From Wall Street to Watchdog: Neil Barsky's Unconventional Journey

My name is Joshua Bevill.  I'm serving a 30-year federal prison sentence for a low-level, nonviolent offense.  I've been in prison for nearly 15 years.  During my time on the frontlines I've witnessed up close and personal the human toll of injustice, which comes in many forms.

Among many other related pursuits, I routinely write about remarkable people who help rectify injustice, as well as help shine a light on the dark corners of the American justice system.

That brings me to Neil Barsky, a man of many hats: journalist, filmmaker, philanthropist, and even a former hedge fund manager! But he's most recognized for two things: founding The Marshall Project and advocating for criminal justice reform.

Barsky was born in the Bronx and moved throughout the city during his childhood. He attended the Walden School, a progressive institution that likely emphasized social justice values. Barsky has said in interviews that he credits his Jewish schooling and upbringing for instilling a sense of fairness and concern for those who might be disadvantaged. 

One story he recalled in a TEDxSanQuentin talk was when his father organized a protest against racial discrimination in their neighborhood. Witnessing his father's courageous fight for his convictions most likely ignited a spark of activism within Barsky, inspiring him to one day become a change agent himself.

How a High School Project Ignited a Lifelong Career

Barsky's fascination with journalism was not sparked in a traditional newsroom. Instead, it started in high school with a project that delved into the complex issue of busing legislation and its impact on Boston communities. This project would ignite a curiosity within Barsky and a desire to explore the stories that shaped the world around him.

He pursued this burgeoning passion at Oberlin College, earning his undergraduate degree. The path from student to journalist, however, wasn't always smooth. In fact, landing a coveted journalism job right out of college would prove to be very challenging for Barsky. But he wasn't one to be deterred. Barsky decided to hone his skills further and enrolled in the prestigious Columbia Journalism School, earning a Master's degree.

Finally, in 1986, his dedication paid off when Barsky landed his first journalism role at the New York Daily News. This marked the beginning of a fulfilling career that would see him tackle important stories and make a name for himself in the journalism industry. Just two years later, Barsky was hired at the esteemed Wall Street Journal, covering commercial real estate and the gambling industry. He would stay with the paper for five years until another opportunity presented itself.

Wealth and Discontent: The Quest for More Than Money

In 1993, the world of finance beckoned, and Barsky made a surprising career shift. He left journalism behind to become an equity research analyst, eventually starting his own hedge fund. 

This period of wealth creation was, however, a time of introspection for Barsky. Despite achieving financial success, he never truly shed his journalist's skin or his desire to make a difference. 

Upon retiring from finance, Barsky felt a disconnect from the social issues that had once captivated him. He yearned to "reacquaint himself with the real world" and rekindled his inner flame of activism, this time focusing on education and immigration reform. 

It was during this re-engagement that a shocking realization struck Barsky: he had been largely oblivious to the significant developments in the criminal justice system for the past two decades. This gap in awareness became a startling wake-up call.

Sparking a National Conversation on Criminal Justice

Barsky saw a system riddled with disparities, a system that disproportionately affected marginalized groups. This inspired a new mission: to use the power of journalism to expose these flaws and advocate for reform. The result of this newfound purpose was The Marshall Project, a non-profit journalism organization Barsky established in 2009. The Marshall Project's mission became crystal clear in Barsky’s mind: spark a national conversation about reforming the American criminal justice system through in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. The Marshall Project’s hard-hitting investigations have unveiled issues like racial bias in sentencing, the inhumane use of solitary confinement, and the staggering financial burden of mass incarceration. 

Their mission doesn't stop at awareness – their work is credited with influencing policy shifts at all levels. For example, their deep dive into juvenile solitary confinement is believed to have played a role in its decline. But perhaps their most impactful contribution is shifting public perception. Through compelling stories, they help the public grasp the complexities of the system and the human cost of incarceration, paving the way for a more just future. The Marshall Project is a powerful voice, and their fight for criminal justice reform is making a real difference.

Our Unique Experiences Can Change the World

Barsky's journey from Wall Street analyst to crusading journalist is a testament to the transformative power of the human experience. His diverse background, from the formative years spent in a progressive school to the years chasing financial success, all coalesced to create the perfect storm for change. 

Today, Neil Barsky stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder that it's never too late to make a difference. His story is an inspiration, a call to us all to find the cause we care about and use our unique experiences to fight for a better world.