Breaking Cells: Understanding the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Photo Credit: closeup.org
This keynote by Dr. Bryant Best (Morgan State University) and panel discussion will explore the school-to-prison pipeline as a public health, educational, and racial justice crisis. Rooted in the lived realities of Baltimore youth, the session will examine how discipline practices, systemic racism, and structural disinvestment fuel cycles of incarceration and inequity. Panelists will also highlight community-centered interventions and opportunities for collaboration across health, education, and advocacy sectors.
- Objectives:
- Define the school-to-prison pipeline and its intersecting systems (education, policing, juvenile justice, housing).
- Analyze how the pipeline manifests in Baltimore, with historical and present-day examples.
- Recognize the health impacts of criminalizing Black and Brown youth, including trauma, chronic stress, and barriers to care.
- Identify ways health professionals can intervene through trauma-informed care, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
Click here to register for "Breaking Cells: Understanding the School-to-Prison Pipeline"
About the Speakers
Dr. Bryant Best
Keynote Speaker
Bryant O. Best, Ph.D., is an educator and researcher committed to advancing equity in education. He holds a Ph.D. in Justice & Diversity in Education from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in Sociology with a specialization in Race, Class, and Gender from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a B.A. in African American Studies and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His career has included policy research and strategy roles with the American Council on Education and the Council of Chief State School Officers, where he focused on educational equity, socioemotional learning, and competency-based education. Dr. Best’s research explores the school-to-prison pipeline, Black students’ engagement with STEM through video game culture, and the use of hip-hop as a space for healing in urban communities. His work has been published in journals such as Race, Ethnicity, and Education, the Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and Language Arts.
Alexandria Adams
Elev8 Baltimore
Alexandria currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Elev8 Baltimore, bringing more than 18 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She has played a pivotal role in advancing education and youth development initiatives across the city. Under her leadership, Elev8 Baltimore successfully transitioned into an independent nonprofit organization, broadening its reach and deepening its impact on the community.
Dr. Stanley Andrisse
From Prison Cells to PhD (P2P)
Dr. Stanley Andrisse, MBA, PhD, is an endocrinologist scientist and Assistant Professor at Howard University College of Medicine, specializing in type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance research. He also serves as a visiting faculty member at Georgetown University Medical Center and has held academic positions at Imperial College London and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Beyond his scientific expertise, Dr. Andrisse is a nationally recognized advocate for criminal justice reform and educational access. He is the Executive Director and Founder of From Prison Cells to PhD (P2P), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering formerly incarcerated individuals through education and mentorship.
His personal journey—from being sentenced to a maximum-security prison to earning a PhD and MBA—has inspired thousands, making him a sought-after keynote speaker at universities, government institutions, and corporate events.
Joni Holifield
HeartSmiles
Baltimore native Joni Holifield founded HeartSmiles in 2015 as a response to the Freddie Gray riots that shook the city of Baltimore. With a strong commitment to make a positive impact, Joni recognized the need for healing in the aftermath of the unrest.
The Freddie Gray riots, sparked by the death of Freddie Gray, a young black man who died while in police custody, left Baltimore in a state of turmoil and youth feeling hopeless and disconnected.
Since then, HeartSmiles has made significant strides in transforming young lives in Baltimore, focusing on a holistic approach to youth success and youth development, including education, mental health, employment, economic self-sufficiency and personal well-being.
Through its ongoing initiatives and commitment to the betterment of Baltimore, HeartSmiles serves as a beacon of hope, proving that positive change is possible, even in the face of adversity.
Before retiring herself to start HeartSmiles, Joni held a leadership position for one of the world’s largest communication companies.
Shel Simon
Next One Up
Shel Simon was born and raised in West Baltimore and is a proud graduate of St. Paul’s School for Boys and the University of Maryland. With a deep commitment to youth development and community empowerment, he has dedicated over a decade to coaching youth football in Baltimore City, shaping the lives of countless young athletes.
For the past 10 years, Shel has been an integral part of Next One Up, serving in key leadership roles including Deputy CEO, Program Director, and currently Senior Program Director. Through his leadership, he works to expand opportunities and provide mentorship for young men in Baltimore, helping them unlock their full potential both on and off the field.