What began as a curiosity about the failures and shortcomings of the American Criminal Justice System evolved into a profound determination to advocate for systemic change. My study, “African Americans in Penology: Repression, Retribution & Rehabilitation,” seeks to uncover the historical and contemporary penal practices that perpetuate racial inequities while exploring actionable measures to facilitate effective rehabilitation. At its core, this project is driven by the belief that no individual—whether incarcerated or unconfined—should be solely defined and limited by their past wrongdoings. The stories I aim to amplify are those that reflect resilience, the promise of human potential, and the capacity for intrapersonal growth. Through comparative historical analysis, qualitative interviews, policy evaluation, and firsthand encounters with preexisting rehabilitative programs, I intend to trace the origins of racial discrimination in correctional institutions, ultimately striving to influence both public opinion and policy, pushing for reforms that prioritize rehabilitation, not retribution. The American Criminal Justice System, from its inception, has been fraught with systematized racial disparities that disproportionately afflict African Americans. This project seeks to challenge long-held beliefs about punishment and spark urgent discussions on the need for a justice system focused on restorative justice and the reintegration of offenders.