My Life After 44 Years In Prison
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Resilience Beyond Bars: My Life After 44 Years in Prison
Otis Johnson went to jail at the age of 25. When he got out at 69, he rejoined a world that was starkly different from the one he remembered. This is his story.
Last year, we met Otis Johnson at a New York City shelter for ex-convicts. Everyone there was trying to get their feet back on the ground. Otis had just got out of prison after serving a 44-year sentence. The last time he had seen his family was May 1975.
When we shared Otis's first story of being reintroduced to the modern world, viewers were amazed by just how unfamiliar everything was to him. iPhones, Times Square, jars of pre-mixed peanut butter and jelly ... everything was new or starkly different.
INTERACTIVE: My life after 44 years in prison. The story of Otis Johnson
His story clearly resonated with people. More than 12 million people watched Otis' story on UA-cam, and we wanted to show them what happened next.
We went to Asbury Park, in New Jersey, with Otis to try to find them. Reconnecting with family was something he had said he was always interested in doing, but hadn't got round to yet. After all, he was still learning how to navigate the city. He had a small box where he kept old, tattered photos of family members, but that was basically all the information he had on them.
"The only address I really have is Asbury Park," Otis told us. So we took the train to Asbury Park not knowing much.
But we did have Otis' memory. Once we arrived at the train station and began roaming the streets, small 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 members. He said many would probably think he was dead.
When we talked to Otis about his relationship with his family, his answers were complicated. He was a member of the Fruit of Islam (the paramilitary wing of Nation of Islam, the Islamic religious movement once famously led by Malcom X) in his younger days. The Nation of Islam's stated goals were to improve the spiritual, mental, social, and economic condition of African Americans. Otis was a devout Muslim who said he helped "clean up the streets" of drug dealers.
"We wasn't all bad," he would say.
But Otis said some of his family members didn't buy that. He didn't know if they would be angry or happy to see him after all these years away. He had a nervous energy about him as we walked down Pine Street, knocking on doors and asking strangers about Dottie Moore.
This final story on Otis Johnson is one of reconnection and reconciliation. It is the story of a man on a quest to reunite with remnants of his past and one, we hope, many can relate to.
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In this show, I talk about my life after 44 years in prison. I discuss my time in prison, my thoughts on rehabilitation, and my journey to get back on my feet.
If you're looking for an interesting show that will give you a glimpse into the lives of those who have spent time in prison, then this is the show for you! In this show, I'll discuss my life after 44 years in prison and tell you about the challenges I faced along the way. From rehabilitation to re-entry into society, this show is full of insights and information that you won't find on other shows.
He lost 44 years of his life...
But he still has smile on his face.
That's great..
He is astrong man
Ye , the will is something amazing.
@@alexupshall8169 stfu smfh
@Yola Peters then go to prison and see how it is..
He almost killed a police officer.... Should of given him the death penalty. smh
That awkward moment when a 69 year old man who just left prison after 44 years looks physically better than most 69 year old men you know in your life.
+Jack Mann No cigarettes, Alcohol, no time but reading and exercise
+Jack Mann Black don't crack
+Jack Mann No alcohol in prison. Diet restricted to 3 meals a day.
+Hecameup PLENTY of alcohol in prison, but you are correct about the diet
John Roberts Have you been to prison?
his voice is so relaxing
Purifiedcrwn yeah probably because of years of practicing meditation. He must be calm and peaceful inside
For real he seems so far from someone who would commit a crime
i NOTICED THAT TOO
Mawazo Chanya 44 years and growing up can do that
I felt the same way
Update he is now a member in Harlem restoration project and helping others like him to adjust in society
Mohammad Numaan nabi SOURCES?
Yes I watched his Netflix mini series and book! Very interesting.. I’m amazed how this man is strong minded
That’s great 😃
@@leo32190 Netflix?
@@JessicaGarcia-xf9wr what’s it called?
I do think it's worrying that prison-systems don't allow inmates to keep up with developments. In all that time they could've made guys like him study and train to hit the ground running.
+BaileysBeads America is knee deep in inmates. A lot of the prison system nowadays is privatised. I'd be very suprised people would do anything but the bare minimum for these people, which is a shame.
+sNb Only about 8% of the prisoners in the US are in privatized prisons. It is a problem that needs to be addressed, but there is no need to exaggerate. Most prisons do have programs that prisoners can get into with good behavior that will teach them life skills they can use when they are released. One such program in my area teaches them Braille. Those prisoners can go on to work for places that make materials for the blind and visually impaired. I work with several ex-cons, and I can tell you that this guy seems to be an extreme example.
+sNb Right but why damage your own economy like that? Even if the US doesnt care about the prisoners surely they are still concerned about the loss of human capital that happens like this?
+BaileysBeads The U.S. has the third largest population in the world. Human capital really isn't an issue. In terms of treating humans as expendable resources, our government comes second only to maybe China.
+BaileysBeads give em books books books!
He is like a time traveller. He has a totally different perspective on everything we use that we dont even question it anymore. Very interesting
Yea very cool! I don't think time travelling will ever exist though because i haven't seen any time travelers...
^ time travel does exist, its just not officially discovered. Looks like someone has never studied physics...
Jonas well, its normal to study about the speed of light and blackholes
johnny3tears agreed
True.
Just imagine How scary it would be seeing the last of the 1970s and walking out 4 decades later into 2010s and seeing all the technology around you. I would be confused af.
He is kind of a time traveler or so...isnt he?
The Cardboardpuppet Show I see where you’re coming from but not really
I´m wondering: Don´t they have TV´s in prison? Then people would also know what´s going on in society - even they don´t participate in society. Well.....at least where I am from in the world they DO have TV´s in prison.
@@sukhmaidickoff Maybe he was in solitary confinement
@@sukhmaidickoff yeah but that's kinda like a tunnel vision method. Yeah you see stuff but only what they want to show you. Going out in Times Square and looking around would give him a better understanding of what's happening. There's no substitute for real life
If you guys want a 2020 update I worked security for the building where he lives in Spanish Harlem and he’s doing well I believe he has a Job now. He’s a very nice man although he doesn’t speak much, only time he spoke outside of “hi” was when he wanted me to show him how to delete a picture but he seems to be adjusted beautifully and enjoying the latter part of his life. Thought I’d share
liar
🙏🏿
@@michaellopez9846 gago kaba
❤ from England.
What a beautiful man.
This man is a beautiful soul! Real person
I really wanna give this guy a hug.
Same
Me too
+MrGalaxy Just make sure he doesn't assault you too!
+Lunin Games stfu
+Pr0Killer AndreiX people can change especially after 44 years, moron
44 years for attempted murder ? ain't that some BS..
Welcome to the United States of America
It should be 12 years tops
*On a officer. Big difference dude
+Its Sixy Maybe its because you don't know the circumstances...
+SethRaw no difference . they just in force the law
what a humble guy.
Yeah but... It's just to fucked up...
😉😉😉
hey aska gangsta
Well yeah he just got out of prison, now he has a new view on life
very and askagangsta I LOVE YOU!LIKE A BROTHER SO AINT NO HOMO CAUSE I ALWAYS SEE YOU 😎😎
The dreadful feeling of imagining being locked up in my 20s and getting out around his age, and your parents, siblings, closest friends, pets, every being from your early life, all passing away while in prison and getting out to a big, overwhelming, lonely world not knowing a soul and having thoughts of the love you had a lifetime ago knowing that will never be again. That’s like nightmare, wake up soaked in sweat type stuff
welcome to being black in america
This is why I don't commit serious crimes. I would not be able to do the time.
@@chuchu9649 he tried to kill a police officer, don’t think it’s his skin colour that sent him to jail
@@coybig7847 the time is still harsh. It takes less than that to rehabilitate a human being. I
Everything you said is true
44 years for attempted murder/assault, meanwhile in South Africa, Oscar Pistorius was jailed for just one year for actually killing someone.
+GoldenJokered white celebrity vs black nobody. pick the winner.
+Alxs End
The harsh truth.
+GoldenJokered And OJ Simpson got no jail time for brutally murdering 2 white people. Since we are just picking random cases and trying to compare them to this case for some reason...
+GoldenJokered There's a woman who got life in prison for drunkenly telling a 13 year old to touch her breast and asking him for sex. Didn't even kill anyone. No previous record or anything... just boom you're done goodbye. Sad.
+joe momma Still famous vs not famous, and rich vs poor.
Damn, i only been alive for 17 years and it feels like forever, i feel so bad for this man, imagine the feeling of hearing yourself being sentenced to 44 years :(
yep true
i was 3 weeks in hospital and i feel it was my second home the bad way.... 3 weeks only!
I do feel bad for him but he did attempt to merder a police officer
+Owen Hale he was innocent, they found out when he got out, and he could of got around 10-15 years max with the actual system, not 44, back in the 70s the racism was a big problem.
+Owen Hale I doubt that he actually attempted to kill him. If you're a black person who hits a police officer that's what you'll most likely be charged with, especially considering the time period that he went to jail.
Get a UA-cam channel, man, tell prison stories. We'll back you up.
That could be his new career, HE'S got alotta wisdom 4those that will listen!!!🤔
YESSS thats a perfect idea! I could listen to him for hours
*TRUE !*
FOR REAL GURL
Deminus he don’t know what UA-cam is
This man is a joy to watch. I could listen to him talk all day. I sense he has a gentle soul despite the fact he must have seen and experienced a lot of violence in prison. I hope he is still out there, people watching in times square.
Maybe that's how it feels like traveling to the future.
+Alan Velasquez yeah i guess it is, i think you are right, its like BTTF movie, you come out and see different things, everything is a mess for you, its really interesting
+Alan Velasquez Jup, only instead of actually traveling in time you sit in a rotten prison staring at the wall and counting every second. 44 years :) goodluck bud.
+Alan Velasquez yes i think so. it's feel like you sleep for 44 years and when you wake up , every thing has change. amazing.
+Yung Dani lol the first time traveling might work this way. For the person using it,it would feel like 44 years. But for others,he would just disappear and reappear later.
+Xander Chia ف
I don't know why I like listening to his voice, it just seems nice.
I know right. His voice is so soothing. It just makes me feel good on the inside. Inspiration my friend
+Alex Jessup his voice is so calming and sweet
+Alex Jessup I think it's because he has true peace in his heart.
+Alex Jessup I swear, people who look like Morgan Freeman also has the voice that can affect everyone
ikr??!
Been in prison his whole life and understands life itself better than most of society now a days.
I agree feel respect in a way for the man
zazen. live in the now, let the distractions not distract you and simply be.
AJ true statement
;)
what makes him understand the concept of whole life itself is the prison its self
Hey guys if you want a 2022 update i met otis and work with him today im currently enrolled in a program that helps the elderly and among the ones i work with he is one of them and his story breaks my heart because he’s such a sweet man he talks alot more from what he said in the video and his wisdom is such an honor to get to know but overall hes living the rest of his years well and gets along with everyone
I can't imagine being locked up for that long and coming out completely level headed like this guy. I feel like I would go insane
The Sherminator exactly.
I'd think that his meditation helped him a lot. I know it does help me to survive in this insane world without losing my mind.
well let this be a warning then, in case you get similar ideas,
@@lunafringe10 Such as being black in the sixties
He probably became more sane instead of wasting his life like the rest of us do.
I wish this man starts a youtube channel, and talk about his experiences. I would listen all day ...
johan flod yea his 70 years old and has not seen the world in 44 years and is at the end of his Life and u want him to start a yt chanel and tell u prison storys wtf is wrong with you
Fffe Ccch at least he would get a bit of money from it
Search his name... He had one
@@yeahnahdunnoaye5949 yall just wacth it too be entertained sick..
Tbh it will be interesting and I am sure he would be kinda famous
Makes you feel grateful.
bullshit
+TechRax That's ironic coming from you but yeah, it does make you feel grateful having this freedom and being on UA-cam..
+TechRax Yeah, not enough stuff to destroy in the 60's.
+TechRax for not being a dumbass that wants to act gangsta that then ends up in prison
keep destroyibg expensive things for clicks.
Lovely soft voice, wise , gentle man. What a shame he wasn’t let out earlier and helped to find employment. I doubt he’s been a danger for 40 years....shame on America letting people rot in prison.
I see 40 years is a lot but what if he had actually murdered the policeman, poor guy would have no chance to live his life why should he?
More than fair if u ask me
@@alexwong766 if somebody murdered a police man I would think it would be like 50 years if he tried to murder a police man prob 20 years
Gentle? He shot at an officer. The reactions here are baffling me.
Then again, if he attempted to murder someone you know, you wouldn't be mad he went to prison.
literally the mind of a 25 year old in a really healthy old body.
"Literally"..
Alright..
well son he is from a better race, thats why he is healthy.
you are able to drink, smoke in the courtyard and eat unhealthy in prison dummy it's called prisoners allowance you can get money transferred into your account and you can buy things! some people legit have sofa's and tv's in their cells and they don't have to pay rent it is ridiculous.. some rich people who did crimes even get their cells renovated before they go to jail! it's so weird.
I guess you don't know the meaning of literally, then...
Der Horror there is an entire underground economy in prisons. You'd be amazed by how the underground economy works. He would not need anyone to send him money. If he didn't use drugs, I can promise you that it was a matter of choice, neither money nor available wouldn't have been the issue
There are so many things I'd love seeing this guy react to.
probably get done for copyright
Different kinds of condoms.
i wanna see him in an imax theatre watching spiderman homecoming with a big cup of icee
The Internet bro
yeah. he should start a channel
He needs to find the money and the letter Andy Dufresne hid for him, then when he finds that he can meet Andy Dufresne on that beach in Mexico.
(Honestly though I feel like I could listen to Otis talk all day, this was a great upload. Would love a longer version.)
+Chelsea England Zihuatanejo
Marco Barbosa Yeah, that one!
+Chelsea England Other way around but I still laughed.
+Chelsea England you nailed it, if I closed my eyes I can imagine the movie :-) feel sorry for him though 44 years for assaulting an officer ?? I guess in the 70's there were harsh sentences but 44 Years is a life sentence
+Unitel Design 44 years for attempted murder, big difference.
The calmness in his voice is soothing, you can feel the peacefulness. I’m grateful that our paths have crossed, even if it is thru UA-cam.
What a sweet and forgiving, good-hearted human.
People can change, and from the little we could see he does look like a good man.
Calvin Gadson If you believe in Allah you have to forgive others and ALLAH will be the only judged for all of us!
Habsha Josaf What proof is there of Allah's existence?
What about Jesus or any other deity
allah wants you to kill others
This is one of the most interesting news pieces i have seen in a long while. This guy to have stepped out into an almost alien world to him... with that attitude... we can all learn from this man.
+Athitthan Lena I like learning from people who didn't try to kill police officers.
That happened more that 40 years ago. He was a different man then
+MrBluerthanindigo I mean he did have 44 years in prison to reflect upon what he did. That said, of course not everyone does the same thing and reflect on themselves. He chose the right path to learn from it instead of accumulating his anger inside him in prison like some other people.
I need to know more about his conviction before I get all lovey-dovey and want to "learn from him". This is an extremely sentimental, fluffy piece that ignores the fact that 44-year sentences for attempted murder aren't common. What happened to the cop? Did he cause long-term damage, paralysis? Deliberately ignoring that nagging question (most likely because it will ruin the narrative Al Jazeera wanted before they even met the guy) is *not* journalism.
+Emmet Purcell It was a 44 year sentences 44 years ago as a black man but regardless of what this guy did, he served his time and this piece was not about the details of the crime but what the man is doing now.
Is it weird that I almost cried? This video was very emotional. You can just tell how much this guy has reflected back on his life.
+Luis Castro Lopes We don't know if he actually did with the way our government is or maybe the cop did something to make him try such a thing. It was the 60s you know.
*****
The SJW insanity going rampant in the comment section of this video is something you would expect to hear in South Park, not real life. These millennials who think they need to defend cop killers or other savages who behave violently towards other humans scare me almost more than the criminals themselves.
+napukapu You think its scary for people to empathize with someone else? I find your cold way of thinking to be more alarming.
+Luis Castro Lopes
The 70s was bad too. and you shouldnt speak as if you know everything about the judicial system in america if you don't actually know about it or live here.
Google Ricky Jackson and Wiley Bridgeman. Two black men who served around 40 years in prison for murder they didn't commit and Wiley had almost got the death penalty too.
So yes. The judicial system can and will sentence people even with that person never committing the crime. And there has been numerous instances of people being sentenced for crimes they didnt commit and men get sentenced every year under false rape accusations without DNA evidence.
*****
You might just see him as a man, but that's not what the police saw black people as in that time period or even now, but even moreso back then.
and read what I wrote.
He seems like such a nice/likable old man. That's what makes it sad that he lost us such a large portion of his life without freedoms. He served his time and I hope the rest of his remaining years are happy.
Feel sorry for him after spending 44 year in prison and have nobody with him. Age of 69 have to start all over again. God bless him.
44 years ago for fighting with a cop it’s a different situation because there was a lo racism so we don’t really know what happened
@@primevzlagamer5184 yep!!
Yes!!
Poor choices can dramatically change your future... I feel bad for him in a way 😔
Angel Mendez I also feel bad for the cop that almost died doing his job
“Dealing wit the future instead of dealing with the past”, wow that’s powerful
let things go
Thas a smart dood thinkn like that 🤫
Not really. He's probably just trying to lie to himself because he literally can't do anything other than that to deal with his fate. What future is he talking about? He's almost 70 and probably has less than 5 years left to live, his future is death.
@@Serjo777 I mean if ur still alive U gotta hold on2 sumthin bro,y so hard on a WRONGFULLY CONVICTED GUY??? Because he's blakkk??😡
عبيق السَفر
-44 years for an attack on a cop
-1 year for Epstein for raping dozens of young girls
Poor Black vs Rich Jew
Id really like a longer segment on this man! Thanks for the upload
+Phor Twenny yes i am thinking 42 mins/1 hour.
true that
+Phor Twenny I'd really like to know more about the man he attempted to murder, frankly.
+matthmatthmatth Wow dude, you're an awful person
+Travis Smith Or just funny ;)
“It’s nice to be free.” Bless you, brother.
i had the biggest smile on my face while he was talking about the food in the store. what a sweet guy.
Anushka Chakraborty SAME
Me too
Same gator stuff lol!
He still tried to kill an officer, don't be fooled.
Blaine Goodwin hes a sweet guy, blan
"Holding on to anger will only stagnate you development".
Sounds so simple yet there is so much truth in this.
+I'mposs “RevEvo” ible I dotn think anyones talking about revolution dude, calm down lol
+I'mposs “RevEvo” ible Even ignoring the ridiculous notion of a revolution, you don't win a revolution by being angry. You win a revolution with meticulous, calculated plans, and by being completely unpredictable and impossible to read. Look at Mao Zedong, leader of the communist revolution of China. He was not an angry man. He was reserved, quiet. It was said even his own wife did not truly know his motives.
+I'mposs “RevEvo” ible I get what you're saying, but the force of positivity and good can be the impetus for a revolution, as well.
+I'mposs “RevEvo” ible Anger can serve it's purpose, that's for sure. If an evil king abuses the peasants, it takes an angry mob to fight back. But that's a different scenario. The context here is that if we hold on to anger, it prevents us from growing. If someone betrays us or hurts us, it's better to forgive than to hate them for the rest of our lives. Anger can serve it's purpose, but it's not always the answer. Love is much stronger. Why do we get angry if an evil king hurts our family? Because we love our family. Therefore there is love that precedes that anger. Anger alone in and of itself is self destructive. Love is what drives our anger. Anger alone is useless.
This man travelled to the future
And the price was most of his lifetime.
and he paid his lifetime and it cost him a lot i mean a Lot
Waqar Sajid Batkar Agree, lol.
time travelling is the most expensive thing u can pay
The trip is 44 years old .
Bro i could listen to you all day long... right now you happier than some of us have been for years outside in the world... God bless you
Bro, I never seen peanut butter and jelly in the same jar either.
Justin H me too
Me 4😁
U ain't never been to the store??
dane hamilton You neither, why don't you use proper english, like dude, isn't it your own language? If I did that to mine I would be ashamed of myself.
Аитор Хара shut up you grammar policing sheep. Gtfo
44 Years for attempted murder and assault on a police officer is outrages.
Seriously, that is way to harsh.
Meanwhile Oscar Pistorius gets 1 year for ACTUAL MURDER
he is black and it was 1960's when he went to prison and it was America so he was probably just resisting a beating the cops decided to give him and they put him up on assault for resisting then upped it to attempted murder because he might have got a few hits in himself. The justice system is really bad and has been for a very very long time
+NitroCorn he had 25 years for the assault and attempted murder. you get extra time if you fight in the jail or have weapons or escape attempts
For that maybe 5 years not 44
the person who killed my uncle only went in for 5 years
This man needs a gaming pc.
Couldn't have said it better myself
I think it's too overwhelming to him. It might even stress him out
+mubarak Al-nuaimi Not when he learns to rek scrubs
yes
have you seen old people play games?
Otis is not the first or last innocent man to have his life taken away from him because of the ''justice system'' .....worldwide and still he has humility ....i can not even fathom his grace in the face of such injustice. This world is wild at heart and dark underneath. bless this man for the rest of his life.
Ooooh I almost cried watching this video. 44 years n jail must have been very hard.
+Little Wolfy he went for attempted murder
***** really oh my God. 44 years is like half of his life.
Kid Bunt No, I'm white. Does Kyle sound like a black name to you? I just have something called compassion and a realistic view. Have you ever heard of empathy or social awareness?
And one day he'll have white hair :D
+Little Wolfy
What are you talking about? He isn't innocent, yes it's sad, but he isn't innocent... don't sugar coat it too much or it'll spoil.
If you say otherwise, post proof
44 years for attemeted murder... way to much time... and to see him come out with a sense of peace and joy very incredible
People are saddened... even sickened that he had to serve so much time just for attempted murder. But wow, not everything society says is wrong is actually wrong. It's like how some people... who find out they have cancer... they begin to view life so differently and so beautifully. "Bad things" sometimes enlighten us to see the bigger picture. When we are cornered, initially there seems to be nowhere else that we can go. But we can always delve within, and look for secrets there.
cmon bro, i seen somebody that went to prison at 15 for attemted murder of a snapping turtle and came out at 84 and didnt change :/
That's attempting to take someone's life...
Lucky if you hear a couple of years in Australia . Poor young kid that was murdered and raped over here , the guy got like 6 years and let out and killed again .
I wonder if you would feel that way if he succeeded in murdering. The fact is he wanted to murder but failed. Where is the sense of peace and job for the people who murdered mothers, fathers, daughters, sons etc...
The USSR was still a thing when he got arrested. The Berlin Wall was still up, computers were a very rare commodity, and the world population was around half the current, around 3.6 billion. Wow
44 years later we got fortnite. sike
And I bet he didn't know or care about any of those things then, and doesn't now either.
James lmao
420th like
@SandboxArrow Fortnite is pure cringe
This cat is smooth, soft spoken, empathetic, and still a child at heart. God Bless Otis. I wish I could shake his hand.
Its like the scene in captain america where he wakes up and sees the new world
***** XD
I know right
Psycho Dad Psycho dad ? Why are you here, you said you wanna talk to your wife...
+Psycho Dad The Man Out Of Time.
+George Carlin Ikr and it is not even accurate when the original team of Avengers found Cap in the ice he didn't wake up in the new world.
His innocence is so cute. He should write a book. I would love to read his views on the present world.
👍
+Nimrah Fatima Ahmed whoaaaaa you're so right!! That would be so eye opening!!
A book would be a fantastic idea. I have a feeling it could be a best seller.
he should write about being in prison then the outside, i would definitely read his book but how would you know that he has wrote one?
He adopte stoicism and became peaceful. Not letting the world bothers him after what they have done. A true gentle soul.
this guy is a legit time traveller
I KNOW. It makes me wonder how/why I fell for so much BS and I was "out" in society - maybe that explains it. The gradual nature of things..... People do seem to be walking around talking to themselves and communicating with their virtual friends, while all the real world problems either get adapted to or embraced. this guy probably makes more sense than 90% of the people who have been "free" for those past 45 yrs.
apacademy So true!
apacademy not much more choices left any more, the most you can do is use your device less and go outside more to force more people to get off their phones
This man needs an update every month cause he has a great story
Isabela Puerto Rico TE AMO
-44 years for an attack on a cop
-1 year for Epstein for raping dozens of young girls
Poor Black vs Rich Jew
@Uni Aka fire FACTS
He's got an youtube channel look it up "otis johnson"
@@Ron.S. wow well said. You should had put that as a single comment out there. This is just soooo sad.....
@Uni Aka fire well the law is not for the elite. It's just for us citizen . I wouldn't be surprised if trump, bush, and other disgusting evil people helped Epstein out of prison. Why else would the cameras not work on just that day, also no one was checking on him, cuz they "fell asleep". Sure.
Man, major respect to this guy. He seems absolutely at peace with everything in the world, despite spending the majority of his life in a cell, I wouldn't know how to cope with that.
You just stated what most of us are probably thinking.
Same here bruh
Barry Fohn
zuxxzzmJ
@Jake L He's had 44 years to reconcile with the fact the he lost 44 years of his life. I'm pretty sure he's doing well mentally. Spending time alone like that can change you for the better mentally coupled with the fact that he was in PRISON. Dude's seen life but not the good kind. He still has time though. I wish him the best.
And if the cop were your father, would you respect him anyway??
That man is inspirational. Peace and long life to you.
i'd like an update, i hope he's ok
Moönchild he was able to get in contact with his uncle and some cousins in 2018, still doing well according to the internet
@@catcherzw thank you for let me know, Zack ^^
@@fleuretty Hey, search for "Finding my family after 44 years in prison | AJ Shorts" for an update!
@@lepastet1936 thank you! ^^
@first name last name -
"I hope hes attempted murdered" ?!
It's impossible to make sense out of your comment, please rephrase.
This man, although an ex criminal, had some really good philosophies.
Adam Salih but what about the one that kill people.. They got less life in jail
i mean 44 years in jail he had time to think didnt he?
Zug Zug besides he said it was against a police officer. It could have been self defence or racism
Zug Zug
Dumbass
Stapler pathetic
wisdom in his words. How can you not feel for this man. he may know nothing about present technology, But he is wiser than anyone who have had iphones and all that gadgets. Now I feel the need to detoxify myself from social media.
True true , magnificent words gentleman
+ritz ginoo So having modern gadgets isn't wise? This man spoke his opinion which happens to be quite peaceful and easy going, but that doesn't make him WISER than people with gadgets lol.
Please don't think of modern society as a mass of stupid people. That "pessimist thinking behavior" has been around since the beginning.
(In fact, people have never been as educated as today)
+Frederic Bessette I think you're confusing wisdom and knowledge. He is in fact wiser than most.
James Winchester Im not saying he's not wiser than most, im saying hes not necessarly any wiser than people with modern gadgets such as iPhones.
+ritz ginoo Just remember not to disconnect yourself from the world, you can lose yourself that way. Always know where you stand and who you are, simply train yourself to look through the world that you see, to see the world that is.
This makes me so sad...... I hope he'll have a happy life from now on
They should make a movie about this man and his story!
What would it be about? He was in prison, he got out and now things have changed
Old glory much more than that. We begin with him being a kid and him growing up and we see him commit attempted murder. Part of the movie shows him in prison for 44 years, and then he gets out and we see him trying to fit in with the new world.
+Old glory +Bill Gates Sounds like Shawshank Redemption to me.
Yeah except maybe better imo
+MahoganyMilkshake not really since in showshank he was innocent the entire time
if this guy was arrested in the 70's then the racism just ended and people are still in a way of getting used to it. still, I think 44 years is too much, 20 would have been much better, poor man :(
+♥ Mlp Starswirl ♥ He was only sentenced to 25 for the Assault/Attempted Murder.
+Chancey Wilczewski no he was sentanced 44 for trying to assault an officer, 44 years because there was alot of racism at the time
+TheNoobStevio Oh, you are correct. I was repeating incorrect information, my apologies.
That aside, and regardless of the racism involved. I think a 44 year sentence is fine for assaulting an officer of the law.
(Correction, Attempted Murder of an officer)
***** the sad thing is it really never will because its in human nature to dominate so the majority always attempts to take over the minorities.
He got arrested in 1971, barely got a taste of non segregation, racism never ended tho
Damn...this is actually pretty interesting
+Shaclone shacloooooneee
+Shaclone Shaco in the houseee
kinda like travelling to the future, but it's also sad, he has no one to return too after all that time in prison, but somehow he can still be optimistic about his situation, admirable!
+Shaclone love you dude !! my favorite shaco player, I started playing shaco cause of you :D
+Shaclone eyyyy
My heart goes out to him 💔
Humanity needs to make a comeback in 2020 🙏🏼
He attempted to take a life
@@benhill8384 His life has been taken not attempedly taken. It's pretty obvious he is a gentle soul. No? Also if you follow recent events much it's hard to ignore all the doubt surrounding police reports.
@@benhill8384 yes, but he’s grown. he’s obviously trying to be better and move on. why does nobody understand that people can change?
This is like the 3rd time I watched this video, breaks my heart every time.
I just hate seeing how different everything is for them back then. Being at such an old age that you really wouldn't know what to do. You miss literally everything and it breaks my heart
+peligro20 amen
+Mike Fu What?
redbull45323 I didn't understand what he said
why
It honestly just shows how much we dont appreciate how easy everything is for us nowadays
Its kinda hard to appreciate something you were born with and lived with all your life. Im not saying we shouldnt, but the only time you start feeling appreciation is when you start missing it if you know what i mean..
Not at all, maybe for you, i don't know, maybe you're not showing your problems, i don't know, but even in the first world countries there are extreme problems, in almost all if not all the countries in the world there are extreme problems
@@gayhomelesswithpinknails4424 there will always be problems. If you try to make it perfect you will only create chaos in the process anddd.... I just realized your comment is 1 year old
I'd still rather have more affordable housing than cell phones, videogames and both peanut butter and jelly in the same jar. I can live without internet too if I could pay what my grandparents and even my parents did for their homes.
He's so humbled, the small things matter to him. God bless you brother✊
Shirley Conerly
-44 years for an attack on a cop
-1 year for Epstein for raping dozens of young girls
Poor Black vs Rich Jew
waterside people like you only like to see the worst in people, you she what was and not what is. We all know what he has done there was no need for you to say that
Ron S You already said that
9 years ago I’m sorry everyone is talking about this guy as if he was a hero!!! He tried to kill someone didn’t he? Yes America is racist but he’s indeed a criminal
God doesnt exist
Seeing the world anew through Mr. Johnson's eyes is a moving experience. So much to learn from his observations and experiences! I was especially touched by this section: "Since it's nice out I go out at night in the park. I just meditate . Hanging onto anger will only stagnate your growth." His generosity of spirit permeates everything he says and does.
Really interesting story, must be such a culture shock for him. Really fun to see videos like these though, makes you think about what you actually have and how fortunate you are to live in the society you're in.
+Trap Nation chill nation on joe weller and csg now trap nation here sick :)
+Steven Morgan Haha, I'm a pretty hard Reddit lurker so I just comment on cool videos that I like.
+Pinhead Challenge accepted.
Well some people should pay about what they have done! It's not like he was forced to be in jail, he took life of someone especially a police officer! now he is lucky that he is still alive in some countries they execute guilty people! nevertheless, he seemed really cool guy really like to know more about him! these are the people that you learn from not Justin Bieber :D
+Hamed Hosseini We are all human beings with a will to live and to experience. It does not matter who you are or what you've done; it is downright morally wrong to me to confine or execute a human being.
He’s so humble. My father has been incarcerated for 27 years for conspiracy. I pray one day he’s released. I’m so happy for this man...God bless him
May Allah bless your father,and help him back outside,27years is MORE than enough time💯love from Lise in Norway❤️
Prison is supposed to have a rehabilitative function as well. How is a person supposed to have a normal life in society after 44 years in extreme isolation from the real world?
+Christina Hitrova ...Depends on a person ...this man grew spiritually ...meditation was a great savior belt ..
But my point was that prison did not fulfill it's double function - punish and rehabilitate. He was punished, but his life was destroyed. It's great he found a way and he found meditation, but it was not prison that did its job.
Prisons in the US are not there to rehabilitate, the sad truth is, they are there to punish and only to punish.
+Christina Hitrova The prison system in the US is a huge business. Money is the top priority.
+Timothy Holley that doesn't even make any sense... it COSTS the government to imprison people.
feeling very sad for him .. this is so hard to live life lonely. hope he will find the new way to live his life..
I'm smelling an oscar pick for Morgan Freeman playing this dude!
+Jan S. 44 years of imprisonment aint that eventful
Jason Hives
nah bro, the film should be 30 minutes origin story (being young, then going to jail) and the rest of the film should be about what we see in this video. maybe adding a story of him getting friends with a young homeless person that learns from him to appreciate life (the homeless person being based on several real life people who find inpsiration in his story). damn I'm into this...^^
Morgan Free Man?
+Vian Flash hahahaha took me several seconds but i got it!! :D :D nice one!! lol
+Jan S. he already did. in shawshank redemption. its actually quite similar now that i think about it
oh my god 44 years.... now i i realized what is freedom.
dont be a prisoner of your past... thats what i learned from this man...
great lesson
what a lessons
Astute observation.
muhammad yaseen I also learned do not blame yourself for your past , enjoy the present .
Thats a nice way to phrase it
I used to volunteer at a prison for my college and I see a lot of similarities between this man and the ones I met. It’s really humbling to meet people who are in an incredibly harsh environment, yet somehow more at peace? Don’t get me wrong, a lot of guys told me about some intense struggles they were still dealing with. But it was honestly amazing the wisdom they gained after being broken down and built back up. They had a LOT they could be complaining about, but here they were asking about MY hardships and what I was going through. Prison seemed to give them the opportunity to really look at themselves and decide who they want to be. They’re disconnected from all the noise of the world, so they have no choice to face who they are. I think there’s a lesson for all of us there.
Also he sounds like a good guy now, but maybe he wasn't a good guy when he was 22. Who knows. He sounds nice enough from this video, but maybe he turned a new leaf when he was in prison. That's why people are like ' This guy is so good, people are too harsh' < He might not have been good back then. I like him NOW. 44 years is way too long though.
+NANCAY WANG True! When you are young, you can do whatever you want. I'm pretty sure this guy wasn't a good guy back then because he was young and can do whatever he want, but when you get older you realize something bigger, something important in life. I think the older you get, the more you realize how important life is, the more you think about your family, especially when you are 69 years old like this guy and got locked up for 44 years behind bars is way too tough.
So odd, I come across your comments everywhere. From bboying to JK........
He may have been bad in prison too. The original sentence could have been much shorter. They don't tell us.
he couldve have always been a goodman he was jailed when black people still where a real minority in america and hsvily discriminated against
+MISTER “J0HN D03” we still are
This hurts my heart....
He probably used a gun to try to hurt a police officer's heart.
+Jacob Cardwell :'\
+Jacob Cardwell why you gotta put it like that XD
+00700556 44 likes
Alex Konzelman
This is just phenomenal to hear this mans story and what he does now. I wish that I could hear this man tell his stories, because I'd listen for hours. 44 Years must have been excruciatingly hard, and then to take in sooo much new things coming out, man, it was probably nerve-racking. I feel for this guy!
+C EL Lavoo PS I'm 15 and I feel that just this was a LONG time, I couldn't imagine 44 years!!
+C EL Lavoo same here..
+C EL Lavoo Exactly my thoughts!! Would be so inspiring and exciting listening to him for a longer time than 6 minutes!
I could listen to him for hours too. I wonder where his family is?
z
Why do I feel immense admiration for this man. ❤️. May Allah azawajal take care of him
He is like Red from The Shawshank redemption. The persona and voice. I like him...
Haha i agree the first time i see him.
Just like in the movie he got out from prison and maybe looking his escaped friend? 🤣
Yes and also kinda like Brooks in a way, who came out of prison and saw that the whole world had changed so much in decades. ( I'm not a native speaker oops )
@@thokal014 but he didnt do suicide
Believe what you want. These walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. After long enough, you get so you depend on 'em. That's "institutionalized."
He is only 25 with 44 years of experience..😎😎
with 69 year 😎😎😎
Great comment
No he is 69 with 25 years of experience in society.
@@ya_boi_jerome3768 70's society
Instead of making criminals spend years upon years in prison (with nothing to show for it), why aren't we investing in rehabilitating them, giving them an education in a reasonable field that they're interested in, and making them into productive members of society? Of course there needs to be punishment for their actions, but it doesn't mean we should nullify the contributions they could have made to society.
Couldn't have said it better. :)
Expl0rati0n That's stupid
Because it wouldn't work
+BlastoiseBabe What doesn't work is sending all these people to jail and releasing them into a world they don't know how to operate in. The exprisoners become homeless and some turn back to the same crimes because they got taken care of better in prison then on the streets. At least help them to help themselves, they're still human beings.
Your right man you shouldbe president mate
This man deserves glory and all the blessings in the world, for his forgiving heart! the way he is so humble, he has no anger towards anyone,after all that he's been thru and look at his face - full of love, joy, and kindness, bless his heart! He will live a long life because God has been with him all this time! he deserves only the best! may Justice be served!
44 years ;( that's too long why are human so cruel. This makes me sad fr. But I love his spirit, God bless him. :( I'm still sad omg
And how can Obama let this happened:(
+EXO EXOTIX Don't forget he took a life of someone that could have lived for 80-100 years
+Jordan Chance lol my fault... wtf why 44 years than
+EXO EXOTIX Attempted murder isn't cruel, apparently 44 in jail years is inhumane.
+WiryW i know but he took place as a president in 2009 at least he could reduce the jail time since then.
He's sound like a nice man I have respect for him 😀
Dont judge book by its cover
Yep!!
ramla omar shoo
@@user-hy7br8ne9m that s why she said he sound like
It's weird how he got 44 years for *attempted* murder when some people get away with killing someone and get only 25 years.
Corey TV it was on a police officer though. attempted murder and assault on a police officer.
Linsay so what? Police offers are induktivt inmates all the time IF u talk back they send u to court to protest for 10 more years like Wtf just cause hes a police does not mean that u shall get more time, polises are doing more illegal things at us
I'm not saying it's right lol , I'm just saying sometimes it's more time .
Sebastian Angel back then it wasn't strange seeing a black man being arrested for the littlest things
He was a black man in the seventies i guess...
This was amazing. I need to see a longer version.
+Kiandymundi go make a new video first plzerino
sonh
sonh
sonh
sonh
song
"Holding onto anger will only stagnate your growth and development." - Otis Johnson
I find I'm so excited that I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel. A free man at a start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.
this was a quote from the film shawshank redemption lol
Maximus Desimus I know right Andy Dufresne and red lol
Absolutely it is still a great quote and your response was also great, very thoughtful :)
TonyBoschFilms sorry man, Trump is building a wall
Jon Torgusen lol
So amazing to see things from this man's perspective.
im wonder if the judge that put this man on prison is still alive ...
Whether they're dead or not, they're still more alive than your grammar...
+Lamborghini Veneno ....L
+Armando Barreda You took that really offensively and personally... I find that really cute. And obviously I can't speak your language because I've never tried or learned it so obviously not kid. You're comparing your ability to speak English after learning (for maybe multiple years), to my ability to speak Spanish without learning it or even trying to say anything Spanish once. And you're calling me trash!? It's like comparing yourself to a rock. No competition! Of course you're better than me at speaking Spanish dumbass...
And the only error you made was the word 'on' which should instead be 'in', and I called you out! By no means was I insulting you or your grammar. Just calling you out.
Lamborghini Veneno u need lifetime prison
*He likes children. He talks about growth and development. He meditates. He likes going to the park. How does a guy like this end up assaulting a police officer ?*
+HoomanTV 44 years of prison
+HoomanTV A 70 year old who's been removed from society for 40+ years is a completely different person than a 25 year old kid in the 70's.
+HoomanTV Simply put, he is not the same person now as he was when he was 25 years old. Just as you are not the same person now as when you were a child. We all change in time, for better or worse. It is impossible to remain the same, as we constantly encounter new experiences, relationships, knowledge, etc. For example, I'm willing to bet he learned meditation while in prison from prison meditation programs.
he probably got a dose of reality when he arrived in prison
+HoomanTV you say that like people who commit assualt are monsters. Criminals arnt necessarily individuals void of morals who hate all that is good in the world.
The people looking at their phones got me too when I came home. Especially when I got handed one with no buttons on it. Gotta edit to say this. Man I remember my first time in the store. I spent hours in there looking at all of the food.
Just seeing him in the Grocery store kinda made me reflect a bit, we all have it pretty good. You gotta enjoy and appreciate the small things in life and never take them for granted. This man lost 40 years of his life that he can never get back but somehow by the grace of god managed to come out of the hellhole that is the US prison a humble man and seeing his smile and his amazement at all the things at a grocery store really make me appreciate the simple things I have in my life. Remember that people. Learn from people like Ottis.
What an inspiring man.
I know documentaries tend to bring out certain aspects of people but this man truly seems like an interesting and changed character.
Attempted murder, and he served 44 years?
Ive heard of murderers here in Ireland who've recieved 10 years.
Ridiculous.
+Ciian Thornhiil The reason why he served 44 years is because he was arrested when there was a large amount of prejudice among black people in america, Black people were being given twice the sentencing and even different crimes that were worse then what they did because of this, Its likely he got in a fight with a officer and had made no attempt on his life but they charged him for attempted murder anyways
+TheKelmap can they not adjust how many years someone has to serve because of political/social change?
+Jeremiah Bayna ikr so stupid, they're way too brutal on there sentences
Jeremiah Bayna It'd suffer alot of consequences, People who were selling this certain type of drug would go free because that drug is no longer looked at like that, Even when they broke the crime or were infact aggresive drug dealers but were never charged for that would just go free, And its also very likely that they forgot about him, But what I don't understand is he could have requested to be approved for parole and provided evidence on how his case was biased like during 2000, I don't get why he didn't try doing this at all as he would more then likely have gone free
+TheKelmap he doesn't know his rights unless an attorney could have told him.
This is the coolest and most interesting videos I have seen in a long time. Great work and a great story with an incredible perspective on the world we live in today and separation from society.
+Philip Brandon :,)
I feel hypnotized by his voice..😳 super gentle and soft spoken 💖
Moving forward not backwards. That’s how you move to society. That was deep. Thank you Sir!
What a great man...he looks so calm and at peace. Not many people would be so at peace after years in confinement. I hope hes ok.
what a beautiful man...
hes an amazing person, for him its like he traveled into the future, thats crazy. I love how hes enjoying the little things. And what he said at 5:42 is really beautiful, hes so wise
I met him a few days ago :)
My thoughts exactly
He looks like someone who'd be a brilliant Scholar.
+Octopus Incinerator really I want to meet him it's so sad