Johnson taps former inmate to lead growing Chicago’s Office of Re-entry

[December 10, 2024]  By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor

(The Center Square) – Insisting city officials have a “moral obligation” to aid those seeking to transition back into society after having been incarcerated, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has tapped one-time inmate Joseph “JoJo” Mapp to lead the city’s growing Office of Re-entry.

Amid a backdrop where the city is facing a mounting budget crisis that could lead to its first shutdown in history if a new spending plan is not approved by the end of the year, Johnson recently held a news conference touting Mapp’s formal installation as program director.

“Chicago is a city with a high percentage of returning residents, especially on the South and West sides,” Johnson said. “We’re seeking opportunities to change the trajectories of their lives so they don’t repeat the sins of the past. Even though they’re working to make change, too often the high recidivism rate has more to do with the failed system around them.”

Johnson was joined at the podium by 16th Ward Ald. Stephanie Coleman, who told onlookers the moment was long overdue.

“I want to reiterate that this will be a fully funded office for brothers and sisters coming back home and getting the resources needed to return to this society to be a changemaker,” Coleman said.

As recently as 2018, data shows 43% of people released from prison in Illinois were later convicted of other crimes, leading to them again being incarcerated. In addition, the roughly 10,000 residents returning to the city after serving jail time each year are much more likely to be victims of crime or end up being unhoused.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Chicago Mayor's Office | Facebook

Mapp himself served more than 26 years behind bars after being convicted of murder and armed robbery. He was released in 2020 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and has since worked as the director of re-entry for Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, which works with both crime victims and former inmates.

“Joseph had dedicated his life to working as a restorative justice practitioner,” Johnson said. “He’s been on that journey and he’s going to take the city of Chicago along with him. As a returning resident himself, Joseph knows first-hand the challenges and barriers returning residents face and how difficult it is to become successful when you’re returning to your community. His own personal journey with his own family is a real, remarkable testament to the ongoing battle and struggle for complete healing.”

The Office of Re-entry was first created by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, with Johnson agreeing to earmark $5 million for its expansion in 2024. The 2025 spending plan now being backed by Johnson seeks to allocate $387,849 for the office.

All contents © copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved