Arlington Tugwell has experienced the judicial system from both sides and has a lot of ideas on how to improve public safety in his native home of Oakland, which is suffering from a surge in crime.
“The word ‘safety’ automatically implies the labeling of criminals when the system should be focusing on helping individuals not engage in criminal actions again. When I got out I had no support so I was set up to do it all again anyway.”
Tugwell decided to help create the support he saw was lacking. From Santa Rita Jail to a halfway house to parole, he began counseling men who had similar experiences. His faith journey led him to become a minister and study counseling at Merritt College. Now he and his wife Terri have five kids and eight grandchildren. They teach adult Sunday school—among other ministries—at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He has also joined the Faith in Action East Bay Public Safety Committee.
“I am very interested in trying to change the reentry to society. We need more support, education, and development.”
“I am very interested in trying to change the reentry to society. We need more support, education, and development.”
While he did not meet his father until he was 17, his mother was an important influence. “My mother did most of the raising and showed me many hats: mom, nurturer, friend—I could talk to her about anything.”
Other influences include the motivation of Zig Ziglar and the dignified and dynamic leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. Tugwell participated in February’s School of Faith in Power in Los Angeles. The week focused on training leaders in PICO’s faith-based organizing model. On the first morning, Tugwell gave the opening reflection.
“Faith in Action East Bay has created a pathway. I am trusting the process. I am loving it: being the voice of the people. Faith plays a heavy role. I have my faith in God who loves me and puts me in places I am supposed to be. I trust him and where he puts me.”
Listen to Arlington Tugwell’s February 20, 2024 reflection at the School of Faith and Power.