At 15 years old, I was sentenced to life in prison for a gang-related homicide. Three days after my birthday, I became inmate 314949, and the youngest prisoner in an adult maximum-security facility.
Four years in solitary confinement stripped me of everything, even my name. For years, no one called me Adam—I was just my mistake, my sentence, my inmate number.
Until one day, a prison staff member said my real name…and I barely even recognized it. Something happened inside, and that moment changed everything.
I wanted to change. I decided to renounce my gang ties, and I worked to build a new life—earning a culinary degree, mentoring at-risk youth, and writing my first book, Anatomizing the Gang Culture.
But at night, I still prayed not to wake up.
Then, my victim’s father wrote me a letter. Instead of hate, he offered forgiveness. He even advocated for my release. That moment gave me purpose.
After nearly 25 years behind bars, and a lot of work, I was released from prison with a mission: to help change this system for the better.
Today, I work to close the gap of perceived differences between law enforcement and the formerly incarcerated.
I speak at police academies, challenging new officers to rethink justice.
I consult on reentry programs, helping create second chances that actually work.
And I help create and pass new laws, ensuring those leaving prison get the support they need to contribute positively to society, their families, and themselves.
