By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist
Birmingham, Ala. – The Birmingham Day Reporting Center held a commencement ceremony to celebrate 19 dedicated individuals who have put in the work to rewrite their stories. Held at Thirgood Memorial C.M.E. Church in Birmingham, this event honored the graduates’ accomplishments and highlighted the unwavering transformative commitment shown by the BDRC staff. DRCs provide counseling, educational training and supervision for probationers and parolees.
The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from program participants, administration, and Keynote Speaker Sherrette Spicer. BDRC Graduate Deborah Smith commended her fellow peers as she stated, “This program took hard work, determination, and perseverance. So, I’d like to commend each graduate for showing such strength to get through this process. We did it together!”
A wave of admiration filled the atmosphere of the room as Graduate Patrick Wynn gave his testimony of personal growth and redemption throughout his time in the program. “The Birmingham DRC has taught me to be open and honest when confronting my past,” he said. “The DRC helps us to not hide behind falsehood and stereotypes, but instead take accountability for our futures.” He also showed gratitude for having a comfortable environment to better himself. “A positive attitude reconfirms that we as convicted felons appreciate the opportunity to continue working on ourselves in a clean and safe environment and receiving the necessary help to combat recidivism,” Wynn said.
Graduate Courtney Duke’s testimony brought a burst of laughter and lightheartedness to the ceremony as she reflected on the shift in her attitude from the start of the program to the end. She thanked Administrator Leah Thompson for recognizing her potential beneath the negative attitude, and ultimately supporting and guiding her throughout the program.
Keynote Speaker Sherrette Spicer of S.W.E.E.T Alabama shared a powerful message with graduates, urging them to embrace their journey and remain strong in the face of adversity. She left them with an eye-opening quote stating, “Don’t allow people who never got caught to make you feel bad,” reminding them to not compare themselves but instead keep their eyes on their own improvement.
One graduate, who was not initially scheduled to speak, felt compelled to share his testimony as well. Graduate James Crum brought a jovial energy to the ceremony as he reflected on how he initially hesitated to participate in the program. He expressed his gratitude for the BDRC staff for their encouragement and support, which ultimately helped him secure employment and succeed in his journey. “The BDRC staff truly restored love back into me,” he concluded.
Assistant Director for Reentry Rebecca Bensema provided closing remarks encouraging graduates to embrace their rights as active members of the community by applying for pardons and continuing their journey towards a brighter future.
With a focus on employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health, and cognitive restructuring needs, DRC staff is committed to reducing recidivism rates and improving public safety through behavior change. Currently, full Day Reporting Centers are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Day Reporting Center Lites, condensed versions of DRCs offering similar treatment, are located in Albertville, Bay Minette, Fort Payne, Opelika and Jasper.
A video of the event can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/1jFOqlKol2g
Birmingham DRC administration along with graduates.
Birmingham DRC graduates.
BDRC Graduate Deborah Smith speaking.
Administrator Leah Thompson speaking.
Graduate Patrick Wynn speaking.
Graduate Courtney Duke speaking.
Keynote Speaker Sherrette Spicer.
Graduate James Crum speaking.