The Case for The White House Reimagining 'Second Chance Month'

Movements throughout history have demonstrated the necessity of evolving names to encapsulate a broader, more inclusive range of experiences and identities.

As we delve deeper into the examination of the "Second Chance" ideology, it is essential to recognize the power of names and designations, especially when it comes to initiatives or recognitions declared by forms of government, in this case, federal (i.e., the White House). History has shown us that movements evolve over time, as should the names that define their essence, thereby reflecting their current states and aspirations more accurately. Over the years, as movements have progressed, U.S. presidents have leveraged their power of proclamation to guide the nation in recognizing and honoring the evolving perceptions, descriptions, and acknowledgments of the country's underrepresented populations.

Originally coined Gay & Lesbian Pride Month in 1999 during the Clinton Administration, the month of June was set aside to commemorate the Stonewall Riots—a series of pivotal protests that began on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. A decade later, in a move by President Barack Obama, Pride Month was inclusively renamed to embrace the broader spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. This change was not merely cosmetic; it signified a deeper acknowledgment of the diverse identities and stories that constitute the movement.?

A similar evolution is observed in the movement for indigenous peoples' recognition and inclusiveness in the U.S. The journey from President Gerald Ford's proclamation of Native American Awareness Week in 1976 to President George H. W. Bush's designation of November 1990 as National American Indian Heritage Month —and its subsequent evolution to Native American Heritage Month under President Barack Obama—culminates in the present push towards Indigenous Peoples' Month. This progression reflects a broader, more inclusive acknowledgment of the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples beyond just those who are classified as American Indian, encompassing Native Americans, First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and other indigenous groups around the world.

These examples of nomenclature evolution in various movements teach us that change is not only possible, but often necessary to reflect growth and enhanced understanding.?

Such transitions underscore the fluidity and development of social movements, hinting at the potential for 'Second Chance Month' to similarly evolve into a designation that more aptly encompasses the comprehensive history, support, and respect for human dignity integral to all meaningful endeavors for system-impacted individuals. It calls for a term that captures our collective power, organizing, and movement building by and for currently and formerly incarcerated people. This reimagined term should not merely focus the month’s activities on reentry services rendered by self-serving industries or nonprofits but one that acknowledges the atrocities and injustices faced by people in confinement, the widespread discrimination they encounter post-release, their rebellions and their victories, and the ongoing harm reduction work essential for creating safer, more equitable, and thriving communities.

The term 'Second Chance' implicitly places power in the hands of those bestowing it (read President Biden’s recent proclamation of Second Chance Month ) rather than celebrating and empowering the individuals who are actually living it. What we need is a term that transcends the notion of mere chance and instead highlights empowerment, systemic support, and the dignity of every individual's journey.

If you are even remotely interested in joining the movement to retire the second chance narrative, write to [email protected] with the subject "No More Second Chances" as the subject line. The body of the email can be as long or as short as you'd like (literally, you can write nothing at all). Share your full name and state, and your email address will be added to a list for future communication regarding this movement.