If These Chains Could Talk

In “If These Chains Could Talk” teenage inmates offer ‘off the chain’ advice to students, parents, teachers, the faith-base organizations and the community-at-large,” Burney illuminates the stories of young black males, ages 13 to 18, that were unfortunate risk-takers to other students in Duval County Public Schools.

Formally Executive Director of Project Reach, Betty S. Burney started the curricula as an initial form of mentoring, the project developed rapidly and evolved into a book; in which Burney attributes the writing process to her encouraging sister, Priscilla Jenkins. “The assignment was for the young men to write a letter to students in Duval County’s six academically-challenged schools to offer them advice regarding skipping school and other poor choices that teenagers often make,” Burney said. “If These Chains Could Talk” will be published in August and will be available for all students to read. The dramatic letters offer advice for each of the entities, and provides a raw and personal look into the lives of the yearning to be loved inmates.

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