By Jake May
mlive.com
FLINT, Mich. — A viral video shows about 100 inmates showing solidarity in a moment where humanity shines, coming together in prayer.
The unprompted moment, which was captured on video by the surveillance cameras in the Genesee County Jail on Christmas Eve, shows signs of institutional change through hope and unity, Sheriff Chris Swanson said.
The pod houses the most inmates, Swanson said, with an average of about 240 on the floor. Most of those inmates are facing charges of 20 years to life sentences.
“In 33 years, it’s never been witnessed by my eyes,” he said. “These folks did a lot of things to hurt other people, but in this moment, they came together. And you can hear them reciting the Lord’s prayer, asking for forgiveness for their sins.
“It is so powerful. The words in that prayer are part of the culture change we’re seeing inside of these walls.”
For context, Swanson confirmed the severity of the crimes of the inmates on this floor, which could include assault with intent to murder, second-degree murder, first-degree murder, arson, criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, armed robbery and other crimes.
One by one, about 100 male inmates joined hands for a moment that has resonated around the world.
While connected, the men spoke with a Christmas message and recited the Lord’s prayer.
Swanson posted the video on Christmas, posting it to Facebook with this caption:
“I’ve NEVER posted a jail surveillance video like this one.
Last night on Christmas Eve, inmates on one of the biggest pods came together on their own. No direction. No prompting. They joined hands and quietly recited the Lord’s Prayer.
In a place that’s often defined by mistakes and consequences, I saw unity and hope. I saw people choosing something better for themselves and for each other. When this happens, communities are safer and generational incarceration is broken.
This is what real culture change looks like and it doesn’t happen overnight.
Please join me in thanking the entire jail staff for being a part of the culture change. It matters!
Merry Christmas!”
That video now has more than 500,000 views and growing.
Swanson said cultural change is happening inside of these jail walls every day through programs he instituted that continue to change inmates’ lives for the better, providing opportunities for growth and skilled trades in hopes of giving them a path toward employment once released.
I.G.N.I.T.E., the flagship initiative at the jail, has graduated hundreds of inmates through its classes.
Swanson also cited community efforts and programs like the holiday spectacular and a no child left behind initiative helping shape the change.
“All of these initiatives are valid key points. We’re making a difference. Yes, they’ve made mistakes but they are still human and want to do better,” Swanson said. “It’s my job to give them that opportunity to be better, and that’s what I saw happen in this incredible moment on Christmas Eve.”
Swanson said there’s credit for his staff in this change too.
He was proud to see the floor deputies stand witness rather than breaking it up.
“For this to happen unprompted and without direction, it’s change in the inmates, but the staff too,” Swanson said.
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