Reginald Dwayne Betts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reginald Dwayne Betts
Betts in 2019
Born	Maryland, U.S.
Occupation	Poet teacher lawyer
Education	Prince George's Community College University of Maryland, College Park (BA) Warren Wilson College (MA) Yale University (JD)
Notable awards	Guggenheim Fellowship (2018) MacArthur Fellowship (2021)
Spouse	Terese Robertson Betts
Children	2

Reginald Dwayne Betts is an American poet, lawyer, and educator. He is also a strong supporter of making changes to the justice system. When he was 16, he made a serious mistake that led to him spending time in prison. During this time, he discovered a love for reading and writing poetry.

After his release, Betts went on to earn advanced degrees. He got a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Creative Writing. Later, he earned a law degree from Yale Law School. He worked with President Barack Obama's team on juvenile justice issues. Betts also started an organization called Freedom Reads. This group helps people in prison get access to books. In 2021, he received a special award called a MacArthur Fellowship. He is currently studying for his Ph.D. in law at Yale University.

Early Life and His Journey

Reginald Dwayne Betts was born in Maryland. As a young person, he was part of gifted student programs. In high school, he was an honors student. He was also the class treasurer at Suitland High School. This school is in District Heights, Maryland.

When he was sixteen, Betts faced a difficult time. He spent over eight years in prison. During this time, he finished high school. He also began to read and write poetry. He spent some time in solitary confinement. It was there that he found a book of poems. This book helped him realize he wanted to be a poet. He learned that poetry could share a whole world with someone. In prison, he was given the name Shahid, which means "witness."

Education and Helping Others

After leaving prison, Betts found a job at a bookstore. He eventually became the store manager. While working there, he started a book club for young African American boys. He also began attending Prince George's Community College.

Later, Betts became a poetry teacher in Washington, D.C. In 2013, he taught writing at Emerson College. He is also a national spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice. This group works to improve the justice system for young people. Betts visits detention centers and schools. He talks to young people who might be at risk. He encourages them to make good choices.

In 2012, President Barack Obama chose Betts to join a special council. This council works on juvenile justice and preventing crime. In 2016, Betts graduated from Yale Law School. He then passed the bar exam in Connecticut. This meant he could become a lawyer. He is now working on his Ph.D. in law at Yale.

Awards and Special Recognition

Reginald Dwayne Betts has received many awards for his writing and work.

• In 2009, his poetry book, Shahid Reads His Own Palm, won the Beatrice Hawley Award.
• In 2010, he received a fellowship from the Open Society Foundations.
• His memoir, A Question of Freedom, won an NAACP Award for non-fiction.
• In 2018, he was chosen as a writing fellow for PEN America. This fellowship supports writers who focus on justice.
• Also in 2018, he received a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship. This is a very respected award for artists and scholars.
• In 2021, Betts was given a MacArthur Fellowship. This award is sometimes called a "genius grant." It recognizes people who show extraordinary creativity.