Francette Carson, ICN Sr. Correspondent
The Connecticut Hall of Change honored the Great Eight at the Theatre Works in Hartford, CT. The first honor was given to Charles Grady, founder of Connecticut Hall of Change, with a chant to thank him for his contribution to the community. The Connecticut Hall of Change is the framework for The Great Eight and Hang Time. The Hang Time program plants seeds of hope and change and presents opportunities for previously incarcerated persons to live with purpose and support a positive transition into society. Grady stated,” We are all a part of the solution to be in a room where people are actively changing. They need to feel comfortable; the simple act of giving respect and allowing the voiceless to be heard creates an environment for positive changes in their lives. The keynote speaker, Patrick Griffin, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney, stated, “Behind every file is a person, and they must be welcomed back into the community and presented with opportunities.
The Great Eight honors and memorializes previously incarcerated individuals who have made significant changes in their lives and have given back to their communities. The 2023 Great Eight inductees were Mindy Richardson, Levi Gordon, Annette Diaz, William” June Boy” Outlaw, Tracy Bernardi Guzman, Keith Smith Jr., Jackie Purcell, and Ameer Williams.
Mindy Richardson is a substance abuse recovery specialist and advocate for the Women’s Legislative Committee. She stated,” I plant seeds of hope. I’m a person that has turned trauma and pain into passion.”
Levi Gordon is a community coordinator and culture climate specialist at Benjamin Jepson School in New Haven. Gordon is a football coach, mentor, and event coordinator. He stated, “I aspire to inspire.
Annette Diaz is a leader in the field of substance abuse and mental health. She is a recovery support specialist and has assisted people with transitioning back into the community after discharge from institutions and prison. Diaz received the Judith Chamberlain Award.
William” June Boy” Outlaw was sentenced to eighty-five years in prison. By the grace of God, he was standing on the stage, being honored for his significant contributions to his community. Outlaw provides prison mentorship and re-entry programs for at-risk youth. He has a book titled Citizen Outlaw, which he plans to transform into a movie. He stated,” God chose me for this work, and I thank God for choosing me.” He gave an emotional and heartfelt tribute to his mother, Pearl Elizabeth Outlaw.
Tracy Bernardi Guzman served twenty-three years in prison, with seven years in solitary confinement. She is an American Silvers leader fighting mass incarceration and ending solitary confinement. Guzman uses her voice for change to “open people’s eyes to make them care.”
Keith Smith Jr. provides services to assist with skill training in prison and helping previously incarcerated persons seeking change. He believes “no matter where we are on the journey, the best is yet to come.”
Jacqueline Purcell founded the Evolution re-entry program, which promotes development, change, advancement, growth, rise, and progress. Purcell’s journey of making poor choices and being incarcerated over a decade ago motivates her to use her personal and professional experiences to improve policies and practices affecting justice-impacted women. She has been the keynote speaker at criminal justice conferences throughout the country.
Ameer Williams served six years in prison and is presently a New Haven Police Sergeant. Williams gives back to his community by assisting individuals with receiving pardons and providing free notary services. Through redemption, resilience, and growth, he has two master’s degrees and plans to complete his doctorate. Williams’ life’s blueprint is a commitment to the eternal principles of strength, determination, perseverance, and striving for success against all odds.
CT State Rep. Robyn A. Porter, quoted Maya Angelou, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly,” reinforcing the significance of transformative change and the importance of honoring the inductees of The Great Eight.
The Connecticut Hall of Change is expanding nationally, and many states seek to emulate this program. The inductees work tirelessly to change the lives of others, and a public acknowledgment of their accomplishments and contributions is a testament to the human spirit that change is possible.” The wrong people will teach you that you can do it by yourself. The right people will not allow you to do it by yourself.” Charles Grady founded The Connecticut Hall of Change. This exceptional program embraces and honors those who have shown resilience, redemption, and growth, providing support, guidance, and special recognition for their hard work and dedication to improving their communities.
Photos:The Great 8 2023 Class. A group picture with Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin. The Cast of Journey to the Great 8