20yrs prison- helps rebuild community with policy changes - Tony Gant

If you had to serve 20 years in prison would you come out beaten or a force for good? Tony Gant was incarcerated for a violent crime within the Michigan Department of Corrections for 20 years, from 1995 to 2015. Gant said he knew it was vitally important while serving his time to better himself with education and skills that would improve his life upon release. Tony says he doesn't want anyone to get the wrong idea that any of this was easy, especially getting out of prison after 20 years. He gives a lot of credit to his wife who he married while he was in prison that he knew growing up. She had gotten on the right track in her life, and she helped Tony stay on track both in and getting out. There was a lot of frustration with getting employed when being freed. Tony shares how he didn't give up and things started happening for him. He is now making big strides using his experience to help change the laws in Michigan for the previously incarcerated for housing. He is the Director of policy and programs operations at Nation Outside, a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of formerly incarcerated persons.  Tony says, “we are always looking to advocate for laws that lower barriers for people with criminal records. We want to break down barriers to housing, employment, or even access to higher education, anything that addresses the collateral consequences that impact people with convictions.” Tony is also a father, author of the book (Midnight Whispers), and a business owner Gant Lawn Care. Tony is an inspiring guy who does a great job of telling his story. It is inspiring to see someone with Tony's experience adding such a strong voice to people who may not have one... creating real change in their lives.