Topeka Sam: Championing for Women and Girls

This week’s episode of the #Decarcerated podcast features founder of Ladies of Hope Ministries, Topeka K. Sam.

Created to help disenfranchised & marginalized women transition back into society, Topeka has also created a safe place for women and girls to call home after being released from jails and prisons.

In this episode she shares her inspiration behind Hope House NYC and also gives us a look into her entrepreneurial spirit...having owned a cell phone and sex toy business in the past.

Shaka senghor: writing a new life

Shaka Senghor is one the few people who Oprah Winfrey publicly admires. He is a NY Times Bestselling author for his book, Writing My Wrongs:

“Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison.”

His TED Talk has amassed over 1.5 million views, and his television show, Released, airs on the OWN Network. Shaka is true Detroit representer who went to prison at the age of 19 for second degree murder.

Richard Wallace: From Chicago Hip Hop Artist to Equity & Transformation

In this episode, we talk about his days as going through the juvenile justice system in Chicago to his work as a union organizer in Chicago. 

ANDREA JAMES: LEADING

Andrea C. James, a Roxbury, Boston native was sentenced to 18-months in prison for a white-collar crime. A lawyer prior to her incarceration, Andrea is an author and national advocate for the rights of women impacted by incarceration.

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Andrea drips passion for this cause in this episode. She is a lead member of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls. She is also the executive director for the Families For Justice as Justice for Healing in Boston. Andrea is also a proud momma and wife.