Blessed.
An interview series featuring community members from Berkshire County who have been impacted by the justice system.
Meet the human beings behind the headlines.
Blessed is an interview series featuring community members who have come into contact with the justice system. We aim to take a more comprehensive look at justice-involvement in Berkshire County.
This series explores the before, during, and after of justice-involvement, the human beings behind the headline, and the why. We examine underlying root causes and health disparities that make community members more susceptible to justice-involvement; their experience in court and/or behind the wall, and reintegration into society.
The public is generally exposed to these stories through mainstream media—we read headlines and hear charges— but don’t often get a chance to meet the individuals involved.
Blessed provides a platform for community members to take ownership over a narrative that is often told for them. It exposes the public to a more complete story, told by those who have experienced it firsthand.
Through the sharing and hearing of these stories, we take a look behind the scenes: the conditions that give rise to criminal activity, life in jail and prison, the impact on families, reentry, community obstacles and resources, and a way forward—from the expertise of those who have experienced it.
Who owns the story?
Uncensored storytelling is vital.
It is essential that community members have a space to share their own story, in their own words, without mitigation from a third party.
Blessed is created with the support of Pittsfield Community Television, a community media organization designed to amplify diverse voices and foster civic engagement. Most importantly, PCTV does not censor any content. Interviews are filmed and edited in PCTV studios.
Community members work with Jenny throughout the editing process, to ensure they are comfortable with all content. They have all final say in editorial decisions. Interviews are aired on Pittsfield Community TV and radio.
Blessed is not a religious reference. The individuals I have worked with who have spent time in jail or prison have taught me the meaning of gratitude.
Or, as one interviewee put it: “Cause we are blessed to have lived such a crazy life and live to tell about it.”