I gave an interactive prosecution presentation virtually this past Wednesday night. A group of students and faculty participated, not just listened to a “speaker”, but took an active role in reading through the series of events that collectively was my prosecution. It’s only the third time that I have done this. I am collecting opinions … read more
Willingness to Prepare
Let’s be honest about our priorities. We all say certain things matter to us, like family, health, work, personal growth, but our actions tell the real story. Are we actually willing to put in the preparation time for the things we claim are important? Sometimes I catch myself saying something matters, then realizing I haven’t … read more
Your Voice
The World Needs Your Authentic Voice In a world saturated with noise, there’s one sound that remains irreplaceably powerful: your authentic voice. Not an echo of someone else’s thoughts. Not a carefully crafted persona designed to maximize likes. Not a watered-down version of your truth meant to offend the fewest people possible. Your actual, unfiltered, … read more
Eno River Art Show
I went to the Eno River Arts Event last Friday night. Impartial’s artwork is part of their show and of course, I wanted to be supportive. There was a good crowd there for the space they had. I would say at least 100 people in a couple of rooms and more outside among the entertainment … read more
Don’t be Fooled – The Courage to Stand for What Matters
Try not to be fooled today or any other day. There are countless distractions vying for your time and energy, but the challenge lies in keeping the truly important things at the center of your life. How do you recognize what genuinely matters to you? Look no further than your calendar and your bank account. … read more
Frank’s Freedom
Seven years ago, I attended a conference that completely blew me away. A huge room filled with people who all had one thing in common – being convicted of a crime they didn’t commit. The conversations that unfolded were unlike anything I had ever experienced. The shared experiences elevated the discussions in ways I never … read more
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences – Interactive Presentation
There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who just get it. That’s exactly what I experienced at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) National Meeting in Denver, CO—an energy that’s hard to put into words but impossible to ignore. It’s the fuel that elevates conversations, sharpens our sense of purpose, … read more
Stepping Into Justice: A Choreographed Conversation at ACJS
I’m beyond excited to attend the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences’ National Meeting today! It’s an incredible opportunity to engage with students, educators, and professionals who are passionate about the criminal justice system. This year, I’ve been invited to present something unique—an interactive, choreographed conversation that immerses students in the realities of prosecution, defense, and … read more
Judging Inspiration
Inspiration can be tricky. Sometimes, we chase it—reading books, attending conferences, or brainstorming endlessly—hoping that the next great idea will appear. But other times, inspiration sneaks up on us when we least expect it. One of the best inspirations I’ve ever had didn’t come from actively searching; it came from giving myself space after an … read more
Journey’s Third Year Celebration
On February 22, I witnessed something extraordinary at Journey’s third-year celebration—a gathering that transcended typical nonprofit events and revealed the profound impact of authentic criminal justice reform. Journey, born from the vision of a formerly incarcerated person, opened their presentation with North Carolina’s state motto: “Esse Quam Videri” (To be, rather than to seem). By … read more
Communities Profound Impact
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
