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Dr. Mel: Elliott, thank you for joining me today. Your book, Young & Incarcerated, is a powerful and unfiltered look at the realities of prison life. What inspired you to write this book?
Elliott Eberhardt: Thanks for having me, Dr. Mel. Honestly, I wrote this book because I wanted to reach young people who might be heading down the wrong path. I know firsthand how easy it is to make one bad decision that can change your life forever. Prison isn’t what you see in movies—it’s dehumanizing, isolating, and built to keep people trapped, not rehabilitate them. I felt an obligation to tell the truth about what really happens behind those walls.
Dr. Mel: Your book sheds light on the racial injustices embedded in the prison system. Can you speak more about how incarceration disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities?
Elliott Eberhardt: Absolutely. The system isn’t broken—it’s functioning exactly as it was designed. Black and Brown people are policed more aggressively, sentenced more harshly, and given fewer opportunities for rehabilitation. Prisons have become modern-day plantations, feeding off marginalized communities while offering little to no real solutions. My book highlights these injustices and encourages young people to think critically about the system before they find themselves caught in it.
Dr. Mel: You describe prison as a place that strips people of their dignity and identity. How did you personally hold on to hope and a sense of self?
Elliott Eberhardt: It wasn’t easy. The system is designed to break you—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But I found strength in self-reflection, reading, and staying connected to my purpose. I had to remind myself daily that I was more than just an inmate number. Writing this book became my way of reclaiming my identity and making sure my experience wasn’t wasted.
Dr. Mel: Many young people glorify street life and don’t see incarceration as a deterrent. How do you hope your book changes that mindset?
Elliott Eberhardt: That’s exactly why I wrote Young & Incarcerated. There’s this false idea that doing time is a badge of honor, that it somehow makes you more respected in the streets. But prison isn’t about respect—it’s about survival. You lose time, opportunities, and sometimes even your mind. I want young people to see the reality of it before they make a choice they can’t undo.
Dr. Mel: What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about prison?
Elliott Eberhardt: One of the biggest myths is that everyone inside is just a violent criminal. The truth is, a lot of people are there because of bad circumstances, poor legal representation, or simply being Black or Brown in America. Another misconception is that prison reforms you. It doesn’t—it’s a cycle designed to keep people coming back. The real work of change happens when you decide to break free from that mindset.
Dr. Mel: Your book is also a call to action. What advice do you have for young people who might be at a crossroads in their life?
Elliott Eberhardt: First, know your worth. You don’t have to prove anything to anybody by making reckless choices. Second, think long-term. The streets will never love you back, and prison will take everything from you. And finally, find a mentor—someone who’s been where you are and made it out. If I can reach even one person and help them avoid the mistakes I made, this book will have done its job.
Dr. Mel: Powerful words, Elliott. Before we wrap up, what’s next for you?
Elliott Eberhardt: I’m focused on using my story to create real change. I want to speak to at-risk youth, work with organizations that fight for criminal justice reform, and continue writing. The goal isn’t just to tell my story—it’s to prevent others from having to live it.
Dr. Mel: That’s incredible. Thank you for your honesty, your wisdom, and for sharing your journey through Young & Incarcerated. I have no doubt your words will impact many lives.
Elliott Eberhardt: Thank you, Dr. Mel. That’s all I hope for.
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