Feature Interview: Rashid Hughes

Having a voice in government is important, but does being heard necessarily mean having influence?In the third installment of our Intern Spotlight series, Black Table Talk host Zach Ragone sits down with NRNRC intern Vicente to discuss his recent visit to the D.C. Council and what the experience revealed about government accessibility, civic participation, and accountability.Drawing on Vicente's observations about the Council's willingness to engage with community advocates, they explore the importance of making government accessible, ensuring that different perspectives are represented, and holding public institutions accountable while maintaining constructive working relationships.Together, they examine a larger question: How do we move beyond simply giving people a voice and ensure that their participation can lead to meaningful change?

What does it take to turn your voice into meaningful change?In this episode of the Black Table Talk Podcast, we sit down with Naïké Savain, an advocacy trainer working with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens (NRNRC), to discuss the importance of effective advocacy and why speaking up is only the first step toward creating change.Naïké shares insights into what advocacy training looks like, the skills needed to become an effective advocate, and why returning citizens must be active participants in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their lives.We also explore the importance of building partnerships between returning citizens, community advocates, nonprofit organizations, and allies across D.C. From housing and employment to healthcare and criminal justice reform, meaningful progress requires people and organizations working together.Advocacy isn't just about having a voice. It's about learning how to use it effectively—and building the relationships needed to make that voice heard.Join us for a conversation about turning lived experience into advocacy, strengthening community leadership, and building a more connected advocacy network in Washington, D.C.

What happens inside a jail or prison doesn't necessarily stay behind its walls. But why should incarceration matter to people who have never experienced it themselves?In the second installment of our Intern Spotlight series, Black Table Talk host Zach Ragone sits down with NRNRC intern Vicente to discuss his recent visit to the D.C. Jail. From meaningful conversations with incarcerated residents about education and their futures to reflections on the physical environment and rehabilitation, Vicente shares what stood out to him during the experience.Together, they explore how firsthand exposure can challenge public perceptions, why the treatment of incarcerated individuals matters for successful reentry, and what responsibility the broader community has for what happens inside correctional institutions.Because incarceration isn't just an issue for those behind bars. It's a community issue.

What is restorative justice, and how can it help individuals and communities address conflict, repair harm, and build stronger relationships?In this episode of the Black Table Talk Podcast, host Zach Ragone sits down with Rashid Hughes, who has been leading restorative justice and circle keeping trainings with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens (NRNRC).Together, they explore what restorative justice actually means, how circle keeping works, and why these practices offer more than just an alternative to traditional approaches to justice. From navigating disagreements within families and workplaces to addressing conflict and building trust within communities, restorative practices have applications that extend far beyond the criminal justice system.The conversation also looks at NRNRC's ongoing trainings, the importance of developing these skills among returning citizens and community members, and how building local capacity for restorative practices could help create stronger, more connected communities.Join us for a conversation about accountability, communication, community empowerment, and finding better ways to move forward together.

Social change doesn't always begin with legislation, elections, or large-scale movements. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation, a relationship, or simply showing up in a community.In the first installment of our Fall '26 Intern Spotlight series, Black Table Talk host Zach Ragone introduces NRNRC intern Vicente and explores his interest in social change and his experiences participating in our Community-Led Public Maintenance (CLPM) program.Drawing on Vicente's interactions with local residents, business owners, and community stakeholders, they discuss the importance of building relationships, finding common ground across different perspectives, and recognizing the impact of seemingly small actions.Together, they explore a larger question: Where does meaningful change actually begin—with individuals and communities, with government and policy, or through a combination of both?

Meet two of the newest members of the NRNRC team, Diamond Ransome and Leandra Jackson. In this episode of Black Table Talk, they share what brought them to the organization, how their own experiences have shaped the way they think about reentry, and what they hope to contribute through their new roles. The conversation also touches on community, second chances, the challenges of rebuilding after incarceration, and the importance of seeing people for who they are—not just their past.

After a decade of incarceration, Leandra Jackson returned home to a world that had changed—and began the process of rebuilding her life. In this episode of Black Table Talk, Leandra shares her reentry journey, from adjusting to technology and reconnecting with others to setting boundaries, finding support, and learning why sometimes moving forward means putting yourself first.

What does it really take to prepare returning citizens for meaningful employment—and what happens when they’re ready but opportunities remain out of reach? In this episode of Black Table Talk, Ready4Work facilitator Thandor Miller discusses workforce preparation, the barriers returning citizens face, and how employers and communities can help create pathways to lasting employment.

Join us for a discussion on multifaceted topics surrounding returning citizens. Our interns dive in on stigma, representation, and what drives initial views on returning citizen, and their experience with running our social media.

Listen in for a conversation between Mr. Sellers, our program coordinator, and Simone Taylor, a client of ours, for her personal stories about her experiences. This emotional and intriguing dialogue is not one to miss, so make sure to give it a listen!