[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 60 (Monday, April 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E344-E345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING SUE ELLEN ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 5, 2021

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Sue Ellen Allen, who passed away on February 24, 2021. A woman whose 
fiery passion matched her red hair, Sue Ellen was a fearless champion 
for criminal justice reform in Arizona and across the nation--guided by 
her steadfast belief that everyone deserved a second chance. She loved 
fiercely, and her infectious southern charm brought light to every room 
she entered. Sue Ellen's story is an inspiration to us all, and Arizona 
is a better place for her presence among us.
  She lived many lives as an educator, business owner, community 
leader, and as a former inmate at Arizona State Prison. Sue Ellen put 
it best, she was a ``contradiction in terms.'' It was during her time 
as an inmate when she encountered systemic inequities and became 
acutely aware of the hardships faced for those behind bars. Her cell 
mate, Gina--despite many pleas for medical attention--died of leukemia. 
This loss altered the course of Sue Ellen's life and inspired her to 
fight not only for her own reentry into society, but for all those 
formerly incarcerated, especially girls and women.

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  When talking about her experience, Sue Ellen used to say, ``Being 
released from prison is like being shot out of a cannon naked into a 
brick wall.'' Even through hardship, she never lost her sense of humor. 
Upon her release, she authored ``The Slumber Party from Hell'' 
detailing her time in prison. She then founded the nonprofit 
organization ReInventing ReEntry to educate and reshape society's 
perception of former inmates to help them reintegrate and give them a 
fair shot for employment, housing, education, and entrepreneurial 
opportunities--without shame or stigma.
  Sue Ellen courageously chose to confront and relive these challenges 
with hope that she could help others see their purpose and potential 
again. She visited prisons and detention centers to tell her story and 
prepare women and girls for life inside and after reentry. She would 
talk to anyone who listened, from judges and elected officials--even 
President Barack Obama. For her seminal leadership on criminal justice 
issues, she joined First Lady Michelle Obama as a guest of honor for 
the President's final State of the Union address.
  Sue Ellen saw life as a grand adventure and moved mountains to 
inspire hope in those she saw herself in. We owe her a debt of 
gratitude and are thankful we bore witness to her life's work in 
Arizona and across the nation. She inspired many Arizonans to seek 
justice, treat others with the dignity and respect they deserve, and to 
keep up the good fight.
  In this spirit of remembrance, I rise to honor the tremendous life 
and legacy of Sue Ellen Allen. I thank Sue Ellen, and wish her 
Godspeed.

                          ____________________