Missouri Re-Entry Transition Unit’s Vision
The Narrative Matters partners with Missouri’s Re-Entry Transition Unit to amplify incarcerated voices and highlight preparation, growth, and reentry success.
The Narrative Matters, in collaboration with the Re-Entry Transition Unit in Missouri, has taken steps to ensure that prisoners’ voices are heard. Recently, I had the privilege of sharing a story about the reentry program, written by Qadir Bilal Walid, one of the advocates at the unit.
The goal of these powerful stories is to inform the public that these individuals are actively working to prepare themselves for life outside prison. For many, the outside world will be entirely unfamiliar, having been incarcerated for a significant period. It may become their ally or their challenge, depending on how they navigate it. Ultimately, it is up to them to adapt to society and develop the tools necessary to face whatever difficulties come their way.
Bryant Sykes
My name is Bryant Sykes. I am currently incarcerated at Jefferson City Correctional Center, where I am a resident and a client in the Re-Entry Transition Unit, located in Housing Unit 4, C Wing. I have approximately eight and a half months remaining before my release.
I am an artist and entrepreneur. My creative work includes drawing, painting, sculpting, tattoo artistry, and clothing design. I have also created and branded my own clothing line with a personal label.
The reason I am writing is to share what I am working to accomplish through the Re-Entry Transition Unit and how this program has positively impacted my life. The program focuses on preparing us for real-world situations by helping us modify our behavior, develop critical thinking skills, and apply anger management strategies. These tools are designed to reduce negative thinking patterns and help participants successfully reintegrate into society without reoffending.
The Program
This program has helped me grow personally and rediscover who I am. I am learning how to be a better father, son, brother, uncle, and future husband. I am also gaining knowledge in financial literacy, budgeting, and business management, which has been essential to my personal and professional development. The Re-Entry Unit encourages positive self-expression and provides a safe space for growth, allowing me to be comfortable being myself while striving to become the best version of who I can be.
Since entering the program, I have formed an LLC, obtained an EIN, and opened a business bank account. I am currently developing a legitimate clothing brand called Field Work Art (FWA) using the tools, education, and opportunities provided through the Re-Entry Transition Unit. I am studying managerial accounting, learning the ins and outs of self-branding, and have completed a MasterClass course with Kris Jenner. With everything I am learning, I truly believe my future is bright.
The Journey
This journey is a major transformation from where I began. I come from poverty, low-income housing, homelessness, and childhood trauma. Those experiences contributed to drug use, poor decisions, and actions that caused harm to someone who did not deserve it. I take responsibility for my past and am genuinely remorseful. My goal now is to give back in ways that help others rather than cause harm.
Looking Forward
Looking forward, I plan to open a tattoo shop with an attached art studio dedicated to youth development. The studio will include a computer graphics and media center, providing young people with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop artistic and technical skills, and showcase talents they may not yet realize they have. I want to help youth use their creativity to pursue scholarships and educational opportunities, especially those from underserved communities who are often overlooked, as I once was.
Coming from the same environments as these young people motivates me deeply. My purpose is to spread awareness, positivity, and love, to help keep kids off the streets, and to show them productive ways to use their time. I want to serve as a positive mentor and living example that change is possible, no matter where someone starts.
I thank God for this opportunity, for personal growth, and for the chance to be heard.
In conclusion, I wish nothing but the best for this young man. I encourage Bryant and all his peers to follow their dreams and continue to strive for the best while incarcerated. Because having these positive mindsets keep them grounded and ready to face anything that comes their way once on the outside. In my opinion it is a combination of societal pressure and having no clear goal, warrant most felons to return back to the prison system. Let’s help change that stigma…
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Senior Editor, Digital Manager, Blogger, has been nominated for awards several times as Publisher and Author over the years. Has been with company for almost three years and is a current native St. Louisan.
