© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PBS News Hour

How prison drove Reginald Dwayne Betts to poetry

Season 2016 | 7m 21s

Reginald Dwayne Betts grew up an honor student with hopes for college, but went to prison at 16 for carjacking, his first run-in with the law. Reading, and poetry in particular, became a comfort and gave him a new identity. The writer, who is now a law student and a prison reform advocate, sits down with Jeffrey Brown to discuss his work and his journey.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 9:27
PBS News Hour
U.S. air defense supply shrinks during Iran war
U.S. air defense supply shrinks during Iran war, leaving experts concerned
Clip: S2026 E153 | 9:27
Watch • 6:31
PBS News Hour
India's cockroach protests expose cracks in Modi government
India's youth-led 'cockroach' protests expose cracks in Modi's government
Clip: S2026 E153 | 6:31
Watch • 9:35
PBS News Hour
Film explores lack of support systems for U.S. mothers
Documentary explores why U.S. mothers lack support systems found in other countries
Clip: S2026 E153 | 9:35
Watch • 8:09
PBS News Hour
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on midterm voter enthusiasm
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on midterm voter enthusiasm
Clip: S2026 E153 | 8:09
Watch • 6:24
PBS News Hour
Cyclospora, salmonella cases raise food safety concerns
Cyclospora and salmonella outbreaks raise concerns about U.S. food safety
Clip: S2026 E153 | 6:24
Watch • 5:30
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: French firefighters battle massive wildfire
News Wrap: French firefighters battle massive wildfire
Clip: S2026 E153 | 5:30
Watch • 2:36
PBS News Hour
3 killed in shooting at crowded festival in Seattle
3 killed in shooting at crowded festival in Seattle
Clip: S2026 E153 | 2:36
Watch • 4:49
PBS News Hour
Senate faces packed, complicated agenda as midterms loom
Senate faces packed, complicated agenda as midterms loom
Clip: S2026 E153 | 4:49
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
July 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E153 | 57:46
Watch • 7:51
PBS News Hour
Trump sets new tariffs, covering nearly all U.S. imports
Trump sets new tariffs on trading partners, covering nearly all U.S. imports
Clip: S2026 E152 | 7:51