Jason Samuel

Jason Samuel is a community activist who has found his

passion in supporting and mentoring opportunity youth through

restorative justice practices. After growing up in an environment

plagued by gangs, he found himself joining a gang at the young age

of 14. At 17, he was arrested and sentenced to life in prison for the

attempted murder of a police officer. Within the 22 years that he

served in prison, Jason immersed himself in countless mentorship

and self-help programs to better understand his childhood and the

decisions that led up to his incarceration. While finding himself, he

found his calling to give back to a generation of young people who

have shared similar life experiences as him. Since coming home in

2019, he has continued to mentor, teach, and lead workshops in

schools, churches, and community meet-ups. His mission is to

help others gain healing from the trauma that can lead to a life-

altering decision. He hopes that his story can be used as a

preventive solution and help provide insight into the power of

empathy and accountability.