Yahighness Shameeka France, Success After Prison started as a resource for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, I soon realized that true inspiration comes from witnessing those who prove they are not defined by their past actions. A changed mind and heightened awareness empowered me to realize that what once seemed impossible is, in fact, possible.

After returning during the height of the pandemic, I was given the opportunity to attend Columbia University, where I learned coding and worked alongside some fearless leaders at the law school, including Susan Sturm, to advocate for justice and support aspiring lawyers. I will forever be grateful to the Gatekeeper who introduced me to the field of social justice.

First and foremost, I give all praise to the Most High and my ambassadors in the Kingdom for their strength. I thank Judge May for sentencing me based on the ‘why’ rather than the ‘what,’ Aden and the team for helping me understand the importance of coding, and T. Phillips for recognizing my passion from 25 years ago. Special thanks to E. Gaines and the entire Osborne staff for their support of Empress and I, and to WCJA for years of daily prayer.

I also thank the Center for Justice for introducing me to transformation that empowers others, Kathy Boudin for lighting the path and showing it’s easier to follow, Eddie Ellis for leaving a legacy that explains why we are under attack, and the National Council for ensuring I fully understand the challenges we face the power of collective mobilization.