Peace During War - Episode 2: Community Service From Prison

Updated 4 days ago

In 'Voices from Behind Bars: A Candid Podcast,' Michael Wilder hosts an intense and emotional dialogue with inmates, including Keith Harbin and Doug Parker. Live from the Michigan Department of Corrections, they share personal stories of their pasts involving crime and violence, offering heartfelt advice to the younger generation. The conversation explores themes of redemption, the impact of gun violence, and the potential for change. With raw honesty, the participants emphasize the importance of making better life choices and breaking free from the cycle of violence and incarceration. This powerful episode aims to reach the youth and communities affected by these issues, striving to inspire positive change through shared experiences and wisdom.

Chapters

Introduction and Technical Difficulties (00:00:11)
The host introduces Mr. Keith Harbin, who is calling from the Michigan Department of Corrections, but there are initial technical difficulties with the call.

The host greets the audience and attempts to introduce Mr. Keith Harbin, who is calling live from the Michigan Department of Corrections. There are some issues with the audio connection, leading to a brief period of trying to establish clear communication.
Keith Harbin's Message to Youth (00:01:02)
Keith Harbin, also known as Faheem, shares a powerful message to young boys involved in crime, urging them to change their lives and avoid his mistakes.

Keith Harbin speaks directly to young boys who are involved in criminal activities such as gangbanging and drug dealing. He reflects on his own past mistakes and emphasizes the importance of choosing a better path in life. He mentions the impact of his actions and the need for young people to focus on self-improvement and making positive choices.
Apology to Grand Haven Community (00:03:53)
Keith Harbin apologizes to the Grand Haven community for his past actions and expresses regret for the harm he caused.

Keith Harbin addresses the Grand Haven community, acknowledging the pain and loss he caused through his actions. He apologizes to the police department and the community members affected, expressing deep regret for his past behavior and the impact it had on others.
Doug Parker's Story of Gun Violence (00:05:48)
Doug Parker discusses the impact of gun violence on his life, sharing his experiences and urging others to avoid similar paths.

Doug Parker shares his personal experiences with gun violence, detailing how it led to his imprisonment and took him away from his family. He emphasizes the long-lasting negative effects of gun violence on individuals and communities, and the importance of making better choices.
Melvin Ward's Call and Advice (00:09:12)
Melvin Ward joins the podcast live from prison, discussing the consequences of drug dealing and expressing remorse for his actions.

Melvin Ward calls in from a federal prison and talks about the negative impacts of drug dealing. He highlights the pain it causes to families and communities and urges young people to avoid the lifestyle he once led. He expresses regret for not being present for his children and hopes to make a positive change upon his release.
Talents and Lost Opportunities (00:14:00)
The podcast highlights the talents lost to incarceration, with a discussion on how prisoners possess untapped potential.

The host and guests discuss the untapped potential and talents of those who are incarcerated. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and nurturing these talents to prevent further loss of potential, encouraging individuals to pursue their dreams and make positive contributions to society.
Plans for Community Service and Entrepreneurship (00:20:51)
Discussion on community service initiatives and entrepreneurial plans, including a mobile dog grooming service.

The podcast discusses plans for community service initiatives from within the prison system and highlights entrepreneurial endeavors such as a mobile dog grooming service. The guests talk about their aspirations to contribute positively to society and support each other in their business ventures.
Conclusion and Final Messages (00:24:44)
The hosts and guests give their final thoughts, emphasizing the importance of positive choices and community support.

The podcast concludes with final messages from the hosts and guests, reiterating the importance of making positive life choices and the role of community support in helping individuals reintegrate into society. They express hope for future episodes and the continuation of their mission to reduce violence and promote positive change.
Making Moves Across States (00:25:08)
The speaker discusses the group's efforts in violence intervention beyond Michigan, highlighting the teamwork and dedication.

The speaker emphasizes their group's reach and influence beyond their home state of Michigan, mentioning their efforts in Kentucky as well. They highlight the importance of their team, including GVI (Group Violence Intervention), and their collective mission to get guns off the streets, get people back in school, and provide jobs.
Bridge to a Better Future (00:25:23)
The speaker envisions being a bridge from incarceration to society, helping individuals rebuild their lives after prison.

The speaker expresses a desire to be more than just known for getting guns off the streets. They want to be a bridge, similar to the metaphorical role of a pope, connecting those who have been in prison back to society, enabling them to rebuild their lives and become productive members of the community. They share their personal journey of overcoming incarceration and obtaining a college degree, serving as a role model for others.
The Village Mentality (00:26:57)
The importance of community support and unity is discussed, emphasizing the need for a village mentality to combat violence.

The conversation shifts to the concept of a village mentality, where the speaker and a lady he spoke with stress the importance of community support. They discuss how a lack of unity and competition within neighborhoods fosters negativity and violence, while a supportive village can uplift individuals and create positive change.
Historical Roots of Division (00:28:22)
The speaker connects current community violence to historical divisions rooted in slavery, emphasizing the need for change.

The speaker reflects on the historical roots of division within the community, tracing it back to slavery and the mentality instilled during those times. They recount how people were pitted against each other, and how this legacy of division continues to manifest in current violence and competition within low-income neighborhoods. They stress the importance of breaking this cycle and working towards unity and support within the community.
The Crabs in a Barrel Misconception (00:32:44)
The speaker challenges the crabs in a barrel mentality, revealing it as a misconception about pulling each other down.

The speaker dispels the long-held belief that crabs in a barrel pull each other down, explaining that crabs actually help each other climb out by forming a ladder. This metaphor is used to highlight the need for community members to support and uplift each other rather than compete and tear each other down. They emphasize that the community should adopt this supportive behavior to foster collective progress and success.
Apologies and Redemption (00:35:00)
The speaker shares their personal journey of redemption and apologizes for past actions, aiming to prevent further violence.

The speaker reflects on their past involvement in a homicide and expresses deep remorse, offering an apology to the victim's family. They emphasize that their work in violence prevention is driven by the desire to ensure that the victim's death was not in vain. The speaker uses their experience to advocate for the cessation of violence and the importance of redemption and change.
The Importance of Community Outreach (00:45:11)
The significance of community outreach and guidance for young people to prevent them from entering a life of crime.

The speaker discusses the critical role of community outreach in guiding young people away from crime and violence. They highlight their efforts to connect with individuals who have been shot or are facing legal troubles, offering support and alternatives to a life of crime. The conversation stresses the importance of mentorship and providing positive role models to help young people make better life choices and avoid the pitfalls of the justice system.
Overcoming the Drug Trade (00:49:23)
The speaker reflects on their past in the drug trade and the realization of the harm it causes, advocating for change.

Reflecting on their past involvement in selling drugs, the speaker acknowledges the damage it causes to individuals and communities. They share their journey of realizing the moral implications and the exploitation involved in the drug trade, urging others to seek alternative, positive ways of making a living. The speaker emphasizes that true success and happiness come from legitimate means and helping others rather than profiting from their struggles.

Peace During War with Michael Wilder (2 Episodes)

Updated 4 days ago