13th; Who Really About This Life

​            Since the 13th film came out on Netflix, it has been a lot of chatter around the prison industrial complex. That is wonderful, but I wonder how much of it is genuine or the new hustle? I heard about the poverty pimps of the 60’s and living in the era of conscious charlatans, now I wonder is prison advocacy the new hustle?
            I started to go to a panel discussion where the main speaker was a person that wrote a book on her 3 months stay at Rikers Island. I thought about it and said I can’t go to that bullshit. I did more than 3 months on Rikers Island in the 90’s; the infamous 4 building (gladiator school). I did more than 3 months in solitary confinement. I did 19 ½ years in prison, so what story could she possibility share that I would be interested in listening to. I also wonder how is she the featured speaker? I told myself let me step back and look at the space I am advocating in.
            How did I get here? Even my former job working as an Arches Mentor dealing with youth and young adults on probation was recommended to me by the HR person at SafeSpace because I applied for a different job. My friendship with the executive staff of The Center for NuLeadership on Urban Solutions came through a good friend of mines that felt that it would be beneficial for me to network with them. My position as the co-chair of The Millions for Prison Human Rights March was not something I asked for but got requested to. So, I am here by natural progression and not a hustler mentality.
            It brings me back to a time when I was on the fence to totally commit to the 5% lifestyle. I had read an article in the Five Percent Newspaper called ‘Jive Pretender’.  The gist of the article is you must have your fake people to determine your real ones. That is the same concept I am applying to prison advocacy.
            When prisoners text, inbox, or call me on their smuggled phones asking for advice or my comrades/Aalikes that I bided with email me or call me and I make myself available; I wonder how many people clamoring for the limelight in this space is doing the same thing?
            I do what I do because I understand the conditions of prison from a physically and mental point of view. I know I could as well still be bidding. Even though I did not search for the opportunity I am here now.