Prison to Promise

AND STILL I STRIVE (Holly Coomber Pt.2) Ep. 62

In this two-part podcast episode, Holly Coomber shares her life experiences growing up in the foster care system and the events leading up to the murder of two convenience store workers when she was a teenager. Holly's teen years can only be described as horrible. She was put up for adoption as a child. She endured many beatings and broken bones until she was put in a Wayne County foster home of William Allen. Allen sexually abused Coomber, took her as his lover, and then took her to Missouri at age 16. Holly eventually had Allen's child, which she gave up for adoption. Holly served more than 30 years related to the two murders; She didn't commit them but was on hand when they happened. Her abusive foster father did the killings, one during a robbery of a store in Georgia and then during a robbery of a store in Seneca Falls, NY. William Allen was convicted of both slayings and is currently serving a life sentence in Georgia.Holly was released from prison in March 2018after a long journey to justice.

AND STILL I STRIVE (Holly Coomber Pt.1) Ep. 61

In this two-part podcast episode, Holly Coomber shares her life experiences growing up in the foster care system and the events leading up to the murder of two convenience store workers when she was a teenager. Holly's teen years can only be described as horrible. She was put up for adoption as a child. She endured many beatings and broken bones until she was put in a Wayne County foster home of William Allen. Allen sexually abused Coomber, took her as his lover, and then took her to Missouri at age 16. Holly eventually had Allen's child, which she gave up for adoption. Holly served more than 30 years related to the two murders; She didn't commit them but was on hand when they happened. Her abusive foster father did the killings, one during a robbery of a store in Georgia and then during a robbery of a store in Seneca Falls, NY. William Allen was convicted of both slayings and is currently serving a life sentence in Georgia.Holly was released from prison in March 2018after a long journey to justice.

Damien Gabriel. Echoes of Innocence: Unveiling Truth Behind Bars Ep. 60

Damien finds himself confined to a life sentence within the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, all due to a murder he is adamant he did not commit. In a recent conversation lasting fifteen minutes, he and I managed to connect over the phone. During our brief dialogue, Damien recounted the story of his wrongful conviction, expressing his yearning for the eventual revelation of the accurate details surrounding his case. He remains hopeful that these truths will emerge, ultimately paving the way for his liberation from the confines of prison walls and gates.

Steven Mangual Ep. 59

Steven Mangual is a long-time Advocate and Activist in the fields of health, social, and criminal justice, both from behind the walls and in his community. He started his career in 1997 as a Facilitator, Peer Educator, and Organizer within the New York State Department of Corrections while serving a 14-year sentence, joining the leadership of such prison organizations as Latino Organizations and the Lifers and Long-termers Organizations. Upon his release in 2006, Steven worked as an HIV Case Manager, Hepatitis C Educator, collaborating with the NYS Department of Health. Steven returned to DOCCS, providing training to peer educators, HIV rapid testing, and transitional reentry planning. Steven volunteered for thirteen years as the Latino Affairs Producer/Co-host for “On The Count: The Prison and Criminal Justice Report,” a 60-minute talk, news, and interview program featuring criminal and social justice subjects on radio station WBAI, 99.5 FM. For three years, Steven worked with Common Justice, a community-based alternative to incarceration program for youth in his native The Bronx, NY, where he served as Assistant Director of Intervention, responsible for all court-mandated participants and facilitating restorative justice circles. As the Southeast Regional Justice Advocate Coordinator, Steven works under the direct supervision of the Regional Director of Policy and Advocacy, helping formulate and execute advocacy initiatives and community engagement in criminal legal, policing, and policy initiatives at local, state, and regional levels.

George in 4-D Ep. 58

George O'Briant originally hails from Roxboro (Person County), NC; at 14, his family relocated to Durham, NC. Following a significant injury from a car accident, he fell in with an unsavory crowd, leading to involvement in substance abuse, alcohol, and minor criminal activities. As a result, George decided to leave school--as a result, he got placed in foster care. With the support and guidance of his foster parents, he enrolled in Job Corps, successfully achieving a GED and obtaining a food service certification.Upon his return from Job Corps, George found himself deeper entrenched in the drug and street culture of Bull City (Durham, NC). This path led him through three prison terms totaling 8.5 years. However, his final period of incarceration in 2004 marked a turning point in his life. During an experience in solitary confinement in April 2005, George underwent a profound spiritual awakening—an encounter with Jesus Christ that ultimately transformed his life.During his participation in drug treatment while in prison, George began to envision a new purpose for himself as a drug counselor. Upon his release, he actively pursued a college education in drug counseling. For the past 12.5 years, George has dedicated himself to the helping profession, with the most recent five years as a North Carolina board-certified alcohol and drug counselor. Additionally, he has found happiness in his marriage to the love of his life. George highlights that while sobriety can lead to external improvement, the true essence of holistic recovery lies in internal transformation.

Brent Bailey: Embracing Redirection in the Journey of Reentry Ep. 57

In the realm of reentry, there exists a warrior named Brent Bailey. Buncombe County is privileged to have him as the Local Reentry Council Coordinator. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to converse with Brent as he graciously shared his voyage through the North Carolina prison system and his unwavering commitment to avoid returning to incarceration. Prepare to gain remarkable insights from Brent's unique perspective on reentry as he illuminates the essential elements required for incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into the community following their release successfully. Brace yourself for a transformative exploration of reentry with Brent Bailey, where rejection is simply a redirection toward a brighter future.

Tony Lowden: From the Trap House to the White House Ep. 56

I'd assume Brother Tony Lowden is a preacher if I didn't know any better. He reminds me of the preachers I grew up listening to in church on Sunday mornings as he discusses his journey from growing up in a "trap house" in North Philadelphia to become President Jimmy Carter's pastor. As the SVP, Chief Social Impact Officer at ViaPath Technologies Tony is an advocate for criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and reentry programs, he is committed to helping people nationwide rebuild their lives after release from prison and highlights the importance of taking action to help others.

Resilient: From Where I Came to Where I Am | Savvy Shabazz. Ep. 55

Mr. Shabazz, who received a 28-year sentence for non-violent drug offenses in McCracken County, Kentucky, is now committed to the Life Coach Each One Teach One Reentry Fellowship, where he is Executive Director. This program focuses on raising awareness and prevention of prison, probation, and parole (3P's) and equipping individuals with the skills necessary to reintegrate into their families and communities after incarceration. According to Mr. Shabazz, his life has undergone a profound transformation, and he now feels like he's in full bloom. Despite having previously sowed seeds of self-destruction and hatred, he has found strength and determination through his struggles. Through his journey, Mr. Shabazz has been reborn and is continually growing.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Prison to Promise Podcast

The Prison to Promise podcast is a show that explores the challenges and triumphs of individuals who have been formerly incarcerated. Hosted by yours truly, Dr. Craig Waleed, an educator, motivational speaker, and advocate who himself served time in prison. The podcast aims to inspire listeners by sharing stories of transformation and resilience.
Each episode of the Prison to Promise podcast features an interview with a different guest who has overcome the obstacles of reentry after prison. The guests come from all walks of life and share their unique experiences and perspectives on topics such as education, employment, relationships, mental health, and addiction recovery.
Through these conversations, the podcast seeks to shed light on the complex issues facing the criminal legal system and the people who are impacted by it. It also aims to provide practical insights and advice for those who may be navigating similar challenges in their own lives.
Overall, the Prison to Promise podcast is a thought-provoking and inspiring platform that celebrates the power of resilience and the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity.

Kevin McCracken: GRACE Ep. 54

Kevin went through jail and addiction before founding a thriving business called Social Imprints as a way to empower marginalized adults. Kevin notes that ‘his own life experience enables him to relate to the business team members' struggles as they begin the journey to getting their lives back in order.’During the past 20 years Kevin has also had the good fortune of working with multiple non-profits on their board and as a volunteer. Constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of returning citizens, individuals in recovery, and other marginalized communities.Tune in as Kevin talks shop about what he detailed as his “tour of institutions and hospitals up and down the west coast, collecting charges” to becoming the COO & Co-Founder at Social Imprints.