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Life after prison: Jailed at 16, a Boston man returns home | “Don’t Judge Me” documentary
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- čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
- What’s it like to go to jail at age 16 and then - 12 years later - return home? Watch as a Boston man works to launch a music career, find stable housing and - most importantly - avoid the parole violations that land many returning citizens back in jail.
“When I first came home, I was lost, and I was born and raised out here,” said rapper Onyx White. “And the scary thing about parole is I don’t have to do a crime to go back to jail - being around the wrong people or they can think I’m around the wrong person. You violate, you’re going to the maximum security."
White has a curfew and is monitored around the clock via an electronic ankle bracelet. According to Massachusetts parole officials,1,342 individuals lived on active supervision by parole as of April 2024, and 447 of them lived in the community with GPS monitoring. Individuals wearing ankle monitors need to display “a sustained pattern of success in the community” in order to have their bracelet removed. As White put it, “on one side I’m attached to chains, on the other side I’m reaching and trying to fight to get to this goal.”
White went to jail in 2010 after he was arrested in the murder of 71-year-old Geraldo Serrano, a beloved convenience store clerk in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood.
White was 16 years old at the time of the shooting. Due to a protracted legal dispute over evidence taken from his cellphone that went all the way to Massachusetts Supreme Court, he was incarcerated for seven years before his case went to trial in 2017.
During that time, White says a childhood passion for hip-hop grew into an escape and a source of strength.
“Without me writing while I was locked up, I think it probably would have institutionalized me a little bit more,” he said. “It gave me a chance to sit still and see things in a different perspective.”
He ended up taking a plea deal that allowed him to be released from prison at 28, placing him among some 1700 people with criminal convictions released from Massachusetts prisons in 2022. Their experiences - rarely told and often hidden from public view - are the focus of the GBH News reporting project Life After Prison. This video is part of that series.
GBH News spoke with one of Geraldo Serrano’s relatives who requested anonymity but said the family bears White no ill will: “He needs another chance … he’s learning from his mistakes.”
Don’t Judge Me is the title of this short documentary and the name of a song White wrote when he was facing life in prison. In the film, he performs the song with Boston-Based choral artists collective Voices 21C.
Learn more about GBH News’ "Life After Prison" series here: www.wgbh.org/news/series/life....
Learn more about Onyx White here: linktr.ee/onyx_white
Learn more about Voices 21C here: / @voices21c12
GBH News is a premier source for in-depth local news and original story telling based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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We welcome your comments below or you can send us your thoughts about this video in an email at gbhnewsconnect@wgbh.org.
Learn more about GBH News’ Life After Prison series here: www.wgbh.org/news/series/life-after-prison.
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And it's all because of viewers like you! ❤️
COUSIN! .. Words can not explain how I am feeling in this very moment. I am so proud of you and the young man you have become. You have been through a lot in your lifetime, but you are determined to make something positive out of it and you are! God has a plan for you. Just continue to trust Him and keep your faith. I love you more than words can ever say. When situations don't work out in your favor just know that God has something bigger and better waiting for you. I will always be here for you through thick and thin. I love you always and forever!
Your Cousin Stephanie ❤
@ONYX_WHITE keep doing ya thang brother..we see you outchea n New Orleans..stay onnthe str8 & Narrow bro bro🌛👑🌜
@ONYX_WHITEmusic is 🗑️
@ONYX_WHITE Many blessings to you. Life is all about choices. Choose doing right over wrong. Everything else will fall in place without any worries.
Love you 😘
Much love to you Onyx, it is an absolute pleasure to have worked with you as your recording/mixing engineer on your music. Thank you GBH for telling his story - and helping tell the human side of people returning to society.
Thought provoking piece about our criminal justice system. Please keep telling these stories!
This is such an important and under represented story. Appreciate the straightforward approach of just presenting the facts of Onyx’s situation without agenda. Speaks for itself and allows him to do the same. It’s clear what a difficult place to navigate this is and how easy it is to wind up re incarcerated despite one’s best efforts or intentions. Would love to see more like this!
I’m so happy his bracelet finally came off! So happy for his change of direction. Thank you for so documenting and sharing this!
Benzino was outta pocket with that 1...smh
Wrong guy to trust. He doesn't have anything to offer in the music industry. That was just awful to do him like that. He's always looking for someone to take advantage of, and make money from, knowing he doesn't have the connections.
Wow how scary to have been around someone going through a overdose.
I pray that you stay focused and are successful in whatever you you do. Thanks for sharing your journey with the world
Incredible Onyx. So glad to see you constantly moving forward. We will see you soon!
This is a testimony. I'm glad you turned your life around. Stay positive and stay focused.
Keep him in our prayers
Great job young man. I would like to personally commend you for a job well done. Meaning following the rules given to you by the Parole Officer, being a positive example for your younger brother and for the other youth (both men and women) in the surrounding community through your actions / conduct and just the way you present yourself. I wish you nothing but the best and continue happiness, success in your chosen career and freedom.
Proud of you, Onyx! Grateful to have witnessed a bit of the behind the scenes of this powerful film ❤
Young King, keep God 1st and take 1 day at a time🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾...You Will make it👌🏾
Amazing! WGBH showing the real stories of whats happening to those that go through re-entry in Boston! This will assist in necessary changes being made!! Powerful story, praying you grow abundantly in peace, prosperity and the presence of the Lord! ❤
This is a tough situation. The U.S. doesn't offer quality prison rehabilitation then, most times, there's little to no support when men get out of prison. People go into prison with mental health problems and are more likely to come out with worse mental health problems. It's difficult not to judge ex-prisoners because of these issues.
@ONYX_WHITE It DEFINITELY is! 😇
WE EASILY FORGET, MANY PEOPLE NEVER GO TO JAIL, AND NEED MENTAL HEALTHCARE. THE WAITLIST FOR HEALTHCARE IS REAL.
Sending love and hugs from ATL! Onyx you got this!❤🙏🏽💪👏
God allowed her to rest in him and gave you a blessing to live this life in memory of her you are truly blessed 🙌
Keep him in our prayers
You have a testimony bro proud of you staying positive def motivation
What an incredible story 👏🏾 keep it up positive vibes only you have truly been rehabilitated and you are doing amazing your story is truly inspiring 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️
Powerful piece Onyx. Hope you continue on this positive path!
Very intriguing and insightful! Thank you Onyx for being brave enough to share your story and let others in on your life! You are destined for greatness, never give up!! ❤
God be the glory young man. Keep the faith & stay faithful. Positive energy!!!
So powerful brother! I’m grateful to have met you and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future!
@ONYX_WHITEI hope he will and not just make comments
Thoughtful and powerful.
You're music is hard ❤ from Florida, stay blessed and positive and manifest greatness in this world..Your a 👑
This touched my ❤
Thanks for sharing your story, Onyx
Good work 👏🏾
Great job Robert!
Welcome home. 🙏🏽
Benzino ruined his moment not surprised at all he mistakenly took his girlfriend’s medicine 😵💫🤔
I was yelling to the screen, ”No don't trust Benzino”. I knew he was going to screw him over.
Congratulations, Onyx! So proud to know you. I'm rooting for you!!!
Okay bro I see you… keep doing what you’re doing bro.. your a success story
Thats whats up happy you made it home stay on your path 🙏🏾 Onxy White
Very talented young man. Wishing him a the best . Stay on the straight and narrow.
Best of luck bro
Very powerful piece!
Keep it going . Blessings.
I love this💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🆙💪🏾
Benzino isn't the guy to trust onyx! You have a beautiful voice, an amazing testimony, so stay encouraged! You have a lot to offer, just don't get lost in the sauce! 🙏🏽
@ONYX_WHITE you're welcome! Definitely, we all have to learn them at some point. I can't wait to hear about your success and the free world!🙏🏽🙌🏽☝🏽✊🏽
Be patient and trust God you been given a second chance for a reason be grateful stay focus its easy to get into trouble praying for you
I never minded being judged; came with the 'felon' label. What i do mind is when society expects me to give more of a damn about rehabilitating that they do. Society doesnt seem to care if people are 'corrected', just that they suffer. If thats what the public wants, fine but dont act surprised when they continue to victimize society. Warehousing usually means the guy leaves the same as he came in, which doesnt do anyone any good (he loses, society loses when he reoffends, family/kids, etc).
Good on you sir.
Benzino should’ve took an Uber or called his girlfriend! You are in Miami to hustle!
Coming from someone who was giving a second chance on life I pray the best for you handsome thanking God for your recovery, it is hard to go back all you gotta do is stack, pray, walk pass all simple negativity, and stay out the way & you will be GREAT🙏🏾🙌🏾💪🏾
God bless
Amen ❤❤❤❤ Woe
Praying for you brother 🙏🏼 we all
Need Second chances in life and your doing what you need to be a better person 🫶🏼
God bless you bro
❤️❤️❤️
The way you said Boston side😂😂😂
My boi Oblanco da realest 🔥🤟🏾💯
Wow what a compelling profile of this promising young Black man. Onyx your rap is fire and on point. The melody is one that catches you quickly along with the chorus. Stay focused for yourself and your grandma. You can make it young man. You have to make it failure is not an option because you're off to a good start out the blocks. I am not judging you. I'm just writing what I believe can be after watching your profile and hearing your words.
Okay i see u O keep going bro
He is soo talented
His juror was 38 yesrs old when she passed away 😢😢😢
Godblessyou brother prayers for the best ❤✌️☝️🙏😇
Want judge 🙏 keep moving b ✋🙏🤞🕊️🕊️ free and blessed
Let’s go
F up what Benzino did !!!
He waited until they were about to perform to tell him he couldn't...jeez Benzino.
💙
Benzeno had to have a premadonna moment 😅 still on them bad perks💊
😂😂
They want u back that’s why they keep messing with u stay focused I pray for u brother
Way to go, Onyx!! ❤
Hair nice ASL ❤
He has a or panic at the disco vibe of singing, Benzeno knew homie was garbage at singing 😅
Damn, they don’t know what’s in the head a trying man💯💯💯
jus get a full cut bro
Onyx, thank you for letting us into your story!
Stand up Massachusetts
Free,
You going be ok keep God in your life 🙏 just pray
Keep reaching the stars babee!!! 🙏🩷🙏
You got this!!!!
Going to jail may have been a blessing in disguise.
🙏🩷🙏
In “the Netherlands” worden straffen gegeven die veel lager zijn dan in Amerika.
Het heeft geen zin iemand zelfs op zeer jonge leeftijd levenslang op te sluiten.
Hier wordt gestraft maar altijd met de mogelijkheid op een tweede kans.
Amerika kijk eens om je heen hoe andere landen het doen leer daar misschien wat van.
You spent most of yo time in jail.you deserve freedom boy .i guess you are a changed man.goodluck with yo music
Onyx story is inspirational he is trying to turn his life into a positive despite the system challenges. We all deserve to be Redeemed….
Praying for coverage,understanding and grace these ppl have paid their debt no Let them be free stop legally haunting them like ghost
🎉🎉
Hey Vanessa how did you discover this video
Do not judge me, and him, because no matter what happened, we all have our situations, until righteousness comes is. He has done wrong and he admitted, but as we can see, the Almighty God I serve is a God of forgiveness and second chances. And God knows, we all need a chance!!!😢😊
Im proud of this young man...but soon as he mentioned Benzino I was like no no no....but i think it was God's protection that night.. shady business wouldn't have ended well but it happened like that for a reason..i look forward to hearing his music on everything soon. Great story
WOW.... This King's story has touched my heart and mind.. Onyx White.. keeping doing all the right things that you're doing.. Atlanta is riding with you.. I know you're going to make it BIG.. I look forward to hearing part 3 and 4 of your story on #eyl. and Wall Street Trapper... Onyx White is a true definition of NO EXCUSES ALLOWED.. If he could come home and do a documentary and link up a celebrity and have an opportunity to travel to Miami with the hopes of preforming, and appear in a play to tell his story.. My God ... Today... What can't he do.. Onyx White you got this..
Definitely salute may the most high keep him in good health and spirits
Why is he a king? Sad many of you refer the black man as king but what do they call you lot?
Why can’t he clip his nails that’s super gross man
@@Missliaz maybe you should clip them because he is a king like you said
Benzino needs to lay off the drug's
He is so handsome ❤
So many handsome men and women locked up no diddy
@@Bone_youtube_soft ok people grow older and some change and realize it was the devil in them
Really?? Don't you have any standards?🤮
Benzino too old to be that immature
Shout out justice for housing Leslie Riley just got me placed back with my family after being denied a place to live due to being incarcerated they fought for me and won 2 appeals I’ll be for ever greatful
Bro I went in at 14 for 8 years that was 2001 I have done 3 state bids and county and days I got my life on track got sober oct 3 2019 been good since justice for housing got me back to my wife and kids bro keep grinding there’s no we’re but up for you god bless stay safe
I grew up in brockton
🥰💜
There's a saying going in with a baby face and come out old and gray.
😂 I know his mother very well I'm glad she has her son back now she can have a piece of mind
Benzino!
GOD IS GREAT! CHANGES ARE REAL. WE MUST APPLY ALL THE GOOD WE CAN.
Massachusetts will rob your innocence, I hate it here
He was the one literally robbing everything moving
❤❤❤❤god bless you nd ur family god have u keep looking up to him 🙏 ❤️ 🙌 💛 💕 do the right thing u are free now honey 🍯 😉 ❤️ 💖 u have a another chance to be out calling Jesus is a good thing to do when u down or up ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤i put the blood of Jesus on u
Benzino is whack he got kicked out of his own city ..
The Bean
😢🙏✝️🛐💒
Take that freaking monitor off of him.
Nah you knew right from wrong at 16 killing a 71 year old father of nine. His family is living a life sentence BECAUSE OF YOUR ACTIONS.
Killing is a mystery out of control.
wow. still living in america. no way buddy
What s with the rap music
He's talking about being free and don't judge me,very strange. He should be thinking about the life he took.He should walk right back into jail and do 40 more years.
Well how America going now with the raise of prices they going to be letting alot of people out because they know alot free ain't going to stay free
My take is that even tho he has been incarcerated what about that 71 year old man they killed that man is no longer here onyx is a free man
Benzino deff took pill on his own who takes pill without knowing whos is whos
He should’ve took an Uber home! He was probably lying and didn’t have him connected to perform!
He look like lil yachty