Within months of my release from prison, The San Francisco Chronicle published an article about my journey, which opened doors to numerous speaking opportunities. I was invited to share my story at prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley, Stanford University, the University of San Francisco, and others. The very first invitation, however, came from Professor Jeffrey Snipes, a distinguished criminal justice professor at San Francisco State University (SFSU).
Professor Snipes was well-regarded in academic circles for his expertise in criminal justice and his commitment to meaningful reform. His work centered on exploring the complexities of the justice system, and he was passionate about fostering discussions that could lead to better societal outcomes. When he reached out to me with an invitation to present at SFSU, I felt both honored and eager for the opportunity.
Although professors and academics had played a pivotal role in my adjustment during my incarceration, I hadn’t fully realized how my work had resonated beyond prison walls. After all, I had spent 26 years in a confined environment, separated from the broader world. Hearing from Professor Snipes, someone who had read and appreciated my books, was both humbling and exhilarating. At the time, I had never even stepped foot on a university campus, so the prospect of visiting one, let alone speaking there, was a significant milestone.
When I met Professor Snipes, we quickly connected. I shared the story of my journey—how early mentors and the influences of academia had shaped my path to self-improvement. I described the strategies I used to turn my time in prison into an opportunity to grow, which included earning degrees, reading extensively, and writing books to contribute to discussions on justice and personal transformation.
After speaking for about an hour to his team in the criminal justice department, Jeff asked me a question that caught me off guard. At the time, I had been living in a halfway house for a few months and had just started rebuilding my life.
“Would you like a job?” he asked.
Initially, I thought he was simply being kind, perhaps offering a role in landscaping or maintenance at the university. But then he clarified:
“I’d like you to teach a class as a professor.”
I was stunned. The thought of transitioning from a prison cell to a professor’s podium had never crossed my mind. Jeff explained that during his graduate studies, his professors had assigned some of the books I had written while in prison. He had been familiar with my work for years and saw value in sharing my insights with his students.
I eagerly accepted the invitation and spent the next year teaching a course I designed called The Architecture of Incarceration. The course traced the evolution of punishment in Western civilization, starting with medieval corporal punishment and progressing to the development of prisons during the Renaissance era. I drew on historical narratives and personal experiences to provide students with a deeper understanding of how society’s approach to justice and punishment has evolved over centuries.
Teaching at SFSU was a transformative experience. It allowed me to build credibility as an advocate and gave me a platform to inspire the next generation of criminal justice professionals. Professor Snipes’ belief in me was a powerful reminder of how impactful it is to have someone who sees potential beyond the surface. It also helped me launch the Prison Professors brand, which I still use today.
This opportunity was a stepping stone in my journey, reinforcing my commitment to advocacy and reform. It also underscored an important truth: with the right mindset and preparation, even the most unexpected opportunities can lead to meaningful contributions.
Self-Directed Learning Question:
- Who are the mentors or advocates in your life who see potential in you?
- How can you build relationships with individuals who may provide opportunities for growth, even in unexpected ways?