A Life Worth Living, Nyenetu Morlu’s Second Chance
Nyenetu Morlu (left), and
Vincent Burgess (right)
“Since I’ve been out, I’ve forgotten my life before going in. I could not even imagine doing what I was doing then,” Morlu said. “So many doors have opened for me, and a lot of that was me being receptive to what I was being taught while I was in prison and utilizing those skills when I got out to move my life forward.”
Finding Purpose Through Education
CFCC Instructor Tammy Graham
“I knew that since I’d been incarcerated for that amount of time, I was going to have to learn how to use computers and things like that,” Morlu said. “And the wealth of knowledge Ms. Graham gave me was a game-changer.”
For Graham, education is only part of the experience. “Not only do I teach tech, we talk about life,” she said. “I met Morlu about two semesters ago, and he was really concerned about the young ones coming into prison and repeating the process like he did. He started his own classes after mine, all about positivity. He didn’t want them repeating the cycle.”
Their connection didn’t end when Morlu was released. “The most rewarding part of my job is being part of stories like this,” Graham said.
“I tell my students before they leave, ‘Don’t forget me, and do good.’ And he’s doing it. It’s incredible.”
Building a New Life After Release
Once released, Morlu’s work ethic and willingness to learn opened new doors. He quickly secured employment and was even promoted to supervisor before a new opportunity came along working for Leading Into New Communities, Inc. (LINC, Inc.) . This local nonprofit supports people transitioning out of incarceration.
Morlu helps others navigate their own second chances as a Treatment Service Coordinator at the M.E. Roberts Transitional Living Facility.
“I tell the people here, ‘I’ve been where you’ve been. This is just a minor setback for a major comeback.’ To me, experience is the best teacher.”
Recognizing Potential in Lived Experience
From their first meeting, Vincent Burgess, M.E. Roberts Campus Residential Director and Morlu’s supervisor, saw something special in Morlu. “He was very articulate. You could tell his responses weren’t just book answers. He had the experience that was needed for this type of work,” Burgess said. “I could see the transformation because I’ve been through the transformation.”
Burgess is a product of second chances himself. “It’s not necessarily book knowledge that got me to where I am today,” he said. “Throughout my life, I’ve recognized the hurt I’ve caused. I’ve been hurt too. I believe in presenting opportunities so others don’t have to experience what I did.”
And that lived experience is at the heart of how Burgess approaches his work.
“If I had to say one thing to employers who may be hesitant to hire someone who is justice-involved but ready to change their life, I would ask them to have empathy,” Burgess stated.
“Don’t look at what has happened. Look at the possibilities of what could happen. The potential. What kind of chance would you hope for if it were you or someone you love?”
Focused on Prevention
One of of Morlu’s career goals is to use his second chance to stop others from needing one.
“My big goal is to work with adolescents,” he said. “Just trying to correct these things before it becomes them sitting here like me, telling this story.”
“When I can sit down with somebody 12 or 13 years old and explain to them their options, you don’t have to do what you’re seeing in your neighborhood. The world is bigger than your neighborhood. You can get out of here and do things differently.”
“My dad used to say, ‘Prevention is better than a cure.’ If we can catch it early, there’s less strain on the system and families.”
One Step at a Time
Morlu’s message to those just starting their post-incarceration journey is powerful.
“Take it one step at a time. Don’t try to take on too much at one time. Just handle the problem right in front of you and don’t think about the problem down the road. Most importantly, be patient.”
“That’s something that I had to learn when I got out. Things were coming together, but not at the pace I wanted. I had to sit down, breathe, and reassure myself that things will happen when the time is right. You’ll get 50 nos before you get that yes, making that yes even sweeter. Working here at LINC has been a dream come true.”
Community Makes a Difference
Morlu is now one of many success stories to emerge from LINC, but he quickly points out that his success has not been a solo effort. The local community played a massive role in his growth. Programs funded through initiatives like the Pathway Home 2 Grant that support individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration have made a tangible difference in the community.
“Wilmington is more than I ever could have imagined. The recovery community here, the support for people coming out of prison, those dealing with mental health challenges, substance use, and more, is incredible. The resources are here if you’re willing to take the time to seek them out.”
April is Second Chance Month, a time to recognize and support those rebuilding their lives after incarceration. For Morlu, it’s a reminder of how far he’s come.
“To me, having a second chance means having a chance to live a life worth living. It might not be extravagant, but you’re happy, healthy, and free.”
