On January 25, 2017, at 5 p.m., Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and KABF 88.3 aired the fourth episode of “Speak Up Arkansas.”
Part II of this episode was about Senate Bill 294, which concerns the “sentencing of a person under 18 years of age; establishing the Fair Sentencing Act of Minors Act of 2017; and for other purposes.” We heard from James Dold with the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth; Rep. Greg Leding, co-sponsor of SB 294; and Xavier McElrath-Bey, a young man who was formerly incarcerated for a crime committed when he was a minor.
In this supplement to Part II, we hear just from Xavier McElrath-Bey and his compelling story of entering the justice system as a minor and overcoming his many challenges to become a successful, thriving adult.
Tune in to KABF 88.3 every Wednesday at 5 p.m. for more great segments. Send questions and comments to speakupar@gmail.com.