Finding my family after 44 years in prison | Close Up

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  • Опубліковано 30 гру 2019
  • After coming to terms with a new and unfamiliar world, Otis Johnson set off to reconnect with his family.
    We met Otis Johnson at a New York City shelter for ex-convicts where everyone was trying to get their feet back on the ground.
    Otis had just got out of prison after serving a 44-year sentence for the attempted murder of a police officer. The last time he had seen his family was in May 1975.
    When we first shared Otis's story of being reintroduced to the modern world, viewers were amazed by just how unfamiliar everything was to him. iPhones had replaced pay phones, Times Square was a wonder of modern technology, peanut butter and jelly were now sold together in one jar ... everything was new or starkly different.
    Otis's story clearly resonated with the more than 15 million people who watched it on UA-cam, and we wanted to show them what happened next.
    Reconnecting with his family had always been an important dream for Otis, he always said he wanted to do that, but he had not gone to find them yet as he tried to understand this new world he was in.
    So we went to Asbury Park in New Jersey with him to try to track down his family. All he had was a small box where he kept tattered old photos of family members. That was his only information.
    "The only address I really have is Asbury Park," Otis told us. So we took the train there, not knowing what we would find.
    What we did have to go by was Otis's memory. Once we arrived at the railway station and began walking around the streets, little things about his old home slowly came back to him: extended family members, friends, shops. He wanted to find his aunt, Dottie Moore and some other family, many of whom he said probably thought he was dead.
    Otis's nervous energy was palpable as we walked down Pine Street, knocking on doors and asking strangers about Dottie Moore.
    When we talked to Otis about his relationship with his family, his answers were complicated.
    Otis was a devout Muslim who had once been a member of the Fruit of Islam - the enforcement wing of the Nation of Islam, once famously led by Malcolm X - in his younger days. He said he helped "clean up the streets", removing drug dealers.
    "We wasn't [weren't] all bad," he would say.
    But Otis said some of his family members did not buy that and he did not know if they would be happy to see him after all these years.
    This final story on Otis Johnson is the story of a man on a quest to reunite with remnants of his past.
    Filmmakers: Jenna Belhumeur & Elena Boffetta
    Editor: Andrew Phillips
    Audio: Linus Bergman & John Otimi
    Assistant Producer: Ziad Ramley
    Executive Producer: Yasir Khan
    Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly/AJSubscribe
    Follow us on Twitter: / ajenglish
    Find us on Facebook: / 760570754391359
    Check our website: www.aljazeera.com/programmes/...
    #AlJazeeraEnglish #CloseUp #Family

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,2 тис.

  • @NatJac-gg3mv
    @NatJac-gg3mv 4 роки тому +8414

    44 yrs in prison for attempted murder. Some people who have actually committed murder dont even get 10 yrs.

    • @sym5241
      @sym5241 4 роки тому +29

      Nat Jac lol

    • @sym5241
      @sym5241 4 роки тому +164

      Nat Jac on a police officer its life he git lucky he got out on good behaviour

    • @zeezeebo
      @zeezeebo 4 роки тому +1523

      10 yrs for attempted murder plus 34 yrs for being black

    • @NatJac-gg3mv
      @NatJac-gg3mv 4 роки тому +240

      @@zeezeebo ...sounds about right.

    • @anii221
      @anii221 4 роки тому +280

      apparently this poor man was arrested and charged with murder because of mistaken identity... very sad his life was ripped away from him may God bless him.

  • @kevinchen4373
    @kevinchen4373 4 роки тому +5701

    man, the people on the street are nicer to him than his family is

    • @finnheisenheim8274
      @finnheisenheim8274 4 роки тому +348

      Welp they weren't really family if he was able to lose contact with them and didn't even visit him in prison

    • @DMWBN3
      @DMWBN3 4 роки тому +161

      Remember some people are not good in front of cameras or suddenly put in front of someone they may of not have even known well forty years back.
      They didn’t visit him so you have to think it’s all happy & cool for him but they maybe don’t see it that way.

    • @blistersonmefingers3343
      @blistersonmefingers3343 4 роки тому +15

      Killer bean

    • @repliedreplied5552
      @repliedreplied5552 4 роки тому +21

      @@finnheisenheim8274 some people don't visit jails dosent matter who's locked up they won't visit you

    • @user-cf8ll9sx9z
      @user-cf8ll9sx9z 4 роки тому +94

      Yep, poor guy. Btw, whatever he did 44 years is way too long. It doesn't take that many years for someone to learn a lesson, these ultra long prison sentences the US hands out are just inhumane.

  • @MikeWalkerSBC
    @MikeWalkerSBC 4 роки тому +5892

    Let him win the lottery and he won't have any trouble reuniting with his family.

  • @user-me7tr1hf6j
    @user-me7tr1hf6j 4 роки тому +3086

    The Streets loved him more, than this fam did

    • @uhzc1
      @uhzc1 4 роки тому +20

      Tristan Wilhem real talk

    • @mustafaasim9544
      @mustafaasim9544 4 роки тому +7

      Fax

    • @jesus7es7dios7
      @jesus7es7dios7 4 роки тому +67

      yeah, those are the signs of the times.... family is an institution that continues to fade.... that strangers would love you more than your own blood.... yeah, but at the same time people are having children out of wedlock; children who they never planned to have...its a horrible world.

    • @marcusplier1187
      @marcusplier1187 4 роки тому +1

      T 2000 come on Chelsea

    • @Ghost-ob4wy
      @Ghost-ob4wy 3 роки тому +4

      That just made me sad😿 but am still happy!! for him

  • @romarioballoon7319
    @romarioballoon7319 4 роки тому +3796

    44 years,
    -No one have visited you
    -Your cousin weren't excited to talk to you
    -The minister politely kicked you out from his home.
    Welcome back, hope you don't miss those bars...

    • @fredsmith6401
      @fredsmith6401 4 роки тому +330

      I was thinking the same. He's probably better off back inside. He probably had real family in there, than on the outside.

    • @MsDestinydiva
      @MsDestinydiva 4 роки тому +82

      so sad poor guy

    • @mileyw7914
      @mileyw7914 4 роки тому +30

      They were excited? What are u talking about

    • @gotbigdreams.5257
      @gotbigdreams.5257 4 роки тому +117

      @@mileyw7914 girl are u deaf and blinded or whut?

    • @rapstninja
      @rapstninja 4 роки тому +9

      @@gotbigdreams.5257 im stupid. could u timestamp?

  • @ronalds271
    @ronalds271 4 роки тому +2273

    I can see sorrow in his eyes. His smile couldn't hide his sorrow. Our criminal justice system fails to address the needs of people like Otis.

    • @MotraZotra
      @MotraZotra 4 роки тому +73

      On the contrary, its infurating when a pshycopath is attempting to murder someone and gets lenient sentence. Why do you always side with the violent criminals and not with the people they terrorize?

    • @MKultra209
      @MKultra209 4 роки тому +40

      I could see the points of both sides...just out of curiosity, at what point does he become a rehabilitated man and fit for society and at what point should he be forgiven taken into consideration that he spent 44 years in prison? What he did was horrible,....but he seems like he has changed an appears to be well mannered now...should he pay for the rest of his life? Then why was he let out?...I believe only God can judge and to forgive as you would want to be forgiven. I hope he finds his way as it appears that it was a horrible mistake he made and if given the chance to take back..he would in a heartbeat.

    • @MotraZotra
      @MotraZotra 4 роки тому +13

      @@MKultra209 Attempt murder is a serious crime. It might also include severe injuries. 40 years for an attempt murder seem appropriate. He is now free, though it is unclear if he won't get back into farrhaken terror group and just live a peaceful life instead.

    • @__prometheus__
      @__prometheus__ 4 роки тому +39

      PompiTube He was innocent. The cops pinned it all on him because of mistaken identity. His lawyer and the system failed him repeatedly during the trial.

    • @__prometheus__
      @__prometheus__ 4 роки тому +30

      PompiTube They also imprisoned him under the name “James Williams” even though his real name was Otis.

  • @johnbrowne2145
    @johnbrowne2145 4 роки тому +1265

    I can relate. I have spent close to 20 years incarcerated. I didn’t have any family support inside or out. Before I went in childhood trauma played a factor in my path. I’ve been out for a few years, still no family support. In spite of that I have earned 2 degrees from the community college and I am now in 2021, I will have a bachelors. In stead of self destructing again, I push and push myself to succeed.

    • @Whatever_Happy_People
      @Whatever_Happy_People 4 роки тому +27

      Love and peace John xx

    • @michaeldee2894
      @michaeldee2894 4 роки тому +35

      You the man bro keep your head up

    • @ateebakhtar5383
      @ateebakhtar5383 4 роки тому +21

      Keep it up brother!

    • @NVSC10
      @NVSC10 4 роки тому +18

      Good for you I am only 22 years old but I look up to people like you for pushing yourself like that which I haven’t ever done

    • @R14iify
      @R14iify 3 роки тому +8

      How? If you don't mind me asking. It seems like this man can't even find a place to stay let alone go out and get a degree.

  • @deniz57
    @deniz57 4 роки тому +224

    As I see it, the saddest part of this story isn't even that he spent 44 years in prison. It's the fact that he can't even spend one night at his closest relatives house after being released. So sad.

    • @rahimahrashad2351
      @rahimahrashad2351 Рік тому +8

      Why? It is apparent he/family didn't stay connected eg... visiting, writing , accepting his calls.. They don't know if he has addiction, mental issues . Why should they introduce the unknown into their household? They really didn't know him anymore 40+years not being around...He could of stayed out of prison lived a good life . Unfortunately, he didn't make good decisions . I wish the very best for Otis and glad he got the chance to see his family again!
      Stay out of prison folks! Thats the bottomline !

  • @bayofbengal7615
    @bayofbengal7615 4 роки тому +1257

    Don’t bother looking for your “family” they don’t want to be found. Rebuild your life and try to make the most of your life.

    • @ChristopherGray00
      @ChristopherGray00 4 роки тому +74

      Family can be really great people, but just because they are family does not automatically make them good people.

    • @bayofbengal7615
      @bayofbengal7615 4 роки тому +45

      Christopher Gray
      The family in question did not have any contact with this man for 44 years. They treated him with contempt therefore, they do not fall into my definition of “family”.

    • @AntonioSaved
      @AntonioSaved 4 роки тому +3

      Bay Of Bengal just like my pops he doesn’t bother with his family we rarely visit probably once every 2 years or something but idk he doesn’t really bother much on that and just lives his humble life.

    • @bayofbengal7615
      @bayofbengal7615 4 роки тому +1

      Anthony Kurosaki
      Try to make the most of a difficult situation.

    • @finnheisenheim8274
      @finnheisenheim8274 4 роки тому +1

      Whats left to build on? 40 years out of prison with no one to help him....

  • @BBOYWORLD
    @BBOYWORLD 4 роки тому +3630

    How can we help get this brother back on his feet? Im down to donate

  • @CyberLx
    @CyberLx 4 роки тому +463

    The 44 years in prison is painful, but the 40 seconds of talking to his coldhearted cousin is more agonizing.

    • @mikeymike4402
      @mikeymike4402 3 роки тому +82

      I don't know why you're judging when you know literally nothing about their history. FYI, a lot of people have cousins that they aren't necessarily close to. I have a few cousins myself that I only used to see maybe 1-2 times per year when we were kids. If one of them had gone to prison and then all of a sudden called me out of the blue 40 years later, I might have the same reaction. So again, don't be so quick to judge others when you know literally nothing about them. SMDH

    • @Wintercourse
      @Wintercourse 3 роки тому +5

      @@mikeymike4402 lmao I grew up never knowing what cousins were. I have them and I think I've seen them once or twice in my entire life. Living in Alaska does that though. Far away from family, they never want to visit, but if the topic arises they always want you to visit. xD

    • @wilapblkhistory8310
      @wilapblkhistory8310 2 роки тому +15

      Did I miss something? Who was the cold hearted cousin? Besides, why don’t you call him up and take him in to your home and make him family.

    • @sayedalazam4228
      @sayedalazam4228 2 роки тому +3

      @@wilapblkhistory8310 you are very naive or just young.

    • @sayedalazam4228
      @sayedalazam4228 2 роки тому +2

      @@wilapblkhistory8310 you are very naive or just young.

  • @oasis-relaxationmeditation2077
    @oasis-relaxationmeditation2077 Рік тому +65

    His uncle embraced him with open arms, so heartwarming. God bless this man that he has much happiness.

    • @anonymous-zw6ff
      @anonymous-zw6ff Рік тому +6

      Couldn't even let the guy stay on the couch for one night.. and would he even have been that nice if there wasn't cameras around?

  • @Jmf1190
    @Jmf1190 4 роки тому +641

    You could tell it was the ministers wife who wears the trousers and didn’t want Otis there

    • @lovehealsforever
      @lovehealsforever 4 роки тому +21

      Indeed I saw that as well.

    • @beastvader
      @beastvader 4 роки тому +59

      @Marcus Summers Harming a random cop won't make him achieve anything. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind

    • @MrBiggiefuckinsmalls
      @MrBiggiefuckinsmalls 4 роки тому +57

      @Marcus Summers well that just shows how broken you are.

    • @cosmorunner23
      @cosmorunner23 4 роки тому +28

      @Marcus Summers yeah but you see the difference between you and him is that he's above that, he probably after all those years in prison has learnt to cherish life and what he has, i doubt he would wanna harm a random cop who most likely is there to generally do their job and help the community anyway and return to prison when he'd rather spend time meeting and keeping in contact with his family, I hate this cycle of hate we have, as long as people to continue to think like you do, were gonna continue to have problems in society in terms of racism and violence, i agree that racist cops hold no place within society and should be punished but just clobbering some random white cops for being white as well as a cop just helps absolutely no one except for fuelling the hatred of people like you, I completely respect this guy for coming out of prison after all those years and just trying to normalise himself back into a world he used to know and live despite being treated unfairly by a system which would clearly drive people like you to violence.

    • @AllenThaiverson
      @AllenThaiverson 4 роки тому +1

      Good lol.

  • @dblfsy6729
    @dblfsy6729 4 роки тому +306

    Killing police officers :44 years
    Police officer killing an unarmed black man: fired from job . Us democracy

    • @LegacyFTW
      @LegacyFTW 4 роки тому +41

      It was only attempted murder and assault on a police officer, the officer lived.

    • @justanotherlegend3315
      @justanotherlegend3315 3 роки тому +1

      did you see the new footage ?

    • @dblfsy6729
      @dblfsy6729 3 роки тому +2

      @Lexy Thomas fun fact , white people are more ARRESTED not killed by the police

    • @TqueenInfinity
      @TqueenInfinity 3 роки тому +3

      @Lexy Thomas There's a reason why I, as many other blacks, don't trust cops, white black or other.

    • @bonusbaby801
      @bonusbaby801 3 роки тому +6

      @Lexy Thomas, how come nobody talks about the cop that rescued little Susie's cat from a tree? Because people don't want good news stories. For every bad cop out there be they Black, white, Spanish, Chinese, Indian or Haitian...there are 100 good ones. But we don't hear about those.

  • @LegacyFTW
    @LegacyFTW 4 роки тому +165

    I feel for this man, he served an unbelievable amount of time to come out so seemingly at peace with the world.. I hope you’re still going strong in these tough times, OG, redemption is real.

  • @LaughLounge11
    @LaughLounge11 3 роки тому +38

    out of prison, wearing a long black jacket looking for people. this man is badass.

  • @kobeoneal3402
    @kobeoneal3402 4 роки тому +731

    Can we get an update of him?? His “family” like didn’t even want to see him didn’t even offer a place to crash until he gets a home for himself... worthless family

    • @poppachoppa8956
      @poppachoppa8956 4 роки тому +124

      @@bigdisme5622 Please no one respond to this person, he just wants attention, don't let it work you up.

    • @facetime662
      @facetime662 4 роки тому +22

      Yeah :( also they didn’t visit him in the prison :(

    • @lucamelara8111
      @lucamelara8111 4 роки тому +3

      Morphic Gaming why? What he said can be true

    • @prof_aw3som014
      @prof_aw3som014 4 роки тому +26

      You don’t know his families situation, they may have jobs working with children, or foster caring or whatnot where a convicted criminal cannot live there too, as much as it sucks for him it may have been what gave him the drive to become better

    • @NadjaAfi
      @NadjaAfi 4 роки тому +11

      Kobe O'Neal Otis Johnson has his own youtube channel, there are some resent videos.

  • @Raseal_Hussain
    @Raseal_Hussain 4 роки тому +74

    “He Found You Lost And Guided You” May Allah Bless This Brother with a life so perfect in Jannah Al Firdaws Insha Allah

  • @xaymacagal
    @xaymacagal 4 роки тому +28

    Otis, your passion for life...your centeredness is fuel. Thanks for coming to speak with my students! Wishing you health and wellbeing!

  • @andresmacias1319
    @andresmacias1319 4 роки тому +20

    He is a lone wolf, although it hurts, im sure he is proud to be free and alive, such a beautiful story

  • @faisalkisambira7199
    @faisalkisambira7199 4 роки тому +30

    3:14 That lady saying "Now you've found somebody that you know. Good luck to you. God bless you"...imagine being happy for a stranger because they've found a connection, she is really a good person for that fact. God bless her too and Otis for me..

  • @norronlee4945
    @norronlee4945 4 роки тому +168

    So peaceful and humble. The people remembered him, there is love and compassion here.
    Have a happy future my man.

    • @marilynreno7510
      @marilynreno7510 4 роки тому +2

      why did they lose him in the system?

    • @backflashexpress7257
      @backflashexpress7257 4 роки тому +13

      No love nothing. He got some tasteless talk to get his life together. But still what future ?!?

  • @McReezi
    @McReezi 4 роки тому +30

    This is extremely distressing. Not knowing where to go and what to do is the worse thing ever. This man is completely helpless. I can't believe the government releases an elderly person like this back into society with no backup or assistance to start a normal life. I can't even imagine what's going through his mind. May Almighty open his road and make his journey easy. This man deserves happiness after having more than half his life wasted away in prison

  • @ladyantoinette3235
    @ladyantoinette3235 2 роки тому +23

    I can only imagine being in this world without family, friends and love ones but this man didn’t give up on finding them 🙏🏽

  • @vivianwadida3292
    @vivianwadida3292 4 роки тому +111

    So sad. He is so humble. I hope he finds comfort.

  • @coinkidink9997
    @coinkidink9997 4 роки тому +1271

    Stupid choice of music for such a serious topic... I can't imagine the pain he's going through. I hope he finds peace Insh Allah.

    • @spillzuh
      @spillzuh 4 роки тому +141

      RumbleInTheZoo Bruh the amount of brain cells u have is literally so low that it hurts my own brain to think about... kids shouldn’t be on UA-cam when they don’t understand the real world🤦‍♂️

    • @xx_1dreamstanlegend_xx422
      @xx_1dreamstanlegend_xx422 4 роки тому +3

      @@spillzuh Could you please tell me about this 'real world'? What happened to this man which caused him to be in jail for so long?

    • @xxdash1608
      @xxdash1608 4 роки тому +1

      Its meant to be Downtown New York type culture

    • @qaesar09
      @qaesar09 4 роки тому +33

      Insha'Allah

    • @kanalzatvoren8245
      @kanalzatvoren8245 4 роки тому +6

      @@adumbytaltacc4235 when you say attempted, then its that he shot somebody (EXAMPLE) and the person didnt die, thats attempted murder.

  • @vulcan.c
    @vulcan.c 4 роки тому +7

    Give this men his own show please. Lots of respect for him.

  • @skahler
    @skahler 2 роки тому +51

    Really nice story. Kudos to the filmmaker for helping this man reunite with people he knew.

  • @apexkevv8904
    @apexkevv8904 4 роки тому +824

    Prison is the biggest business in the United States but yet it’s the freest country. What a mess. The United States is free only on paper not real life

    • @sareeyemanusqaame8723
      @sareeyemanusqaame8723 4 роки тому +26

      If you tell lies long enough people tend to believe it

    • @ridhwanr8262
      @ridhwanr8262 4 роки тому +18

      A number of prison in US are privately run business. So you should be able to guess from there is a major conflict of interest in limiting the prison population and filling up the prison to maximize profits

    • @hesh2892
      @hesh2892 4 роки тому +2

      yeah, have seen on youtube. looks like they put you in jail for anything. parts of australia is like that ,too. west australian cops are always on the look out, if you know what i mean. but new south wales cops on the East coast are quite laidback..

    • @JangminlalHaokip
      @JangminlalHaokip 4 роки тому +2

      They could have put for just 10 years

    • @BorealSine
      @BorealSine 4 роки тому +7

      Most corrupted country in the world as well, most inadequate police as well. Pentagon can't explain how they spent 20 trillion dollars

  • @arashahad8733
    @arashahad8733 4 роки тому +308

    What kind of minister is he, that he never visited his friend in prison? Something is wrong with the ministers/church

    • @itsboshd
      @itsboshd 4 роки тому +20

      looks more like you're looking for an excuse to criticize the "ministers/church". Why would you generalize like that?

    • @sanres
      @sanres 4 роки тому +9

      He is now a muslim

    • @calogerogriffin861
      @calogerogriffin861 4 роки тому

      @@sanres serius?

    • @SepahEMahdi
      @SepahEMahdi 4 роки тому +2

      the prisoner was muslim

    • @jxavier3876
      @jxavier3876 4 роки тому

      Imran Mehdi his friend is/was a minister

  • @abdulislam5993
    @abdulislam5993 4 роки тому +117

    Let Him win the lottery his family will come back ASAP.

    • @lydiadoumon6781
      @lydiadoumon6781 3 роки тому +1

      I have it my way i will built a place for people like him and they will become my family.
      We can all help. Life is give and take.
      May God help him and make him a blessing
      💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

    • @dgreen9653
      @dgreen9653 3 роки тому

      Very well said dear......only wealth gives respect and love in relatives and in society.......very paining
      Bitter truth

    • @cestbonbon5961
      @cestbonbon5961 2 роки тому

      @@dgreen9653 Not always. Family is supposed to stick by you no matter what. Unfortunately his family is trash. I am however sure he will do better without them, they look poor and miserable.

  • @sandytruster3292
    @sandytruster3292 4 роки тому +26

    I pray that Otis is doing okay! It’s a shame that his family pretty much turned him away😢💔!! He needed them so much!

  • @cherryroman9973
    @cherryroman9973 4 роки тому +178

    Dame , he busted a mission to find 1 cousin , one uncle , just for him to get back on the bus 😭😭

    • @sramz2379
      @sramz2379 4 роки тому +33

      Whatever bond he once had with them has died... the sad reality of life.

    • @cherryroman9973
      @cherryroman9973 4 роки тому +21

      He actually has a GoFundMe account, he is doing much better he has a job now 😇

    • @aneanderthalscout37
      @aneanderthalscout37 3 роки тому

      @@cherryroman9973 Any update on him now? He hasn't posted for about two months and a half on his youtube channel

    • @kimpmaaam5253
      @kimpmaaam5253 3 роки тому

      stop being fake sympathetic,

    • @rihambachiri772
      @rihambachiri772 3 роки тому +1

      I know I feel the same like you poor guy that’s so sad shame on you black Americans you need to be more hospitable caring generous please don’t judge me I’m a North African we are nice to even a stranger

  • @fredsmith6401
    @fredsmith6401 4 роки тому +327

    It's sad to see that after all that time in prison, none of his family could put him up. In my culture, if we don't have room, we make room. Mattress on the floor if anything else. I bet he's never seen any of his family since.

    • @user-zm9yc2kb8x
      @user-zm9yc2kb8x 4 роки тому +6

      Yes there is more to this storey..they dnt want to know him for a reason..

    • @mdyxd3999
      @mdyxd3999 4 роки тому +13

      0121 everyone one makes mistakes …I think 40 years of loneliness is enough

    • @soniburg1908
      @soniburg1908 4 роки тому

      Fred Smith i

    • @CyberLx
      @CyberLx 4 роки тому +3

      Thanks God we have such beautiful culture too. My share the little food we have , we share beds, mattresses on the floor and corridor.

    • @naydeent4124
      @naydeent4124 3 роки тому +13

      the nigerian in me was so shocked. bc even if you have no spare rooms in your house, if it's your FAMILY you always make room

  • @user-gj5yy6rk2q
    @user-gj5yy6rk2q 3 роки тому +44

    My oldest brother got sentenced to 18 years in jail when he was 15. I was 11 when this happened. I’m not 22 and still waiting. I understand the emotion his family must have gone through, and the joy of them seeing him made me emotional. Grief occurs on both sides

    • @johnsmith_treeler9031
      @johnsmith_treeler9031 Рік тому +2

      4 more years he will be out

    • @jonnyboy1817
      @jonnyboy1817 Рік тому +4

      @@johnsmith_treeler9031 well really 2 because it was posted 2 years ago

    • @vixola9268
      @vixola9268 7 місяців тому

      Hope he comes home soon

    • @Praise-
      @Praise- 6 місяців тому

      Soon come bro🤝

  • @chainshishd9127
    @chainshishd9127 8 місяців тому +3

    I could watch this gentleman all day. He's very smart and just has one of those voices that you keep handing him books and asking him to read out loud.

  • @winforwhat
    @winforwhat 4 роки тому +151

    as he's staring out of train's window, it's remind me of "Brooks was here" in Shawshank

    • @Hasnanembong
      @Hasnanembong 4 роки тому +11

      That movie is so so sad.

    • @bankgov2165
      @bankgov2165 4 роки тому +2

      @suntipab same here ... exactly super same here

    • @Brightsonp
      @Brightsonp 3 роки тому +3

      Pls, don't give me ptsd

  • @_robustus_
    @_robustus_ 4 роки тому +24

    “A piece of my life” is a good way to put it. I hope good things find you Otis.

  • @barnesfam
    @barnesfam 3 роки тому +34

    This was a joy to watch. I'm glad he found his family.

    • @cestbonbon5961
      @cestbonbon5961 Рік тому

      his family is trash....unfortunately for him.

  • @Jmf1190
    @Jmf1190 4 роки тому +275

    “You’re a part of me”
    Get out.

  • @spork1828
    @spork1828 4 роки тому +270

    Imagine the last time you seen your friends they where all young and now you see them y’all old 💔
    I still think he got way more than he should have because he’s black

    • @zminc.8496
      @zminc.8496 4 роки тому +5

      Duhh

    • @killerwhale2998
      @killerwhale2998 4 роки тому +6

      Bcz victim was cop.

    • @allaansnackbar4269
      @allaansnackbar4269 4 роки тому +5

      Attempted murder of a police officer comes with more time than a civilian

    • @vatem9870
      @vatem9870 3 роки тому

      It the 90s

    • @pichibomb475
      @pichibomb475 3 роки тому

      Was the 90s he got more time due to the fact it was a cop. So happy he’s back and stuff. Hope the cop is okay. Would be interesting if hey reunited

  • @havealov3455
    @havealov3455 4 роки тому +115

    after all he is back to lonely life. I hope tht he able to get a job, so he can find a place to live.

  • @yourrealdaddy548
    @yourrealdaddy548 3 роки тому +7

    Everybody saying " the streets loved him more than his family " probably because he loved the streets more than his family before he went to prison so they just quit stressing, then he gets locked up 40 years...alot happens in 40 years

  • @goldwinger5434
    @goldwinger5434 3 роки тому +10

    I liked the comment about how everyone was talking to themselves. When he left the world, people had conversations, face to face, and had conversations with strangers while standing in line. Back in the 70s, I made friends and got dates while talking to someone in line.
    Also, when he went away people cared about how they looked when they went out in public. Men dressed nicely: Jacket and slacks, jeans with creases and a nice shirt. Women weren't whales in spandex, they wore a nice dress and heels or slacks and a nice blouse.
    In 1975 music still had a melody.
    It must be like walking onto an alien planet.

  • @fionnmaccumhaillsmammy296
    @fionnmaccumhaillsmammy296 4 роки тому +12

    Long lost family is usually not the reunion you hoped for, people move on live a whole life without you and you can’t expect them to just accept you.

  • @abd-co7le
    @abd-co7le 4 роки тому +121

    now we know where shaft went
    only your parents will look for in prison and welcome you back unconditionally. everyone else will be like what does he want from me now?

  • @zeezee-6
    @zeezee-6 4 роки тому +8

    I’m not understanding how none of his family visited him or kept in contact just left him there..wow?
    The mans all alone and has to adjust back into society by himself no brothers, sisters or children everything’s changed wow man feel really bad for him. The streets showed him more love. I hope his ok.

  • @consumerdebtchitchat
    @consumerdebtchitchat 3 роки тому +38

    People commenting how relatives didn't take him in: That is not a responsibility that can be thrust on people without financial / physical / emotional preparation. You also need to take into account their daily lives and routines and who it might effect having him come into their life like that. It's not simple and it's clear there's emotional distance after 44 years - which is natural.

    • @patricawilson6375
      @patricawilson6375 Рік тому +3

      What about them giving him a space on the floor self if not a bed to sleep and help him to reintegrate ? That is all he needed

    • @michellejorakhankufforlorh6431
      @michellejorakhankufforlorh6431 Рік тому +2

      Excuse me please it’s the same as giving birth to a new born baby and getting additional responsibilities and others as you say . Blood is thicker than water

    • @Verradonairun
      @Verradonairun Рік тому +1

      Student Loan Chit Chat - I agree with you. It's easy for commenters on here to say "let him stay", but talk is cheap, and the reality is that this gentleman isn't going to have any significant income for the remainder of his life. He's not going to get back on his feet. If they let him stay there, it'll likely become permanent and he's only going to need more care and expensive medications as he ages. Having a guy like that around wouldn't be fair to your own family.

    • @GrimFate08
      @GrimFate08 Рік тому

      you dont use logic when it comes to these things, family is family you make sacrifices for them

    • @vishalmore7154
      @vishalmore7154 Рік тому

      @@Verradonairun I totally agree with you.

  • @pablow2009
    @pablow2009 4 роки тому +30

    I cry like a baby watching sonny story

  • @bxla1
    @bxla1 4 роки тому +15

    God this breaks my heart. He was in prison for so long for only an attempt of murder. I understand the harm of it but there are cases to this day that are way worse with less time on the sentence. He seems like a great guy. I wish nothing but the best for him. Also proud to hear he’s a black Muslim too.

    • @bettyhudson979
      @bettyhudson979 2 роки тому +1

      He’s a BLACK MAN ‼️ THAT’S A REALITY OF BEING BLACK IN AMERICA ‼️

    • @unknownuser8454
      @unknownuser8454 Рік тому

      @@bettyhudson979 In the 1970's, not now

  • @jakkiblu
    @jakkiblu 4 роки тому +11

    God bless you man! What an amazing feeling thaf must have been to be welcomed and embraced by people who truly love you after 44 years. I love it!

  • @whisperingwhiskerss4877
    @whisperingwhiskerss4877 3 роки тому +19

    *SUCH IS LIFE* People in the comments crying but you shouldn't go around expecting anything from anyone especially after a period of time. This man Otis was NOT expecting anything he is a wise man, and he deserved much more. Take this as a lesson before you realize on your own, this world is cold and there is no place like home. 💔 peace my fellow humans.

  • @farbodpoorvash3278
    @farbodpoorvash3278 3 роки тому +5

    So happy to see Otis Happy! Live your life to the fullest my man.

  • @vlado2701
    @vlado2701 4 роки тому +31

    Unique story.....: no more , no less.
    My deep respect dear Al Jazeera ! *Happy New Year*

  • @druginducedfeverdream1613
    @druginducedfeverdream1613 3 роки тому +2

    Is it just me or are old black folk the most wholesome people on this planet? Brought tears to my eyes.

    • @spiscold50
      @spiscold50 3 роки тому

      ikr

    • @Obipolt
      @Obipolt 3 роки тому

      No they aren't wtf lol doesn't matter what race

  • @roukemamd7468
    @roukemamd7468 3 роки тому +19

    This is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I was only 4 years old in 1975, but I remember it. That’s a long time to be away and then re-emerge in a world that has become much faster and more complicated.

    • @sayedalazam4228
      @sayedalazam4228 2 роки тому

      What do u think was the biggest change between then and now?

    • @adryanamaira
      @adryanamaira Рік тому +1

      @@sayedalazam4228 def technology

  • @damianrodriguez5907
    @damianrodriguez5907 3 роки тому +5

    Its truely sad being in prison for almost your life time and everyone forgetting about you, its like being dead to everybody.

  • @TheEntertainmentsOnMe
    @TheEntertainmentsOnMe 4 роки тому +6

    It's so warming to think there is still love 4 him.

  • @lesielimalu4199
    @lesielimalu4199 4 роки тому +5

    my heart just melts for ottis. wishing nothing but love and blessings to him

  • @enjoylife8205
    @enjoylife8205 3 роки тому +5

    I was just thinking to myself that they should make a movie about him and his early years up to today... GOD BLESS HIM GLAD HE FOUND A FAMILY MEMBER AND HOPEFULLY FOUND MORE

  • @ijBTeam
    @ijBTeam 4 роки тому +16

    Happy family reunion

  • @2d839
    @2d839 4 роки тому +5

    No matter what did you do,
    No matter what you've done,
    you'll always want to stay
    with your family in the
    end of the day.
    God Bless Us All..

  • @ahmadghafoorwafa3051
    @ahmadghafoorwafa3051 4 роки тому +4

    What a heart-wrenching story. God bless you Mr. Otis

  • @fawadandfamilyvlogs4671
    @fawadandfamilyvlogs4671 4 роки тому +2

    Glad to see you united. Sad that you got 44 years. Very sad.

  • @diallophd6770
    @diallophd6770 4 роки тому +8

    I love you so much papa Otis you are an inspiration may Allah grant you jannah and give you peaceful life .

  • @zeezeebo
    @zeezeebo 4 роки тому +64

    Somebody please make movie of this guy’s story

    • @Chad-pi5if
      @Chad-pi5if 4 роки тому +1

      It's hard because it has a sad ending and usually people don't like sad endings

    • @3hreeoshortsvideos8
      @3hreeoshortsvideos8 4 роки тому +1

      Agreed

    • @kroneyt1493
      @kroneyt1493 4 роки тому +3

      He tried to kill a cop, got arrested for four and a half decades, and was released.
      That's either going to be a really short, or really, really boring movie.

    • @haytem3201
      @haytem3201 4 роки тому +1

      I mean, why ? He went to prison and got out, nothing more than that.

  • @WarPicturesEntertainment
    @WarPicturesEntertainment 2 роки тому +4

    God bless this man, I wish him only the best for his life and future. From all my heart.

  • @berlingolingoful
    @berlingolingoful 3 роки тому +2

    He looks sharp in his shirt and tie. What a wonderful, joyful feeling to be remembered and embraced- like the prodigal son. So glad for Otis/Sonny.

  • @oka3499
    @oka3499 4 роки тому +5

    WOW. thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. would love to see an update for Otis's life in the future.

  • @emmaemma8632
    @emmaemma8632 4 роки тому +24

    Greeting from Ethiopia Mr Otis Johnson and Happy New year!!

  • @HeidiWylde
    @HeidiWylde 3 роки тому +8

    OMG! This video made me cry. It's really so beautiful. Such a lovely family

  • @wrestlingisdeadmoveonwithy8939
    @wrestlingisdeadmoveonwithy8939 3 роки тому +18

    This is why I absolutely can't stand people.

  • @raymondkawalya1310
    @raymondkawalya1310 4 роки тому +16

    Thank you Al Jazeera

  • @MsDestinydiva
    @MsDestinydiva 4 роки тому +41

    prison should be abolished! 44 years for attempted murder but paid leave for cops who actually murder people! why are some lives deemed more valuable than others!

    • @MYLIFEMYRULEZ
      @MYLIFEMYRULEZ 4 роки тому +1

      Capital punishment is the easiest way

    • @NH-ge4vz
      @NH-ge4vz 4 роки тому +1

      attempted murder is still murder, he may have changed but that doesn't change his sentence.

    • @AceBoogieWDaHoodie
      @AceBoogieWDaHoodie 4 роки тому +6

      Broccoli Guy some people get less years for actually murdering. The system is broke bud

    • @NH-ge4vz
      @NH-ge4vz 4 роки тому

      @@AceBoogieWDaHoodie He got sentenced in 1975, punishments were different

    • @heyitspanos8004
      @heyitspanos8004 4 роки тому +7

      @@NH-ge4vz still thats bullshit

  • @alexisrivas307
    @alexisrivas307 Рік тому +3

    This video proves the point I try to get out there. Most people out on the street won’t do you harm. Otis went about finding his family the old fashion way. Watching this gave me a flashback to the 90’s. The world was a different place. I wouldn’t say life was better or worse. Life was just different.

  • @dentics8936
    @dentics8936 3 роки тому +2

    Heart goes out for this guy. He came out after 40 and he has nobody and he is old ,,,,😭,,,,be strong my man , god never leaves you ,,,,

  • @johnahmed2175
    @johnahmed2175 4 роки тому +4

    Mr.Otis Johnson ,hope you will find new friends and live a happy life.

  • @umniyahirfan5026
    @umniyahirfan5026 4 роки тому +11

    This made my day.

  • @moosafeh8027
    @moosafeh8027 3 роки тому +2

    No matter how innocent he looks, nothing will change the fact that he's a murderer.

    • @pirate6616
      @pirate6616 3 роки тому +4

      I mean it was attempted murder and apparently he was put in jail because of a mistaken identity. But if that isn’t true, I agree with you

  • @egytpianblu
    @egytpianblu 4 роки тому +80

    White girl stays off camera. What good is family when they can’t even take you in. If there’s room on the floor, there’s room for one more.

    • @charleswatts3810
      @charleswatts3810 4 роки тому

      J B There's no room for some dirty cat if he has not atone for his past bad deeds (if that is the case), although he is family and has been in prison for several decades.

    • @petergorm
      @petergorm 4 роки тому

      True words.

  • @Afrofunda100
    @Afrofunda100 4 роки тому +5

    I find it hard to stomach what we are willing to do to people in our society. 44 years. That is downright torture. These are peoples lives we are talking about. Rehabilitation should be rehabilitation. Not punishment and torture. God help us

    • @RatBoyTriple6ix
      @RatBoyTriple6ix 3 роки тому +1

      He was wrongfully convicted to make things worse... he never even did the crime

  • @colleenmcwhan7509
    @colleenmcwhan7509 4 роки тому +1

    Ohhhh
    I'm so glad for you Otis.
    That you found friends and family.
    I'm so glad for you.
    🕊❤🙏❤🕊

  • @rodrigovitorino2807
    @rodrigovitorino2807 4 роки тому +4

    Man, just imagine to be far away from everything and everyone for so many years, this man was searching for his LOST family. I mean no one is perfect, he definetely didn't deserve 44 years, man this is heartbreaking.

  • @nephbelzor5275
    @nephbelzor5275 4 роки тому +9

    He should write a book!

  • @AnnetteTaborn
    @AnnetteTaborn 2 роки тому +4

    Wow , that was really something to watch. I wish him all the best.

  • @FSstudios1
    @FSstudios1 4 роки тому +1

    What a good man. Bless the rest of his life

  • @lunalea1250
    @lunalea1250 2 роки тому +1

    I am so blessed and favoured to be part of a community like Mr. OJ, even after 44 yrs, the ties still bind him and his peoples together, bless them all!🕊💝

  • @domingasuare8801
    @domingasuare8801 4 роки тому +120

    He got a very merciless sentence. There was 100% more racism in the legal system

    • @Ri3hy
      @Ri3hy 4 роки тому +3

      Domingas Uare I get u but mathematically wouldn’t that mean that there is now 0% racism

    • @domingasuare8801
      @domingasuare8801 4 роки тому +2

      Ri3hy it was a way of saying undoubtedly, but thanks

    • @nagihangot6133
      @nagihangot6133 4 роки тому +6

      @@domingasuare8801 Fighting the police triples anyone's sentencing, no matter what race you are, unless you're an oligarch.

    • @radicalxg8282
      @radicalxg8282 4 роки тому +1

      @@nagihangot6133 bro i've seen cases of people who actually murderer a police man get a lot less years than this man, he was clearly punished not only for attacking a police officer but for being black, a common problem in the decade he was convicted

    • @serratedcreature890
      @serratedcreature890 4 роки тому +5

      What does his race have to do with it? If he were white and got 44 years, you'd say serves him right

  • @radaarofficialchannel7366
    @radaarofficialchannel7366 4 роки тому +12

    This is the shape of life 😓😓
    44 years in prison it's not easy

  • @endirrwiggins2494
    @endirrwiggins2494 4 роки тому +1

    I remember the first interview. Glad to see an update.

  • @prathams4652
    @prathams4652 4 роки тому +2

    The real red of Shawshank redemption

  • @obenggyima1238
    @obenggyima1238 4 роки тому +29

    God bless black people in USA

  • @mrengineer7852
    @mrengineer7852 3 роки тому +4

    His jail time isn’t fair at all. Killing a person punishment is less than that!! This is tough on him.

  • @xiaria
    @xiaria Рік тому

    I'm so glad this video was next up on recommended after the first video. I paused the first vid on him halfway thru to see if he managed to reconnect and I'm just so so so happy he managed to find some people! I hope he keeps in touch with them regularly now.

  • @pallyali786
    @pallyali786 4 роки тому +1

    I really hope this man is Ok and some one is looking after him. Seems like a gentleman.

  • @user-go1sw9mx1r
    @user-go1sw9mx1r 4 роки тому +3

    God bless him. May his life go from strength to strength 🙏. Good luck Otis

  • @Zaki-hr3ol
    @Zaki-hr3ol 4 роки тому +4

    This is so sad I feel so bad for him
    And it made my heart break when he saw all the tall buildings and ppl
    😢

  • @PlanetYokoshima
    @PlanetYokoshima 3 роки тому +1

    This shows how valuable are families and friends.

  • @Moistiest110
    @Moistiest110 3 роки тому +1

    What an incredible way of thinking you have my friend, god bless you and stay safe

  • @casualpreparedness2347
    @casualpreparedness2347 4 роки тому +17

    Al Jazeera Network, Great mini documentary. . 💯👍👍😎