East Erie Satellite: Pardon Project of Erie: Resolution, Restitution, and Redemption
The Pardon Project of Erie helps people wipe their records clean of past crimes for which they have completed their sentences. This can help people find better jobs and forgiveness from society and within themselves. Pardon coaches Dr. Parris Baker, Antonio Howard, and Diane Chido will share, along with Ms. Margaret Simms, the long and arduous journey the four have taken for Ms. Margaret to obtain her pardon so the community can learn how difficult this process can be and how they can help others who are so deserving.
JES Satellite Programming is sponsored by Erie Insurance.
Location: ECAT: Erie Center for Arts and Technology – 650 East Ave., Ada Lawrence Community Room, Erie, PA 16503
Date/Time: Thursday, June 11th, 6:00-7:30PM
Admission: FREE
*If you do NOT receive an email from info@jeserie.org within 24-48 hours regarding your registration, please check your spam or junk folder. Thank you!
Panelists with Dr. Parris Baker;
Diane Chido, M.S., JES Scholar-in-Residence
Diane Chido, M.S., is founder of Erie-based research firm, DC Analytics, and a former faculty instructor with the Mercyhurst University Department of Intelligence Studies. Recently returned from a three-year contract as the Security and Intelligence Policy Advisor to the U.S. Army's Peace Keeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI), she looks forward to applying her 25-plus years of expertise in supporting post-conflict and fragile societies to Erie's current challenges. She has published and lectured widely on security, intelligence, socio-cultural and economic development topics and possesses an M.S. in Applied Intelligence Analysis and an M.A. in Russian Language.
Antonio Howard, Pa.C.P. Pardon Coach and Coordinator of the Erie Pardon and Commutation Hub at Gannon University
My name is Antonio Howard (Peggy's son); I am an autodidactic artist. At the young age of 15, I was incarcerated and sentenced to life in prison, where I served 26 ½ years. While in prison, I educated myself through instructional books on the concepts and processes of visual art. Released in 2018, I now live as a valued member of the community committed to serving others and creating connection points through art that sparks meaningful dialog. I am the 2019 recipient of Erie Arts & Culture's Emerging Artist Fellowship. I am also a 2021 Teaching Artist through Erie Arts & Culture / Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Since 2020, I have participated in the creation of multiple murals throughout Erie County, including one honoring 93-year-old veteran, educator, and civic leader - Luther Manus. I am the author of three self-published books. I participate as a guest speaker and presenter, focusing on topics related to the criminal legal system and equitable reform.
Margaret Simms, Peer Navigator with Erie County Mental Health Assoc. of NWPA
Ms. Margaret Simms is a Peer Navigator with Erie County Mental Health Assoc. of NWPA. She has an ASW in Social Work and uses her skills to help people having mental health crises calm and find the services they need. She actively shares her story of recovery from decades of drug addiction and churn through the criminal justice system. She is a devout Christian currently seeking a pardon from the Commonwealth.
Parris J. Baker, PhD., MSSA, Associate Professor and Director, Social Work, Mortuary Science, and Gerontology Programs, Department of Criminal Justice & Social Work, Gannon University. He received his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in social work from Gannon University, Case Western Reserve University, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, and the University of Pittsburgh, School of Social Work, respectively. In 2011, Dr. Baker became the first African American tenured professor at Gannon University. He most recently became a Jefferson Education Society Scholar-In-Residence and Harry T. Burleigh and Beyond Fellow.
