19 Years Out, Still Locked Out: Why Restoring Rights to Felons Matters
Michael C. Emanuel
Nineteen years ago, I walked out of prison determined to rebuild my life. Since then, I’ve stayed out of trouble, paid my dues, and worked tirelessly to be a contributing…
Rebuildin’ Relationships: Why Brothers Need Closure Too (And How to Get It)
On the real: when folks talk ’bout “closure” in relationships, they usually picture women cryin’ in the club to Summer Walker or scribblin’ in journals like, “I’m healing, king!” But…
The 13th Amendment and Exploiting Undocumented Immigrants
The 13th Amendment might’ve ended slavery, but let’s not ignore the fine print. It leaves a loophole wide open: slavery and involuntary servitude are banned except as punishment for a…
Being a Parent With a Past
Parenting means being there for the moments that matter—school plays, sports events, field trips. Those are the experiences that build memories and strengthen bonds with your kids. They’re how you…
Learning to Love: The Challenges of a Fatherless Childhood and Incarceration
I grew up without a father. My grandmother raised my brother, my sister, and me. In my Brooklyn neighborhood during the ’70s and ’80s, not having a father was the…
Is “Post Incarceration Syndrome” Real?
The first movie I went to see after being released from prison was Superman Returns. Even though I had eight years of probation hanging over my head, I was confident…
Chicken Nuggets and The Lightyear Controversy
Disclaimer: Some wording in this post reflects the attitudes and language of its time, and while I’m sharing my personal experiences, I want to make it clear that these words…