Racial inconsistencies People of color are extraordinarily more likely to enter the country’s justice system than the general population. State and federal governments are quite cognizant of this discrepancy, and researchers and policymakers are delving into the catalysts driving the numerics in addition to what specific procedures are utilized to confront the inconsistencies. The United … read more
Other
Objectivity
Around the planet, governments confront illegal activity and social unrest in a myriad of disparate fashions. The astonishing crime surge in the United States was preventable. Progressive policymakers emulating the synonymous reckless revolving-door policies during the 1960s and ‘70s consciously produced the most substantial deluge of violent crime in history through incarcerating Americans at globally … read more
Necessary Change
A Flawed System For quite some time, when it comes to public safety, we have accredited success to the number of individuals put behind bars. Such a procedure has not by definition made our communities safer. It has, undoubtedly, ignited a detonation in both the prison population and its corresponding costs. Research demonstrates that for … read more
Transparency
What does justice in America materialize as? Policymakers, law enforcement officers and academic researchers across the nation have been grappling with the aforementioned query, specifically as it relates to local jails and state prisons where most offenders are detained. Regardless of an individual’s political affiliation – conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican – we all … read more
RL’s Story
“I am a 52 year old man that has been drawing since childhood. My first real attempt at something significant was at the age of around seven years old, which was of my father who had recently passed away. I loved my daddy and wanted to do the best that I possibly could with his portrait. To me, it turned out great. I was really proud of myself and a bit surprised, to be honest. I could actually draw, and I wanted to show everyone.
That portrait of my father sparked a drive within me that has grown stronger throughout my life, pushing me to continuously learn and better my artistic abilities. I took an art class in junior high school one year, hoping to learn more, but unfortunately, they taught me nothing about drawing. Frustrated, I never attempted to take another art class. I wanted to go to college for art, but it apparently wasn’t in the cards for me. So I was left to learn on my own.
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
Artists’ Time
Without change, there is no trace of creativity, innovation, or enticement for growth. Those ambitious individuals who galvanize transformation have a greater chance to control the change that is inexplicably inescapable. Heroic artists do not just reflect our past and present, they help to shape the future. Intellectual curiosity stimulates a deep, persistent ‘need to … 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