From Prison to Purpose: Rebuilding Life After Incarceration - Newark Public Library

From Prison to Purpose: Rebuilding Life After Incarceration

Thursday, August 20, 2026
6 pm – 7:30 pm
Main Branch – 4th Floor Auditorium 
5 Washington St, Newark, NJ 07102

After serving nearly a decade in federal prison, Eric Bryant returned home with no roadmap, no guarantees, and every reason to quit. Instead, he rebuilt his life one step at a time–working jobs others overlooked, developing leadership skills, and eventually becoming a lead commercial driver, author, mentor, and podcast host.

In this powerful and honest presentation, Eric shares the realities of reentry, the challenges of overcoming stigma, and the practical steps that helped him create a successful life after incarceration.

Participants will learn strategies for rebuilding confidence, finding employment, creating opportunities, and staying focused when the odds seem stacked against them.