Kareem
Brooks

Kareem Brooks is a formerly incarcerated individual who served 24 and a half years in the carceral system. His story is one of transformation, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice and healing. While his past includes a long period of incarceration, my present and future are defined by advocacy, scholarship, and service to others.

 

During his time inside, Kareem earned a Bachelor degree in Social Sciences, a field that allowed me to critically examine the structure that shape our society, especially those that perpetuate inequality and systemic harm.  Today, he is a researcher focused on carceral sickness-a term that encompasses the physical, psychological, and social toll that incarceration takes on individuals and communities.  In addition to his research, Kareem serve as a peer advocate for New York County Defender Services. In this role, he works directly with individuals navigating the criminal legal system, offering support, guidance, and solidarity.

 

Ultimately, Kareem is driven by a belief in the possibility of transformation-not just for individuals, but for entire systems. He envisions a world where justice is restorative, not punitive; where communities are invested in healing, not surveillance; and where those impacted by incarceration are seen not as statistics, but as leaders, thinkers, and change makers. He is proud of the journey he's taken, and he carries the lessons of his past into every space he enters.