In 2020, a fellow community warrior reached out to me about Mr. W’s severe charges and the sentencing of his case. He received a 30-year sentence for second-degree robbery and carjacking, even though no one was physically hurt, and this was his first offense. I was appalled and intrigued by his severe charging and sentencing. I spoke with him and his mother almost immediately, and over the last 4 years, I have met his 5 young adult children, his 4 precious grandchildren, and other family members who are all a spitting image of him. They even sound like him when they speak!
They continue to tell me about the encouragement and life he speaks into them through phone calls, his top-of-the-line sense of humor, how much they need him, and how much their lives would have been completely different had he not gone to prison. When I hear his family talk about him, they continue to confirm with me who he is in life, as well as the critical need for him to return home. Mr. W is the leader of their family, and all of them have now become like my own family. They have a huge hole in their hearts, and this will only be repaired upon his return.
The nonprofit organization, R&R Brown’s Push Project Youth Foundation, was created by Mr. W alongside his brother. This organization takes the most underserved children and families out of their environments on trips to learn more about themselves, their history, and the power that’s within each of them. While in prison, he actively participates in church services and group activities, eagerly sharing his insights to uplift those around him. His perseverance is unmatched through all of the denials and since I’ve known him, he has even affected my life in awesome ways. His confidence and faith in God taught me that even through frustration, hurt, and confusion, lies the truth and kindness, and we can NEVER give up on ANYTHING that speaks to our spirit passionately. He often talks about turning trials into triumph, and denials into direction.
The RJA itself has been a vehicle of hope for all of us, but its requirements have been lined with gray areas and are hard to navigate at times. The RJA data tool along with compiled data from other resources will assist me with readily available data that can be used to help build up Mr. W’s RJA claim.
