On February 18 in the Meagher Theater, Dr. Demi Moore, a criminal justice professor and former Delaware State Trooper, joined her fiancé Albert Pernsley III to premiere their documentary “Success Beyond Prison Walls,” bringing a powerful, first-hand account of reentry struggles and second chances to campus.
The documentary, created by Albert Pernsley III and Dr. Demi Moore, offers an unfiltered look at life after incarceration and the systemic barriers many formerly incarcerated individuals face when attempting to rebuild their lives.
Dr. Demi Moore and fiancé Albert Pernsley III. By Nguyen Ta
Pernsley, who served more than a decade in prison following a 2009 third-degree murder conviction, is now the CEO of Crown Me Fit, a Brookhaven-based fitness center he co-founded with Moore.
But as the film reveals, his journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship was anything but straightforward.
After his release, Pernsley spent two years applying for jobs, often advancing through interviews only to be rejected after background checks revealed his conviction. Despite being transparent about his past, he faced repeated denials.
“On paper, individuals look the same,” Moore, a criminal justice professor at Neumann, explained during a post-screening discussion.
“But the circumstances behind each case can be very different. We need to start looking at people individually.”
Moore and Pernsley discuss with guest speakers in the Q&A session. By Nguyen Ta
The film highlights how those barriers ultimately led the couple to create their own opportunity.
In 2021, they launched Crown Me Fit from the ground up, combining their shared passion for fitness with a mission rooted in second chances.
Their partnership itself is remarkable. Moore, a former Delaware State Trooper, suffered a traumatic brain injury after being attacked by a prisoner during an extradition. She later met Pernsley during her recovery journey, an intersection of two vastly different experiences within the criminal justice system.
Together, they have since become outspoken advocates for reform, particularly efforts to expand Pennsylvania’s Clean Slate legislation to consider individual circumstances rather than blanket disqualifications.
“We’re releasing people back into society,” Moore said, “but in many ways, we’re setting them up to fail.”
The screening also served as a learning moment for students, particularly those studying criminal justice. Moore has incorporated reentry simulations into her coursework, challenging students to navigate the same obstacles faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking housing, employment, and basic services.
The audience reacts to Moore’s jokey answer. By Nguyen Ta
Student reactions underscored the film’s emotional impact and its influence on future professionals in the field. Several of Moore’s students reflected on how the documentary reshaped their perspectives.
Angelina Sannicandro emphasized the power of the couple’s shared journey: “They both went through really difficult things, but seeing how they brought their stories together was powerful.”
Presley Harman pointed to Pernsley’s character as a lasting takeaway. “To know what he went through and still see who he is today, that’s something we can all learn from,” she said. “Learn the person behind the crime.”
For Karina Rodriguez, the film challenged assumptions about the justice system. “They’re not frustrated, they want to teach people,” she said. “They want others to understand their perspective.”
Erin Gee said the documentary reshaped her thinking entirely. “It’s a story about second chances,” she noted. “No matter what happens, you can change your life.”
From left: Angelina Sannicandro, Presley Harman, Karina Rodriguez, and Erin Gee, students of Dr. Demi Moore, discuss after the screening. By Nguyen Ta
Several students also said the film would influence their future careers.
“It makes you think twice before judging someone,” one attendee added. “That’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward.”
For many in attendance, the event was more than a film screening, it was a call to action.
Pernsley emphasized that the documentary marks only the beginning of a broader mission. “This is the start of something bigger,” he said. “If we can change even one person’s mindset, that matters.”
Moore echoed that sentiment in a powerful closing message, urging employers and community members to look beyond criminal records.
“When you give someone a second chance,” she said, “you’re not just gaining an employee, you’re gaining someone who knows the value of opportunity.”
The couple hopes to bring “Success Beyond Prison Walls” to wider audiences, continuing their push for reform and a more equitable path to reentry.
They are also raising funds to support this documentary and advocacy work on reentry. Attendees – and the wider community – can contribute through a QR code link provided at the event, helping Moore and Pernsley expand awareness and resources for those navigating life after incarceration.
Scan to support Dr. Demi Moore and Albert Pernsley III’s documentary on reentry and help raise awareness for second chances.
