By David McCall and Fisile Mabuza

Today, permanent punishments affect around 3.3 million people in Illinois. People who have been incarcerated or faced criminal charges may lose their right to vote and bear arms, face employment discrimination and the high likelihood of being denied the opportunity to take out a loan, and experience constant stigmatization. These hindrances prevent them from accessing some of the most fundamental rights of citizenship and fully participating in a society where they feel protected, valued, and respected.

The barriers faced by system-impacted people are numerous and affect nearly every aspect of their lives. “Current law prohibits anyone with a felony conviction from serving as an executor or administrator of an estate after a family member or loved one has passed away.” (nacdl.org) Losing a loved one is already a painful experience. So, when a family, limited by permanent punishment, cannot choose a loved one to handle the responsibility of serving as an executor it can feel like salt to a wound. Moreover, racial disparities mean that these limitations disproportionately impact Black people. That is why Fully Free, a campaign to end permanent punishments, is working to pass The FREE (Families Right to Estate Equality) Act. The FREE ACT will restore dignity and honor to families throughout Illinois to carry out the last wishes and affairs of loved ones.

Working closely with Live Free Illinois is David McCall, the proud owner and operator of Mac Movers, Inc., a Household Goods moving company that has been operating for ten years and continues to grow. As a systems-impacted individual, decarceration is an issue close to McCall’s heart.

“In my opinion, decarceration is important for individuals with a criminal conviction because it increases the chances of making better life decisions that propel them in their future endeavors,” he remarks. 

McCall spent almost 14 years in the Department of Corrections. He spent his time in the system signing up for college courses and ultimately obtaining an associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies and another in Business Management. Even though he paid his debt to society and took action to ensure that he would be a valuable member of his community, he was still criminalized when his sentence ended. 

“In the early part of my release from prison, I often faced rejection from employers. I generally got the interview, but never landed the job,” he states.

McCall stands in full support of legislation such as the FREE Act. He does not have personal experience serving as an executor of an estate of a loved one but believes it is a disservice to the family and all parties involved not to be able to secure their family’s history. He thinks the measure should be in place so families can securely execute a loved one’s property. Another change he would like to see is the creation or addition of programs that involve learning trades 16 to 24 months before individuals are released. Programs like these will allow them to be well-prepared and aware of the challenges they will face upon release. They will also be equipped with knowing how to properly manage any roadblocks they may ultimately endure.

His story is proof of how formerly convicted individuals can move on from their past and add value to their communities.

"Immediately after being released, I volunteered with Congressman Danny Davis’ office with the Reentry Initiative. I sat on the Board of Bridge to Freedom for nearly a year," McCall adds. "Thereafter, I was a Dispatch Manager for a major moving company, and from there I launched Mac Movers, Inc. and have not looked back." 

People like David McCall are a testament to how a criminal conviction is not an identity. As we reflect on #secondchancemonth, we honor those individuals and institutions pushing to end permanent punishment. Forgiveness is part of what makes healing possible.

If you would like to donate to the Fully Free Campaign, click here.

Learn more about LIVE FREE Illinois’ work in Deceraceration here.