Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a video interview with two ambitious high school students, Anna and Julisa, as part of their efforts to learn and spread awareness about the prison system. The discussion served as a reminder of the importance of open dialogues around incarceration, rehabilitation, and re-entry. Through this conversation, I shared my personal experiences and the lessons I’ve learned, hoping to inspire others to advocate for meaningful change.
My Journey and the Motivation Behind Prison Professors
The interview started with me recounting the path that led me to this mission. I was incarcerated in 1987 after making poor decisions as a young man, receiving a 45-year sentence for selling cocaine. During my 26 years in prison, I chose to redefine my existence by pursuing education, contributing to society, and working toward atonement. This mindset transformed my life entirely. While the system provided little in terms of opportunities for rehabilitation, I carved out my own, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees, writing books, and mentoring others.
These experiences became the foundation for Prison Professors, an organization I built to empower individuals impacted by the justice system.
My goal?
To show that transformation is possible and that everyone—even someone serving a long sentence like I did—has the potential to redefine their future.
Misconceptions About the Prison System
One of the key topics we discussed was the public’s perception of incarceration. Many believe that locking people up is enough, but the reality is much more complex. Without focusing on rehabilitation and skill-building, prisons create cycles of recidivism, particularly in underserved communities.
Long sentences without offering tools for self-rehabilitation only deepen the problem. The system often neglects to prepare individuals for the real world, failing them when it comes to employment, mental health support, and community re-entry. Too often, prisons emphasize survival over personal growth. This is something I want to change.
Tackling the Challenges of Rehabilitation
If we want to reduce recidivism and help individuals thrive after release, we need to rethink how prisons function. Rehabilitation programs must aim to mirror real-world expectations by:
- Providing Education and Vocational Training to build confidence and teach actionable skills.
- Reinforcing the Value of Structured Goals, encouraging individuals to pursue excellence.
- Challenging Negative Conditioning that arises from the harsh realities of prison life.
I also shared how meaningful incentives could motivate change. When I earned degrees and wrote books, it wasn’t because the system rewarded those efforts. It was a lesson in personal accountability—I wanted to prepare myself for success post-incarceration, no matter the odds.
How to Create Lasting Impact
The interview also touched on the importance of young advocates like Anna and Julisa becoming involved in rehabilitation efforts. I urged them, and by extension anyone interested in justice reform, to join organizations like Prison Professors or any nonprofit committed to change. By volunteering, raising awareness on social media, or contributing to educational programs for the incarcerated, they could help shine a light on what reform truly looks like.
Additionally, I shared how reading helped shape my transformation. Stories like those in the Bible, especially the parable of the talents, taught me the value of investing in oneself. That message resonates deeply with my life’s work. When individuals see their potential for growth, a mindset of striving for success starts to take root.
A Collective Responsibility
There’s an urgent need to rethink how we approach incarceration in the United States. With the highest incarceration rate in the world, we must advocate for solutions beyond confinement. Effective rehabilitation starts with education, support networks, and a commitment to breaking intergenerational cycles.
I believe in the power of stories, like mine, to build bridges across communities and foster greater understanding. By engaging in conversations, sharing lived experiences, and empowering others, we can collectively contribute to a fairer system.
Be Part of the Change
To everyone reading this article, I invite you to reflect on how education and resilience can drive transformation—not just for those in prison, but for anyone facing adversity. Whether you choose to volunteer, support nonprofits, or share your voice on social media, there’s a role for everyone in building a stronger, more equitable society.
Together, we can create a world where rehabilitation, not punishment, becomes the foundation of our justice system. Visit Prison Professors to learn how you can contribute and encourage positivity as we work toward meaningful change.
