Johnny Perez made some serious mistakes when he was younger.

Now after 13 years behind bars, including three in solitary confinement, Johnny is just months away from earning his undergraduate degree from St. Francis College.

He spoke about his experiences and what he's doing to end the use of solitary at St. Francis on November 22, 2016.

(Watch Johnny Perez Talk About His Time in Solitary)

After leaving prison, Johnny began working for the Urban Justice Center, an organization which provides vulbnerbale New Yorkers with legal services, systemic advocacy, community education, and political organizing. Perez is UJC's Mental Health Project Safe Reentry Advocate.

Earlier this year he was appointed to the New York State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. His position is another step in his advocacy against solitary confinement. Perez has testified at numerous hearings, including before City Council and at the United Nations.

Perez has also been interviewed by various news organizations including NY1 and The Guardian.