Hero Story

William's journey from incarceration to community leadership is nothing short of remarkable, embodying the transformative power of resilience, reform, and unwavering commitment to change. His story is a testament to the enduring impact one individual can have on the lives of others and the communities they serve. At just 14 years old, William found himself ensnared in the grip of gang activities, facing immense pressures and difficult choices. However, rather than fall farther into violence and depreciating choices, William embarked on a journey of self-reflection and growth while incarcerated. Through introspection and participation in a gang renunciation program, he made the courageous decision to break the cycle of violence and pave a new path for himself.

Upon his release in 2021, William wasted no time in channeling his experiences into positive action. Recognizing the need to support at-risk youth and individuals re-entering society, he founded the Redemption Coalition—a boots on the ground organization that connected resources for those in need. Through this grassroots initiative, William and his team worked tirelessly to bridge the gap to essential services and foster a sense of community solidarity through resource rallies and outreach efforts.

William's commitment to service extended beyond the his newly formed group. He became an integral part of the Fresh Coast Alliance, where he honed his skills as a mentor and servant leader, offering guidance and support to individuals navigating the challenges of re-entry. Fresh Coast Alliance is an organization that works with re-entry programs for individuals that were affected by incarceration and addiction. He has served in almost every role at Fresh Coast starting from being a front desk check-in volunteer, helping with building operations, community outreach, to facilitating over 5 different counseling groups.

One group is called C.L.E.A.R. (Coalition for Leadership Education Accountability Rehabilitation.) C.L.E.A.R. exists to break the cycle of recidivism by building community and law enforcement relationships to lead, educate, and mentor returned citizens, thereby creating safer communities, and improving lives. In addition to this he supports the SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery which uses cognitive behavioral therapy and non-confrontational motivational methods to help participants solve problems with addiction. He also helps facilitate the Managing Emotions course, where participants learn how to identify, feel, and cope with their emotions with an emphasis on anger.

As part of emotion regulation and teachings, William developed a curriculum based around chess to teach about impulse control, discipline, and structure. He says it is a tool to force individuals to think before they act. As part of this lesson, William began working with the local afterschool program Pathfinders of Muskegon. He started by bringing and organizing a chess club for the youth in Muskegon Heights. The chess club took off, and soon William was also helping organize several poetry slams so youth had an outlet to express themselves, and helped organize large black history program for our community.

As William was working with youth, it became clear that he had a lesson to teach them about the “Power of a Choice” and the consequences that their actions could have in the long run. He began working with both the Muskegon County Prosecutors Office and the office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency on how he could tell his story, along with others, on the power they have in controlling their futures and his testimonial. Since working with them, he has spoken to over 20 different schools, routinely goes to the Juvenile Detention Center, and has been a motivational speaker with several re-entry programs like EXIT. With this work, he has expanded into working the Michigan Department of Corrections Office to work with adult men as well.

Along with these community presentations, William is now a Re-Entry Liaison for the Prosecutor’s Office and works as a mentor with individuals who have just been released. He loves to meet people where they are and visits the Detention Centers often. He says the MDOC is now one of his biggest supporters. His quote was “the MDOC was at one point in my life my biggest adversary, I was so angry and had a ton to work through, now they are one of my greatest allies”.

Williams story and grit continue on. Last year he started to pursue a college degree with Grand Valley State University studying Criminal Justice to help others like him. After his first semester, he was invited by Dr. Rebekah Williams to help co-teach a course on Interdisciplinary Studies and has started a pilot program to help bridge resources to urban communities through the social impact departments. He has also been a guest speaker for multiple classes particularly on the topic of Justice in Society.

William is leaving a lasting impression on youth in the community about investing in their futures, and leaning on one another. He also continues to be a beacon of hope for individuals both currently in the system and re-entering our community. Many individuals returning to their home and communities, but their social networks may no longer exist or may be changed. This means that they must rebuild or create without a lot of resources to support them. William has been there and has been a foundation and pillar of support. In just a short time, he has already made a splash of impact and we cannot wait to see what else he will do.