The setup and the message are simple: if you do the crime you’re bound to do the time. Through its Cell on Wheels program, the Phenomenal Men’s Support Group (PMSG) aims to paint an accurate picture of what that time in jail is actually like.
“A lot of guys who were in prison come home and act like it’s a badge of honor to be in there,” said Johnson “Smithy” Chapman, president of the group. “That’s the image we’re trying to shake.”
PMSG was founded 15 years ago as a support group for recovering addicts and alcoholics. Chapman was one of five founding members. Today the organization has grown to include 75 members.
Rick Neighborhood has been with the group for eight years and has been off alcohol for almost a decade with the support of PMSG.
“It’s great what these guys do,” Neighborhood said. “It’s something I love being a part of because they gave me an opportunity to reach out and give back to the community.”
Cell on Wheels is PMSG’s most eye-catching community outreach initiative. The group has been bringing its makeshift jail cell to community events including church gatherings, school events and block parties for six years.
At a recent block party on Garfield Avenue, the cell quickly became one of the most eye-catching attractions. The dimly lit cell holds a bunk bed, toilet and a dull piece of reflective aluminum for a mirror.
Chapman explained that everything inside the makeshift jail cell was assembled by PMSG members and donated by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department. He added that the trailer is rarely cleaned and its overall dingy state is intentional.
“We didn’t want to make this a fun experience for them. A single bad decision could end you up in here and not enough kids realize that,” Chapman said. “Once you step in [the cell] you lose your name and become a number.”
Chapman added that before he was president of the organization and mentor to more than 50 youths in the community, he spent three years behind bars. After going to college on a track scholarship and starting a career in the Army, Chapman said he gave it up and “chose the streets.”
“I’m not proud of what I did and I don’t like to think of the lives I messed up,” he said. “But it occurred to me that there might be some kid out there who saw me flashing my money, cars and women and he was impressed by that. So I decided I wanted to tell the whole story.
By creating Cell on Wheels, Chapman said he hopes to shatter misconceptions and provide a clear picture of life in prison. He added that few people realize how much they depend on cell phones, computers and even refrigeration. He said that in jail, if you get something from the cafeteria and want to keep it cold, you have to put it in the toilet.
Chapman and the other PMSG members relayed these facts to any child or adult who stopped by the trailer at the block party. All of the cell’s temporary tenants were asked the same set of questions: How are you doing in school? Do you listen to your parents? Do like it in here? Upon leaving, each had a different reaction.
“It doesn’t look fun. It looks boring. I would never want to spend more time in there than I did just now,” said 12-year-old Martelus of his three-minute stint behind bars.
Others exiting the trailer laughed, walked away shocked or simply remarked, “You guys need an air freshener.”
“I think it’s good for the kids to see something like this,” said Tina Morales, who brought her son and his friends to the block party. “Most people know someone who’s been locked up, but they don’t actually think about what their lives are like while they’re in there. It paints a really interesting picture.”
Chapman said he believes that the Cell on Wheels program has been well received by the community and that it gets more popular each year. The cell is scheduled to stop at as many as three community events each day for the rest of the summer. Chapman, who is now retired, said he doesn’t mind the work or the demanding schedule.
“It’s important that the kids out here see us and see what we’re doing,” he said. “We want to catch them now so the Milwaukee Police don’t have to chase them later.”
Marcy Morrison Pearce says
I’m trying to get in touch with the Phenomenal Men’s Support Group and can’t find a contact number. Can you help?
Dean says
This is an awesome idea, one could probably sell a lot of these, the party rental market alone would be huge.
Chaplain Melvin Reese says
I’m having a community event I would like to have the jail on Wheels present.
How do I make contact with them???
Ricardo Pimentel says
I looked up the group sponsoring Cell on Wheels. Here is a link to the contact info: https://www.hotfrog.com/company/1098767019126784/phenomenal-men-support-group/milwaukee/community-services-and-organizations
Hope this helps.
Tony Rania Morgan says
My name is Tony Rania Morgan My father is Anthony Rania bonds,I was wondering is this the program he created? I came to a few events with him,am currently in Chicago and haven’t seen the trailer since 2009,was just sending my blessings and wanting to say I’m proud of you guys for keeping My father’s dreams alive,peace, Tony Rania Morgan
Minnie says
Yes Tony, my name is Minnie and this is the group your father created. I’ve had the pleasure of becoming the female story teller of the inside. Your father is a genius for thinking of this. When we are out, its an attraction that most children want to see. Once we are done giving them the truth about being in a jail cell, they no longer want to make bad decisions. Smitty and Hood are amazing guys as well! They’ve been working hard to get inside of schools where its needed the most. I’ll let the gentlemen know that you’ve sent your blessings.
Monique Bonds says
Hi Minnie,
My name is Monique Bonds, I am the youngest daughter of Anthony Bonds. I have been trying to find contact information for either Smitty or Hood to speak with them about COW and the direction things are going! Happy to hear that things are still active and moving. Can you please have them reach out to me by email Monisymoneisat@gmail.com. Hopefully I can connect with them directly and see if there is any way I can get involved. God Bless you all, Monique