Biography

Dant’e Cottingham is the Reentry and Outreach Support Specialist for the Frank J. Remington Center, where he assists people as they transition from incarceration and supports the work of the Remington Center’s seven prison-based clinical law programs. Prior to joining the Law School, Dant’e was the interim associate director of EXPO (Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing), a statewide network focused on supporting individuals impacted by incarceration. He also served as an Intensive Outreach Specialist for the city of Racine's Department of Community Safety, where he leveraged his history/experiences to advocate to reduce gun violence.

As a former juvenile lifer who was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison at the age of 17, Dant’e’s journey is a powerful testament to the capacity for change and the importance of human dignity. In all of his work, Dant’e leverages his personal experiences to educate the public about the realities of incarceration, aiming to humanize those affected by the system and foster empathy and understanding. His work supporting those transitioning home after incarceration is inspired by his belief in positive change and empowering others, and in so doing showcasing the strength of the human spirit. His journey is not just one of survival, but of thriving and uplifting others in the process.