need a system that centers prevention, safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and healing."
— Ana Zamora [38:09]
Final Thoughts
Kerry Washington's dedication to transforming the narrative around the criminal justice system through empathetic storytelling underscores the power of media in societal change. Her work with Simpson Street, Unprisoned, and Daughters exemplifies a commitment to humanizing incarcerated individuals and advocating for a more equitable and rehabilitative justice system.
Listen to the full episode of "When It Clicked" on your preferred podcast platform and explore Kerry Washington’s impactful work on Hulu's Unprisoned and Netflix’s Daughters.