Juvenile Justice || What I Know Now

In this unique episode of What I Know Now, host Cole Williams sits down with Michael Buxton—Grand Rapids business owner, film director, and formerly incarcerated man—for an unfiltered conversation about growing up in poverty, navigating the realities of the juvenile and adult justice systems, and rebuilding a life after incarceration.Michael Buxton shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by single-parent households and street influences to becoming a young father and facing a lengthy prison sentence. He opens up about the impact of absent family support, the challenges of re-entering society after ten years behind bars, and the flaws in a system that claims to rehabilitate but often leaves people unprepared for life on the outside.Listeners will hear candid reflections on healing, hope, and the importance of relationships and community in breaking the cycle of incarceration. Michael Buxton also discusses his entrepreneurial path, the lessons learned from failure, and how he uses his lived experiences to invest in the next generation through mentorship, business ownership (shoutout to Loaded Spud!), and community leadership.Whether you're interested in juvenile justice reform, personal transformation, or the human stories behind America's justice system, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for insights into accountability, the power of a good name, and why changing the narrative matters—for individuals, families, and whole communities.

In this powerful episode of "What I Know Now" by The Delta Project, hosts Cole Williams and Nick Williams sit down with Grand Rapids legend Derrick "Coach O" Owens, a basketball coach, mentor, and father figure whose journey epitomizes resilience and self-discovery. Dive into Coach O's remarkable story as he reflects on overcoming adversity, growing up in the foster care system in Detroit, and finding purpose through mentorship and a lifelong love of basketball.This episode explores essential themes like self-love, fatherhood, community impact, and the vital role of respect in connecting with youth. Coach O shares hard-won lessons about discipline, accountability, and the generational cycles within America's justice system. You'll hear inspiring insights about coaching as a ministry, supporting young fathers, the importance of using names over numbers, and redefining what it means to be both a parent and a friend.Whether you're interested in juvenile justice reform, youth empowerment, mentorship, black fatherhood, or authentic leadership, this heartfelt conversation offers wisdom, practical advice, and hope. Tune in for Coach O’s seven rules for life, his transformative work with the Delta Project, and personal stories that will resonate far beyond the basketball court.Perfect for parents, educators, mentors, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. Don’t miss this honest, no-holds-barred look at the human stories behind the justice system—and what it truly means to change the world, one relationship at a time.

What happens when artificial intelligence meets the world of justice and youth reform? In this thought-provoking episode, host Cole Williams welcomes renowned criminologist and data activist Renee Cummings for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, civil rights, and justice for young people.Together, they explore the power—and dangers—of data and algorithms in shaping identities, opportunities, and futures. From the history of predictive policing to the untapped potential of AI for rehabilitation and reentry, Renee Cummings breaks down complex issues like data justice, algorithmic bias, and the importance of imagination as a tool for change. The conversation covers everything from practical advice for parents and young people navigating social media to radical ideas for rethinking prisons and using tech for immersive, trauma-informed interventions.Whether you’re a mentor, nonprofit leader, parent, or just curious about technology’s growing impact on society, this episode is packed with must-know insights on ethical technology, civil liberties, and what real justice reform could look like for our most vulnerable communities.Tune in for powerful stories, practical takeaways, and a forward-thinking vision for justice in the AI age.

Welcome to "What I Know Now," a podcast by The Delta Project, where we dive deep into the realities and reimagination of the juvenile justice system. In this episode, Cole Williams, Nick Williams, and special guest Indu Wilson—the Deputy Director of Youth Experience at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility in Detroit—shine a light on what it truly means to serve, support, and love young people in detention.Through powerful storytelling and firsthand accounts, you'll discover how Indu Wilson and her team are moving away from old models of punishment, choosing instead a trauma-informed and empathetic approach that sees detained youth as children in need of care, dignity, and opportunity. From creative initiatives like barbershop libraries and music labs, to the transformative impact of lived-experience mentors and robust staff training, this episode challenges stereotypes and highlights innovative practices that foster healing and connection.Join us as we explore how community, compassion, and visionary leadership are making a difference for young people who find themselves locked up—and what we can all learn about hope, change, and the possibility of second chances.

In this inspiring episode of What I Know Now, Cole Williams sits down with Christopher Lovelady, Executive Director of All Good Sports, to unpack the power of mentorship, the importance of building brotherhood, and the deeper meaning of showing up for young people in our communities.Christopher shares his personal journey as a father, husband, and community leader, highlighting how sports and mentorship helped shape his path. He opens up about the challenges of engaging young men—especially those impacted by the juvenile detention system—and explains why consistency, accountability, and modeling positive manhood are at the heart of his mission.Through thought-provoking conversation, the episode explores the impact of social fathers, the healing potential of community-based sports programs, and the transformative value of affirmation and self-knowledge. Listeners will hear compelling stories about second chances, fostering belonging, confronting father absence, and the struggle for forgiveness and personal growth.Packed with real-life insights, practical advice for nonprofits, and a spotlight on the need for violence prevention and re-entry programs, this episode is essential listening for anyone invested in equity, justice, youth empowerment, and building stronger communities—whether you’re a parent, mentor, educator, or advocate.Key topics:The role of mentorship & sports in youth developmentCreating welcoming spaces for at-risk youthBuilding brotherhood and trust among young menThe importance of accountability and consistencyReflections on fatherhood, loss, and forgivenessAdvice for scaling community-led nonprofitsInvesting in violence prevention and re-entry programsWhether you’re seeking hope, inspiration, or actionable ways to make a difference, this episode will leave you motivated to step in and support the next generation. Tune in—and discover what Christopher Lovelady and The Delta Project team know now about changing lives and building lasting legacies.

Welcome back to What I Know Now, the podcast by The Delta Project where we dive deep into the realities of life inside—and after—the juvenile justice system. In this episode, hosts Bilal and Cole Williams sit down with Gayle Harvey: advocate, entrepreneur, Vice President of the Greater Grand Rapids NAACP, and founder of the Harvey Lynn Group.Gayle shares her journey growing up in West Michigan and how her passion for community, justice, and healing took root. She opens up about the importance of building trust between communities and public safety, the complexities of generational trauma, and the need for honest conversations to move forward. Gayle also discusses her hands-on work in community-informed police training, youth engagement, and why “facing the hurt” is critical for healing and long-lasting change.Whether you’re stepping into grassroots advocacy for the first time, looking for inspiration to mend divides, or just want to hear powerful stories about resilience and rebuilding community homes, this episode offers deeply personal and actionable wisdom. Join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about trust, healing, and what it takes to create safer, more connected communities for the next generation.

Welcome to "What I Know Now," the podcast by The Delta Project, where we dive deep into the realities of the juvenile justice system and explore the journeys of those who have found their way through it. In this powerful episode, host Bilal and co-host Cole Williams sit down with Eric Freeman—an entrepreneur, community advocate, and father in Grand Rapids—to discuss turning pain into purpose, breaking cycles, and the power of mentorship.Eric shares candid reflections on his upbringing, spanning from growing up with material comfort but emotional absence, to navigating a challenging family dynamic as the child of an interracial relationship. He recounts his early encounters with loneliness, the crucial influence of extended family, and how sports shaped his sense of integrity and leadership.As the conversation unfolds, Eric opens up about his time in prison at just 19, what it taught him about survival, and the pivotal role that elders and mentors played in his journey. He explains how barriers to employment following incarceration led him to entrepreneurship—and how that "forced path" sparked his mission: building both positive social impact and wealth creation for underserved communities through his business, Mindset Meals.The hosts and Eric delve into food deserts, poverty, generational cycles, and what true manhood and fatherhood look like—and how showing up, consistently and with love, changes lives. You'll also hear from Bilal and Cole about their own experiences within the system, and the vision behind The Delta Project: to create a community where elders, mentors, and lived experience guide the next generation toward hope, healing, and real opportunity.This episode is a raw, uplifting conversation about resilience, the healing power of relationships, and what it means to break cycles and build a better future—not just for ourselves, but for our whole village.

Welcome back to "What I Know Now," the podcast from The Delta Project where we dive deep into the realities of the juvenile justice system and the journeys of those working to change it. In this episode, hosts Cole Williams and Bilal sit down with Ayda Rezaian-Nojani, a passionate public defender, immigrant, and fierce advocate for justice. Ayda shares her story of migrating from Iran to Canada and then to the U.S., and how her unique background shaped her career in law.From recounting moments that sparked her interest in becoming a lawyer to discussing what’s missing in legal advocacy—listening, client involvement, and clear communication—Ayda unpacks the challenges of public defense, wrongful convictions, and what it truly means to fight for youth caught in the system. Together, Cole, Bilal, and Ayda break down issues of shame, labels, and the power of anger channeled for good. They're here to inspire hope, highlight community needs, and remind us all that real change happens when the right people are at the table—and when voices are truly heard.Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation about justice, empathy, and the lifelong journey of making a difference.

In this powerful episode of "What I Know Now," journey with our hosts Cole and Bilal as they delve into the raw and transformative stories of Nick Williams. Exploring life in and after the juvenile justice system, Nick opens up about his experiences of anger, the frequent run-ins with the law, and how he managed to turn his life around despite the grim circumstances. Discover how the absence of a father figure shaped him and how his entrepreneurial spirit gave birth to "One Love," a universal brand forged during his incarceration.Listen in as the trio discusses the impact of school environments and the importance of patience and understanding from teachers towards students facing internal battles. Highlighting the crucial role of community, mentorship, and the desire for belonging, they reveal the hidden challenges that young black boys face in seeking acceptance and identity. This episode offers a compelling look at breaking chains of generational trauma, the quest for personal transformation, and fostering change.Perfect for educators, parents, and anyone interested in juvenile justice reform, this episode provides honest insights into how supportive human connections can drastically alter the trajectory of a young person's life. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and the journey from repeated incarceration to becoming a change-maker. Available on the Delta Project's website or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this powerful episode of "What I Know Now" by The Delta Project, Guest host Ms. Shanda Vaughn and Cole Williams sit down with Anthony Flakes, a dedicated young father who has transformed his life from the juvenile justice system to responsible fatherhood. Anthony shares his emotional journey of becoming a father at 19, navigating financial pressures, and overcoming the absence of his own father figure. Anthony discusses his commitment to being an ever-present dad, emphasizing the importance of emotional honesty and breaking societal stereotypes that often silence male emotional expression. He describes the challenges of co-parenting, balancing personal desires with fatherhood duties, and the invaluable lessons he imparts to his children by modeling positive behavior. The conversation delves into Anthony’s reflections on his past experiences in juvenile detention, his motivation to change after the birth of his daughter, and his advocacy for support networks among young fathers. Co-host Shonda praises Anthony’s self-awareness and maturity at just 24, while guest Stacy acknowledges the misconceptions about young fathers and the need for mutual support. Listeners will be inspired by Anthony’s story of resilience and growth, his dedication to providing love and guidance, and his vision for setting new norms for future generations. Whether you're a young parent, an advocate for juvenile justice reform, or simply looking for heartfelt, transformative stories, this episode offers insightful reflections on the challenges and triumphs of responsible fatherhood. Don’t miss this inspiring narrative — listen to "What I Know Now" Episode 17 and discover the powerful impact one committed father can make. Be sure to follow the Delta Project on Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms, and visit our website for more stories and resources.

In this powerful episode of "What I Know Now," hosts Bilal and Cole delve deep into the world of juvenile justice with their esteemed guest, Jason Smith, the Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. With compelling insights from Bilal's own journey from high school dropout to youth advocate, we explore the critical intersections of personal transformation and systemic reform. Key Highlights: Youth Empowerment: Discover Bilal's stance on the importance of allowing young people to make mistakes and learn, emphasizing supportive community reintegration for youth returning from the adult justice system. Impactful Research: Uncover the findings of the "Youth Behind Bars" study, revealing the staggering statistic that 95% of minors in the adult system are there solely because they were 17, fueling advocacy for preventing youth from entering adult courts. Reformative Advocacy: Learn about the Michigan Center for Youth Justice's robust efforts to influence policy changes, educate the public, and drive legislative reform to support at-risk youth. Educational Initiatives: Host Cole Williams shares experiences from the classroom, using MCYJ’s publications to equip detained youths with knowledge about systemic issues and reforms. Diversion Programs: Bilal discusses the effectiveness of robust youth diversion strategies, highlighting therapy, substance abuse treatment, family engagement, and community-based programs as key to reducing reliance on the justice system. Role of Representation: Both hosts stress the importance of visible, positive role models and the need for young people to see success as an achievable goal. Bilal shares his own transformative story and ongoing mentorship with "at-risk" youth. Raise the Age Campaign: Understand the national movement to increase juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 to 18, which has been a significant part of Michigan's legislative reforms aimed at juvenile justice. Empowering Youth Voices: Hear about the statewide fellowship to empower young people involved with the justice system to become advocates and gain transferable skills for policy roles, creating a curriculum with MCYJ staff that covers juvenile justice, policy advocacy, and media engagement. Family Engagement: Explore the importance of respectful, effective engagement with families in the juvenile justice system, contrasting with the adult system. Financial Burdens and Reforms: Gain insights into the successful advocacy for eliminating juvenile court fines and fees, lifting financial burdens from families, and driving equitable reform across the justice system. Breaking Down Barriers: Join us in raw conversations that break down barriers and foster change in perceptions and policies related to juvenile justice, inspired by personal stories and expert insights. Tune in to be inspired by the dedication and passion driving juvenile justice reform, and learn how the Michigan Center for Youth Justice is making a transformative impact on young lives. Follow "What I Know Now" on all podcast platforms and visit the Delta Project’s website for more advocacy insights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of youth advocacy, systemic change, and personal redemption.

Join hosts Joel and Cole in a transformative conversation with reggae legend Mykal Rose and special guest Bilal on this enriching episode of What I Know Now: A Podcast by The Delta Project. Dive deep into the lived experiences and wisdom of Mykal Rose, who opens up about his journey growing up in the challenging environments of Jamaica's ghettos. Mykal shares compelling stories of his near-violent encounters and emphasizes the crucial need for power, community support, and second chances for the youth—a demographic that truly represents the future of our society. Explore the power of music, as Mykal discusses his current afrobeat album and legendary tracks like "General Penitentiary," which has a timeless impact in discouraging a life of crime. Bilal joins the conversation, asking imperative questions about urban communities and systemic issues, while Mykal reveals how he avoided violence and the police's radar, propelled by the inspiring influence of his father. The episode further highlights the importance of reciprocal relationships between elders and young people, stressing the need for elders to listen and guide the youth. Learn about Black Uhuru's unforgettable performance at a California prison and its profound message against seeing imprisonment as a status symbol. Experience the hosts' passionate discussion on the role of absent fathers and the profound influence of positive father figures in redirecting lives. Reflect on Mykal's deep connection to Africa, his dreams of repatriation, and his commitment to humanitarian rights. The conversation also touches upon the evolution of music and creative processes, with anecdotes about breaking into the music industry influenced by legends like BB King and R&B icons. Tune in and be inspired. Check out more programs on The Delta Project's website and follow us on various platforms to stay connected.

In this eye-opening episode of 'What I Know Now,' we delve deep into the heart of the black community's economic and social challenges with renowned activist Jakari Richardson. As our special guest, Jakari unveils the stark realities of growing up amidst the scarcity of black businesses and opportunities, and how this environment fuels a cycle of mass incarceration and crime. This episode is not just a narrative of hardships but a beacon of hope and a call to action. Join us as Jakari discusses the transformative power of psychological enlightenment and education in breaking the chains of systemic oppression. Discover the power of unity and resilience as Jakari and Bilal share the untold therapeutic aspects of barbershop conversations – a sacred space where black and brown men find connection, healing, and self-discovery. These candid talks reveal not only vulnerabilities but also spark crucial dialogues about identity, history, and empowerment. In their journey of self-reflection, our hosts Joel and Cole unravel their own defining moments when they discovered their profound connections to history and its impact on their roles today. The team uncovers the troubling disconnect between African Americans and Africans, dissecting the stereotypes and educational divide that shape their perceptions of one another. Riveting and insightful, this episode draws you into the world of activism beyond the front lines of protests and into the everyday acts of establishing community businesses and promoting black love and unity. Jakari challenges us all, sharing his quest to forge meaningful connections across diverse mindsets without offense, while illustrating the cultural bonds with his African heritage. From the influence of family and community to the unyielding pursuit of sharing knowledge, Jakari's story sheds light on the overlooked histories and legacies of black figures – the known and unknown heroes like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, and Claudette Colvin. Confronting the decline of the black family unit against the sharp rise of incarceration and economic turmoil, 'What I Know Now' paints a compelling picture of the past's grip on the present. This episode is not only an exploration of activism and identity but also serves as a clarion call to reclaim history, overcome internal divisions, and foster an enduring legacy of strength and solidarity. Be sure to tune in to Episode 09, 'Unraveling the Struggles and Triumphs of Black Activism with Jakari Richardson,' for an unforgettable dialogue that will not only inform but inspire you to make a difference in your community. Listen and subscribe to "What I Know Now" for more profound conversations that ignite change and draw lessons from the lived experiences of our guests.