How John Legend is Supporting Former Inmates

Teresa Hodge isn’t just an entrepreneur, but a former inmate. And now she can confidently say she has help from John Legend.

According to Fast Company, the star is committed to assisting those who have started businesses following their release from prison.

Earlier this week, Hodge presented at the inaugural class for Unlocked Futures in Manhattan. The program is a 16-month accelerator for social entrepreneurs who have been locked up in prison or impacted by the U.S. criminal justice system.

“For entrepreneurs who are often overextended and under-resourced, who are often isolated, who rarely have a place where they can talk openly about what they’re up against—the power of creating a community that is a counterweight to that isolation can’t be overstated,” says Tulaine Montgomery, who runs Unlocked Futures.

So what does this have to do with John Legend?

Well, the Grammy award-winning musician has a solid footing in advocating for those who are done wrong by the justice system. Remember his very moving Oscar speech during his acceptance for the song Glory with Common in 2015? Yeah …

To find out how Legend is making a difference in the lives of those who have been incarcerated, watch the short video below.