Ronald Pierce
Ron was raised in the Housing Projects of Bayonne New Jersey and served his country in the United States Marines. He served thirty-plus years in prison and while incarcerated earned his Associate’s Degree. Upon release, Ron earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies minoring in Sociology from Rutgers University-Newark. Ron has authored articles in various publications, including online magazines, traditional newspapers, and an encyclopedia. He is a contributing author for a play and several reports.
Ron is employed by the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, a legal advocacy think tank, as the Democracy and Justice Fellow. In this capacity, he advances policies and legislation to expand democracy for all, but especially for people who have been justice-involved. He is also a member of several grassroots organizations dedicated to criminal justice reform. Ron believes those closest to the problem are closest to the solution and therefore those directly impacted must have a seat at the table.