Category: Founder’s Blog

Christmas in Prison Christmas in Prison Impartial just received this Christmas card from a prison artist we have been working with in 2024. Very cool! For most inmates, holidays like Christmas—or even birthdays—are some of the hardest times to endure behind bars. But during the past few months, I had the privilege of meeting a… Continue reading Christmas in Prison

Help Me Understand Help Me Understand This past year, I focused on the power of asking one thoughtful question: “Can you help me understand?” I found it to be transformative. These five words: Show genuine interest and care. Shift the focus away from me and onto the other person. Open the door to meaningful, insightful… Continue reading Help Me Understand

Stamped Freedom Stamped Freedom Each month, Impartial receives on average between 30-40 letters inquiring about our Prison Artwork program. These letters come from individuals across the US prison system, each with unique stories and needs. I respond to every letter. To do so effectively, I’ve developed a system that allows me to dedicate focused time,… Continue reading Stamped Freedom

No Resolutions No Resolutions No Resolutions. Life moves fast—sometimes faster than I can keep up. With information coming at us from every direction, it’s easy to feel like we’re just reacting to what’s next rather than staying intentional about what really matters. That’s why carving out time to reflect isn’t just a luxury; it’s a… Continue reading No Resolutions

Experiential Criminal Justice Learning Experiential Criminal Justice Learning I feel incredibly fortunate to learn from the next generation. At Impartial, we’ve built nearly everything with the help of a small army of volunteers—most of them under 30, including a remarkable 15-year-old writer. Their intelligence, creativity, and passion have been instrumental in our journey. While most… Continue reading Experiential Criminal Justice Learning

Artwork, good to the last drop. Artwork, good to the last drop. It’s a ritual for so many of us to start the day with a cup of coffee—but what if that coffee became your art supply? Stay with me. I’ve been working with a prison artist who specializes in creating stunning artwork entirely out… Continue reading Artwork, good to the last drop.

The King of Character The King of Character In recent weeks, I attended Duke University’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Service of Commemoration, themed “Hope Powered by Community.” The event was deeply inspiring. The first time I heard Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, especially the phrase “content of their character,” I was profoundly… Continue reading The King of Character

Grammy Gala Grammy Gala Consistency and focus can take you further than you ever imagined. The challenge, however, is patience. You never know when or who will notice your work—you only know that you are putting in the effort that needs to be done. For years, I have worked with prison artwork and have seen… Continue reading Grammy Gala

Reflection: Woolworth’s Lunch Counter Sit-in Reflection: Woolworth’s Lunch Counter Sit-in I was sitting in church on Sunday, listening intently. I often find moments of inspiration there. It’s likely because I allow myself the opportunity to be still and reflective for an extended period—something not always as easy to achieve as it should be. I’ve been… Continue reading Reflection: Woolworth’s Lunch Counter Sit-in

Communities Profound Impact Communities Profound Impact At different points in life, we may pause and reflect on the people we’ve known, recognizing them beyond the roles we originally assigned to them. Unfortunately, this realization often comes when someone passes away. Suddenly, a gathering of people—some we never knew existed—come forward, sharing stories that reveal a… Continue reading Communities Profound Impact