In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur and Tony Gant for a necessary, honest conversation about the past, present, and future of criminal legal reform.

We reflect on the changes in Michigan over the 25 years since Dr. Shakur’s release, the 10 years since Tony and I have been home, and what those timelines reveal about progress, power, and persistent gaps in the movement. From policy shifts to culture changes, we examine what’s moved the needle—and what hasn’t.

This episode goes deep into:

• Building real power with formerly incarcerated people

• The evolving (and essential) role of directly impacted leadership

• Hard truths and missteps within the movement that must be addressed to move forward

• What success must look like as we head toward 2026 and beyond

This is real talk, grounded in lived experience, strategy, and love for the people. Hands down, one of the best conversations I’ve had yet.

Tap in, reflect, and be part of shaping what comes next.

#freethereal #endmassincarceration

The conversation continues. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the role of formerly incarcerated people in Community Violence Intervention (CVI), I sit down with my co-defendant, my best friend, and one of the sharpest minds in this work—Sidney Black, Lead Neighborhood Change Agent for Advance Peace, a national leader in CVI.We get into the CVI discussion immediately. Sidney breaks down what the Advance Peace model actually looks like on the ground and what their team is doing right now in Lansing, Michigan to intervene in cycles of harm and build real pathways for transformation.We also revisit my stance from Part 1—where I said that “credible messenger” specifically means an ex-contributor—and Sidney brings his own perspective to the table. Together, we unpack why lived experience is not just valuable but fundamental to authentic CVI work.Lastly, we get into the nuances of language, especially when navigating relationships with police inside a CVI framework—what helps, what harms, and what communities need to be aware of as this field continues to grow.Another raw, honest, necessary chapter in this ongoing conversation.

#freethereal #endmassincarceration #cvi

In this solo episode of 17 Winters, I step into the studio alone for the very first time—no guest, just me, the mic, and a lot to unpack. Fresh off the “Michigan School Based Community Violence Intervention” webinar hosted by FORCE Detroit, The Michigan Transformation Collective, and End Gun Violence Michigan, I break down some of my biggest takeaways and why I think they’ve finally carved out a functional working definition of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) that centers real experience and real impact.

I also dig into the CVI work I’ve been doing myself—what I’ve built with #NewLansing, how the Hood 2 Hood movement has shaped my approach, and why these grassroots efforts matter for real community safety. I share where this work is heading, including my vision and plans for 2026, and how formerly incarcerated leadership continues to push CVI forward in ways institutions are only beginning to understand.

And yes… since it’s just me this time, I definitely went on a bit of a rant.

This is Part 1 of a larger, ongoing conversation, but it’s an important start.