Testimony from the wife of a MERIT program graduate — Rose Davis, wife of Brandon Davis (aka Talib):
My name is Rose Davis, and my husband Brandon Davis (Imam Talib) recently graduated from the MERIT program last week. I was able to attend the graduation, which gave me a much better outlook on the program. I was able to witness the amazing brotherhood, support, structure, and knowledge all the students were able to leave with.
The students carry themselves in a different manner than regular inmates, and they have to hold each other accountable for their actions. Prior to the program, I used to also pick on my husband and tell him he’s scary when it comes to certain things. For example, when our time is up for visitation, he says his goodbyes to me and stands to leave while everyone else is still sitting there talking to their loved ones.
He also carries himself differently than others and plans to encourage his brother at his original unit to do the same! During the graduation, the facilitators were very knowledgeable and broke things down to help outsiders like myself understand the knowledge they were providing. Also, the volunteers were very supportive, manner-able, and respectful as well, which indicates my husband will also have support from his brothers once he’s released.
Overall, the program is great, and I’m proud of my husband for being a part of something that has provided him with much more knowledge, support, and overall hope!
Thank you.