Reginald Dwayne Betts shares his journey from a 16-year-old incarcerated youth to a lawyer and advocate, centered on the philosophy that one finds what they look for. During his nine-year sentence, he discovered hope through unexpected sources, such as a mango in solitary confinement and the mentorship of fellow inmates who taught him discipline and legal knowledge. This resilience led him to pursue education, eventually earning degrees from prestigious institutions and founding the Freedom Libraries project. By placing books directly into prisons, he provides incarcerated individuals with the same tools for intellectual and personal escape that once sustained him. His work transforms the prison experience, proving that even in restrictive environments, individuals can cultivate agency and purpose by actively seeking out knowledge and community.
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