Tony Lewis

Vocational Development Coordinator, CSOSA

Tony Lewis, Jr. is an author, activist, criminal justice reformer, and reentry expert that has spent his adult life working tirelessly at the intersection of poverty, violence, mass incarceration, and trauma. His 23 years of servant leadership fostering community-based strategies to help prevent violence and increase public safety have brought much needed clarity and solutions to these complex problems. He has fought to create institutional change for those that require it most, while casting a bright light on their needs, hopes, and dreams. In the process, he has built coalitions and developed meaningful relationships with a wide variety of powerful stakeholders across the city and throughout the country. Mr. Lewis’ activism and advocacy has led to legislative/policy changes regarding children with incarcerated parents, voting rights for incarcerated residents, returning citizen hiring/housing, social equity, the arts, and gun violence prevention/intervention. He has been a leader locally and nationally around issues that have impacted communities of color the most. He has traveled the country lecturing about the collateral damage of mass incarceration and gun violence. He has organized efforts to address food insecurity, displacement, and access to opportunity. He has galvanized thousands across all demographics to take on personal responsibility to improve their circumstances and their communities. He has been a bridge and a translator of sorts between government and community. Mr. Lewis has been an example that transformational change is possible and continuous, no matter the circumstances. His work and advocacy have been featured on CNN, BET, The Breakfast Club, The Washington Post, and many media outlets. He resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife Jessica and their daughters Isabella and Sophie.