Ep 3. There Has to Be a Better Way

There Has to Be a Better Way is the third episode of America Divided season 2. In this episode, the focus is on the criminal justice system in Louisiana, which has the highest incarceration rate in the United States. The episode features renowned actor and activist Jesse Williams and former New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu.

The episode begins with Williams visiting the notorious Angola prison, which has been called the "Alcatraz of the South." He meets with incarcerated individuals and speaks to them about their experiences inside the prison. Many of the people Williams speaks with are serving life sentences, and he learns about the harsh conditions they face, including limited access to programming and education.

Williams also speaks with advocates who are working to reform the criminal justice system in Louisiana. He meets with Norris Henderson, the founder of Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), an organization that supports formerly incarcerated individuals. They discuss the barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release, including difficulty finding employment and housing.

Later in the episode, Williams speaks with Landrieu, who shares his thoughts on the criminal justice system in Louisiana. Landrieu discusses his experience as mayor during Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flood, which devastated the city. He also discusses his efforts to reform the criminal justice system by reducing the number of people in jail and providing more support to those reentering society.

Throughout the episode, viewers learn about the racial disparities in the criminal justice system in Louisiana. African Americans make up a disproportionate percentage of the state's prison population, and advocates argue that this is due in part to systemic issues such as harsh sentencing laws and racial bias in policing.

The episode also highlights some of the innovative programs that are being implemented in Louisiana to address these issues. Williams visits the Louisiana State Penitentiary's hospice program, where incarcerated individuals provide end-of-life care to their fellow prisoners. He speaks with the program's director, who explains how the program benefits both the incarcerated individuals involved and the prison staff.

There Has to Be a Better Way is a powerful episode that sheds light on the injustices in the criminal justice system in Louisiana. Through interviews with incarcerated individuals, advocates, and politicians, viewers gain a better understanding of the systemic issues at play and the efforts being made to create change. The episode is at times difficult to watch, but it is an important reminder of the work that needs to be done to create a more just society.