At different points in life, we may pause and reflect on the people we’ve known, recognizing them beyond the roles we originally assigned to them. Unfortunately, this realization often comes when someone passes away. Suddenly, a gathering of people—some we never knew existed—come forward, sharing stories that reveal a whole new dimension of the person … read more
Reflection: Woolworth’s Lunch Counter Sit-in
Real change often doesn’t happen quickly. Meaningful progress requires a shift, one that takes time and the collective will of enough people to consider alternatives. We must remind ourselves that change is a process. Thinking about the person I am now, I have no doubt I would have joined that sit-in. Years ago, though, I … read more
Grammy Gala
Consistency and focus can take you further than you ever imagined. The challenge, however, is patience. You never know when or who will notice your work—you only know that you are putting in the effort that needs to be done. For years, I have worked with prison artwork and have seen firsthand how it sparks … read more
The King of Character
In recent weeks, I attended Duke University’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Service of Commemoration, themed “Hope Powered by Community.” The event was deeply inspiring. The first time I heard Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, especially the phrase “content of their character,” I was profoundly moved. As a child, I didn’t fully understand … read more
Artwork, good to the last drop.
It’s a ritual for so many of us to start the day with a cup of coffee—but what if that coffee became your art supply? Stay with me. I’ve been working with a prison artist who specializes in creating stunning artwork entirely out of coffee. The first time I saw his work, I was blown … read more
Experiential Criminal Justice Learning
I feel incredibly fortunate to learn from the next generation. At Impartial, we’ve built nearly everything with the help of a small army of volunteers—most of them under 30, including a remarkable 15-year-old writer. Their intelligence, creativity, and passion have been instrumental in our journey. While most of our collaboration happens virtually, our prison artwork … read more
No Resolutions
No Resolutions. Life moves fast—sometimes faster than I can keep up. With information coming at us from every direction, it’s easy to feel like we’re just reacting to what’s next rather than staying intentional about what really matters. That’s why carving out time to reflect isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Blocking off time … read more
Stamped Freedom
Each month, Impartial receives on average between 30-40 letters inquiring about our Prison Artwork program. These letters come from individuals across the US prison system, each with unique stories and needs. I respond to every letter. To do so effectively, I’ve developed a system that allows me to dedicate focused time, usually over the weekend, … read more
Help Me Understand
This past year, I focused on the power of asking one thoughtful question: I found it to be transformative. These five words: In today’s culture, divisiveness often overshadows common ground. For example, during elections, this intensified, with labels creating barriers. Political affiliations become a litmus test for relationships, burying the deeper reasons why we value … read more
Christmas in Prison
Impartial just received this Christmas card from a prison artist we have been working with in 2024. Very cool! For most inmates, holidays like Christmas—or even birthdays—are some of the hardest times to endure behind bars. But during the past few months, I had the privilege of meeting a local sheriff who approaches his work … read more
Game On!
Playing for Justice: How Impartial is Transforming the Criminal Justice Conversation Through Gaming At Impartial, we’re on a mission to inspire meaningful change in the criminal justice system—and we’re doing it in an unconventional way: through a groundbreaking video game series. This isn’t just a game; it’s a deeply personal story, rooted in real experiences, … read more
How was your Thanksgiving?
I was prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit a long time ago. In fact, I was blindsided by the news that I was the target of a criminal investigation on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, so that day as much as it is filled with the anticipation of wonderful Thanksgiving opportunities, there’s still an ever … read more
Potential Juror
One of the ways we participate in our justice system is through jury duty. For the first time in my life, I’ve been called to serve on December 3, and I couldn’t be more excited. I realize this reaction may be unusual—most people dread the inconvenience it poses. Over the years, I’ve heard countless remarks … read more
Prison Stories: Kyle
Kyle’s Story of his road to incarceration Prison Culture When I was living my life on the outside, coming to prison was the furthest thing on my mind, even though I was living a life that would inevitably lead to my incarceration. And the one aspect that would have helped me transition and better acclimate … read more
Being Impartial
As an adjective, impartial is “treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just”. This approach is without: bias, adjusting one’s moral compass or personal agendas. It is using your power or control with integrity when it is hard, inconvenient or otherwise. You don’t take sides. You take action. As a non-profit, Impartial is a … read more
Where North Carolina Stands on Reforms proposed by the North Carolina Task Force for Racial Equity and Justice
Late last year, partly in response to the protests that rocked the nation after the murder of George Floyd, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed a sweeping criminal justice reform bill that was passed with bipartisan support. The bill, Senate Bill 300, creates requirements for police departments to share recordings of the death of serious … read more
Mom Died
I have been writing about being a criminal defendant, but today I am writing about being a daughter. Probably the most vigilant supporter I have ever known for my whole life was my Mother. She knew my soul. She knew my essence. Good or bad, there was nothing that I could hide from her if … read more
A Tribute To My Aunt
I was prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit years ago. I sit here writing my blog with tears in my eyes and a warm heart. For nearly two weeks, I have been in a skilled nursing facility daily beside my Aunt who is dying. She has lived a long, healthy, good life. She worked … read more
Being A Supreme Court Justice
I am taking a reprieve from my normal blog to comment on the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If you ever wanted a person in the justice system to quietly inspire you, Ruth Bader Ginsburg might have been on that shortlist. I was drawn to her mindset to serve justice selflessly. She was the type … read more
