Like @AttorneyCrump said, termination is important, but more important is getting to the root cause of the frequent use of excessive force by law enforcement who are meant to be the protectors of society. Cops are bullies and abusers on power trips.
Over the past 26 years, I’ve worked with and mentored countless justice-impacted non-profit founders. Most of them started organizations to work on changing the policies that led them to prison and jail and help others to successful emerge from the criminal justice system. It taught me that “people closest to the problem are closest to the solution, but furthest from power and resources.”
As I moved into the private sector, I realized that the pattern is always the same. The drive is there. The resilience is there. The ideas are there. But access to capital, networks, mentorship, and the professional systems that help ideas to grow is often missing.
The reality is that many of the people closest to the challenges in our communities are routinely overlooked by traditional funding systems.
That’s why, together with @divine4thletter and @ronbauer888, we created https://t.co/FPx0OF3vSY.
Redemption Ventures exists to provide startup grants, mentorship, and meaningful connections to formerly incarcerated founders who are too often locked out of opportunity. We are intentionally building something that moves faster than bureaucracy and focuses on investing in people with potential.
When people are given the tools, resources, and trust to succeed, they don’t just build businesses. They create jobs, strengthen families, and transform communities.
I’m proud that we’re now in a position to back formerly incarcerated founders. And we’re just getting started.
Please donate today at https://t.co/FPx0OF3vSY.
I remain committed to advocating for fairness, rehabilitation, and meaningful opportunities for young people throughout Michigan and across this country. I’m beyond grateful for the trust, the opportunity to serve, and everyone who continues to support this work.”
“As someone directly impacted by the juvenile justice system, I know how important it is for us to have a seat at the table where policies and reforms are being shaped. Our lived experiences bring a level of perspective, accountability, and humanity that can’t be taught.
From 2006-2016, we raised our kids w no tv, no home wifi, & limited technology. They learned how to keep themselves busy and problem solve. They developed a deep relationship w each other and a strong sense of self. Saturday, my 22 graduated w a BA in math cum laude.
🚨WOW! Mayor Zohran Mamdani just MOCKED Ronald Reagan’s famous quote.
“I can think of nine words more terrifying than ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help…’”
“I worked all day and can’t feed my family.” BOOM.
I show up for people in their darkest hours because I remember what it felt like to be alone in mine. When I was pushed out, what I needed wasn’t judgment or distance, it was someone willing to stand beside me in the dark and not fuckin’ flinch.
That’s how I roll now. I don’t disappear when things get heavy; I lean TF in. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for someone is to make sure they don’t have to face it alone.
But, hey, that’s just me…