The Demise of the Prison Industrial Complex

Several years ago I came to realize that the Prison Industrial Complex had a chink in its armor. Although it may seem its effects are absolute, in fact they are not. In the last year I have come to realize there are people who go through the PIC, do their time and come out at an elevated level of capability after their incarceration experience.

Ascendivism is a term used to define a focus on success. People who are considered ascendivists include Malcolm X, Vickie Stringer, "Chef Jeff" Henderson, Don King, Chuck Brown, Reginald Dwayne Betts, and Judge Greg Mathis. The typical ascendivist takes on a creative endeavor to redefine their thinking and behavior. Additionally, they tend to experience a "transformative event" which causes a break with their past thinking and behavior, usually involving a loved one.

A great deal of research, and study has gone into those who reenter the Prison Industrial Complex within a year. Those who do not are not studied, documented or even named. The primary objective with all the foregoing information is to produce a documentary to inform the public that a great deal of what results from incarceration experience is the ability of the formerly incarcerated person to make choices which are in their own best interest.