Prison to Promise

Walter Dunn: Champion of Justice and Inspirational Advocate Ep. 72

Walter, a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, is a beacon of resilience and determination. He wears many hats — from being a motivational speaker and author to a radio host, life coach, legal analyst, and relationship expert. With a college degree in General Education under his belt, Walter's journey took a dramatic turn when he got accused of a crime, faced a trial, and received a staggering 27-year sentence.What sets Walter apart is his unyielding spirit and self-driven pursuit of knowledge. During his time behind bars, he immersed himself in the study of law, eventually mastering it to the point where he successfully overturned his sentence. His challenges ignited a fire within him, leading to a profound passion for rectifying the injustices prevalent in the criminal legal system.Before his incarceration, Walter spent six years working at a university, making his story all the more compelling. Today, he traverses the country, speaking at universities, sharing his gripping narrative, and inspiring young minds to stand up against injustice. Walter's tale is not just one of personal triumph but also a call to action, urging the youth to join him in the fight for a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.

Khalil Osiris: Advocate of Second Chances and Social Justice Ep. 71

Khalil Osiris is a trailblazer in education, restorative justice, and social impact. His groundbreaking eBook, titled "Second Chances: The Benefits of Hiring Returning Citizens," serves as a crucial guide for employers, business leaders, HR professionals, DEI officers, and returning citizens themselves.At the forefront of change, Khalil leads the way with Truth & Reconciliation Conversations (TRC), driving conversations that promote racial reconciliation and passionately advocating for the rights of women and girls. Rooted in his journey of incarceration, his widely studied book, "Psychology of Incarceration," provides a distinctive perspective on the subject, offering profound insights.Khalil's influence reverberates globally. He is a seasoned consultant, a charismatic TV show host, and the creative mind behind impactful documentaries. To delve deeper into his extraordinary contributions, visit his website at khalilosiris.com. Khalil Osiris continues shaping conversations, challenging perspectives, and profoundly inspiring change.

Breaking Chains: Cierra Cobb’s Fight for Justice Ep. 70

Cierra Cobb is a beacon of strength and resilience in the face of injustice. As the wife of a wrongfully convicted man, she has channeled her unwavering dedication into a powerful mission: fighting for justice and supporting families affected by the criminal justice system. In her multifaceted role as a prison/jail coordinator and a family advocate, Cierra provides essential support and guidance to those with incarcerated loved ones, offering them a glimmer of hope in challenging times.Beyond her vital work on the front lines, Cierra amplifies her impact through her Blacklight Mass Incarceration Show podcast. Through this platform, she illuminates the dark corners of mass incarceration, particularly within the Black community, shedding light on the systemic issues that perpetuate injustice. Cierra engages in profound conversations with experts and individuals directly impacted by the system, aiming to ignite discussions that inspire positive change. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy and her ability to foster meaningful dialogue makes her a driving force in the fight for a more just and equitable society.

Kenny Robinson: A Beacon of Hope Ep. 69

Kenny Robinson is a resilient advocate for criminal justice reform and reintegration whose personal journey has inspired his dedication to helping others rebuild their lives. At the age of 23, Kenny found himself facing a daunting 10-year federal prison sentence, a pivotal moment that would shape his future and fuel his passion for change.Upon his release, Kenny encountered the harsh reality of reentering society after incarceration. Struggling to secure employment and rebuild his life, he recognized the immense challenges many formerly incarcerated individuals face. In 2020, based on his experiences and determination, Kenny founded the nonprofit organization Freedom Fighting Missionaries.As the Executive Director of Freedom Fighting Missionaries, Kenny has spearheaded a noble mission: to provide crucial support and resources to men and women transitioning from jails and prisons. Under his guidance, the organization serves as a lifeline for those seeking to reintegrate into society, offering them a chance at a fresh start.Freedom Fighting Missionaries, founded by Kenny, acts as a bridge, connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with suitable resources essential for successful reintegration. The organization empowers its beneficiaries through various programs and initiatives with vital life skills, educational opportunities, and emotional support. Kenny's personal experience has allowed him to empathize deeply with the struggles faced by those he helps, making his efforts all the more impactful.Kenny Robinson's story is one of resilience, redemption, and hope. His dedication to the cause of aiding individuals in their journey post-incarceration stands as a testament to the transformative power of second chances and the unwavering belief in the potential for change. Through his nonprofit organization, he continues to make a significant difference in the lives of many, offering them the support and guidance they need to rebuild their futures.

Mr. Adre Smith A Path Less Followed pt.II Ep. 68

This is a continuation of pt.I of the conversation.

Mr. Andre Smith : A Path Less Followed ptI Ep. 67

Andre Smith is a practicing Buddhist, an activist, and a teacher of meditation and anger management.  Through the Kadampa Center in Raleigh, NC, he has worked with incarcerated people for more than fifteen years, and through Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, he advocated for the enactment of the NC Racial Justice Act. He is now an active volunteer with the NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. He lost his son, Daniel "Peace" Smith, to murder in 2007. The death of his son only made him more committed to his work with incarcerated people and his advocacy to end the death penalty.

Devin Smith: Letters from America’s 3rd World Ep. 66

Devin D. Smith is the founder and CEO of Ship and Anchor LLC, a social impact enterprise. As an entrepreneur and strategist passionate about inclusion and working with other entrepreneurs and leaders to bring innovative ideas to life, Devin is committed to employing his gifts and experiences to serve and build capacity in others. Devin has recently begun incorporating his creative and artistic nature into his work with his Letters from America’s 3rd World project, consisting of a podcast and documentary short.Join us as Deven shares a treasure trove of invaluable insights, delving into the lessons he gleaned during his detour from college to prison and unveiling the journey of his remarkable resilience and triumphant comeback.

From Incarceration to Empowerment: Daquan Peters’ Journey of Redemption pt2 Ep. 65

If you haven't had the chance to listen to Part 1 of my conversation with Daquan, I highly encourage you to return to the previous episode, 'From Incarceration to Empowerment: Daquan Peters' Journey of Redemption pt1.'In this episode, we'll pick up where we left off, exploring the turning points, triumphs, and wisdom Daquan gained through his experiences.

From Incarceration to Empowerment: Daquan Peters’ Journey of Redemption pt1 Ep. 64

Daquan Peters is the visionary Founder of LEX V-(Lived Experience Voices), a dynamic consulting company that collaborates with non-profits, stakeholders, and decision-makers to address the detrimental effects of the criminal legal system and advocate for social justice.At 32, Daquan Peters faced a daunting reality: a 262-month (22-year) prison sentence for possession of crack cocaine. This sentence felt like a life term for him, marking his fourth time behind bars. Daquan had been in and out of prison since the tender age of 17. During this pivotal moment, he firmly decided: "This has to be the last straw."During his time in prison, Daquan immersed himself in learning the intricacies of the law and closely followed legislative bills and their origins. He realized that his path to rehabilitation lay within his own hands; no one could help him more than he could help himself. Empowered by his newfound knowledge of the law and a deep understanding of his identity, Daquan successfully advocated for a time reduction. As a result of his determination and legal understanding, he was released from prison in September 2019.Daquan's journey is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief, education, and resilience. His personal experience fuels his passion for addressing the flaws in the criminal legal system and advocating for social justice, making him a dedicated and inspiring advocate in the pursuit of positive change.

From Incarceration to Empowerment: Emunah ”Mona” Evans’ Journey Towards Family Reunification Ep. 63

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, we sit down with Emunah "Mona" Evans, a remarkable individual who has survived the harrowing experience of mass incarceration and dedicated her life to helping others affected by the criminal legal system. Monah, a loving mother of three, now serves as a Family Reunification Advocate at Benevolence Farm and is the Founder of the Bonding Families Support Group in Alamance County.Monah's journey is one of resilience and determination. Having faced the challenges of incarceration firsthand, she understands its profound impact on individuals and their families. Her story is an inspiring testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation and empowerment.Throughout this episode, Monah shares her experiences, difficulties during her time behind bars, and the emotional toll it took on her family. She also opens up about her path to recovery and how she emerged from the darkness of incarceration with a renewed sense of purpose.As a Family Reunification Advocate at Benevolence Farm, Monah works tirelessly to reunite families torn apart by the criminal legal system. She provides support, guidance, and resources to individuals navigating the complex web of reentry and rehabilitation. Monah's dedication to her work is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating positive change in her community.Please tune in to hear Monah's story, her insights into the challenges faced by those impacted by the criminal legal system, and the hope she brings to countless families seeking to rebuild their lives. Join us as we explore the transformative power of resilience and the importance of advocating for a more just and compassionate society.Monah's journey from incarceration to empowerment is a shining example of the strength of the human spirit and the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity. Don't miss this inspiring episode.