Rodney Spivey-Jones

Rewriting the Narrative: The Power of Education, Leadership & Second Chances

Author | Social Justice Reform Advocate

Rodney Spivey-Jones is a renowned speaker, justice advocate, and educator, whose journey from incarceration to national leadership is a testament to the power of education and second chances.

In 2017, Rodney graduated with a degree in Social Studies from Bard College through the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI). His story is prominently featured in Ken Burns’ and Lynn Novick’s award-winning documentary College Behind Bars, highlighting the transformative impact of higher education in prison.

As a founding member of the BPI Debate Union, Rodney played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory against Harvard, a moment that gained international recognition and challenged perceptions of incarcerated students. His senior project, Messianic Black Bodies, was featured in the Burns documentary and later expanded and published as Black Disfigurement and the American Hieroglyphics of Race in the A-line Journal. He has also published College Programs in Prison Show the Value of Educating Every American in The Appeal.

Rodney served as the first Scholar-in-Residence at the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership at Morehouse College, where he worked to enhance Morehouse’s Higher Education in Prison (HEP) programming. He also sits on the Board of Advisors for Ameelio, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community ties with incarcerated individuals and expanding access to educational opportunities. Additionally, he is part of a research team studying the civic and social effects of college-in-prison programs.

Rodney is a frequent public speaker, traveling across the country to address students, corporate leaders, legislators, and community organizations, inspiring audiences with his expertise in justice reform, education, and leadership. His upcoming autobiography (2026 release) will further amplify his message of resilience and transformation.

Why Book Rodney Spivey-Jones

• • Dynamic & Engaging Speaker with Broad Audience Appeal – A highly sought-after speaker, Rodney captivates and is equally engaging for students, corporate teams, policymakers, adult community members, and justice reform advocates.
  • Unparalleled Credibility and Proven Impact – His story changes perspectives, inspires action, and fosters meaningful discussions.
  • A Featured Story in PBS’s College Behind Bars – Rodney’s powerful journey, featured in the acclaimed Ken Burns & Lynn Novick documentary, has inspired thousands nationwide. His published work from the film is now used as a classroom resource for educators.
  • The Debate Champion Who Defeated Harvard – As a co-founder of the Bard Prison Initiative Debate Union, Rodney led the team to a historic victory over Harvard, proving the power of education, resilience, and second chances.
  • Driving Real-World Economic Change – As Manager, Center for Justice & Economic Advancement at Jobs for the Future, Rodney works with policymakers, businesses, and communities to create pathways to success for justice-impacted individuals.
  • Author of a Forthcoming Autobiography (2026) – His upcoming book will offer even deeper insights into his journey, resilience, and vision for a better future.

Discussion Topics:

• • Rehabilitation and the Carceral State – Understanding the role of education, policy, and community engagement in reducing recidivism and creating meaningful pathways to reentry.
  • “Black Disfigurement” and Language – Analyzing the ways in which language and systemic narratives shape perceptions of Black identity, justice, and rehabilitation.
  • Higher Education in Prison – The impact of college-in-prison programs, why they work, and how they transform lives and communities.
  • Debate as a Tool for Empowerment – How debate, critical thinking, and argumentation skills can break barriers and challenge stereotypes—highlighted by Rodney’s experience leading BPI’s debate team.
  • The Writing and Research Process – Exploring the power of storytelling, academic research, and writing as tools for advocacy, education, and systemic change.

Recent Speaking Engagements:

• • Featured Speaker: Harvard, Brown, Penn State, DeKalb County Public Schools
  • Keynote Speaker: Morehouse College Crown Forum, University of Maine Research Conference, My Brothers Keeper
  • Featured Panelist: Asheville Ideas Festival, National Coalition for Higher Education in Prison, The Carter School at George Mason University Reentry Conference, South Carolina Council of Social Studies Conference

Notable Achievements:

• • Bard College Graduate (2017) – Earned a degree in Social Studies through the prestigious Bard Prison Initiative (BPI), one of the most rigorous prison education programs in the nation.
  • Morehouse College’s First Scholar-in-Residence – Selected as the first-ever Scholar-in-Residence at the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership, where he helped expand access to higher education for incarcerated individuals.
  • Board Advisor for Ameelio – Advises this cutting-edge nonprofit, transforming prison communications and education.
  • A Nationally Recognized Voice in College Behind Bars – His journey is featured in Ken Burns & Lynn Novick’s PBS documentary, a film that has reached audiences worldwide.
  • Published Scholar & Thought Leader – Rodney’s senior project, Messianic Black Bodies, explores the rhetoric of Black identity in America. He later published an expanded version, Black Disfigurement and the American Hieroglyphics of Race, in The A-Line Journal. Learn more about his work →
  • Researching the Future of Prison Education – Contributing researcher on the civic and social impact of college-in-prison programs.

Published Work:

• • HBCUs Should Lead the Effort to Democratize Higher Learning, Extending their Reach into Every Prison in this Country

Travels From Minnesota

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