Juvenile Justice || What I Know Now

The Delta Project
  • 5.0 (4)
  • NON-PROFIT

To share compelling stories about system-impacted youth, their families, and their communities, so that listeners are inspired to take meaningful community action and support the advocacy work of the Delta Project.

  1. Episode 32: Community-Based Change: Liz Frederick on Safe Spaces and Alternatives to Incarceration

    3D AGO

    Episode 32: Community-Based Change: Liz Frederick on Safe Spaces and Alternatives to Incarceration

    Welcome to What I Know Now, a Podcast by The Delta Project. In this episode, we dive into the realities of reimagining the juvenile justice system with special guest Liz Frederick, Executive Director of Avenues for Justice. Hosted by Cole Williams, this conversation explores the transformative impact of community-based alternatives to incarceration, the importance of wraparound support for youth and their families, and the power of lived experience in advocacy. Through personal stories and deep insights, Liz Frederick shares her nearly 20-year journey at Avenues for Justice, highlighting how the program not only serves court-involved youth but also their siblings and at-risk peers. Together, Cole Williams and Liz Frederick tackle tough questions about systemic barriers, trauma, and the need for true safe spaces—both physical and virtual. They discuss breaking the cycle of generational incarceration, investing in holistic services from education to job readiness, and why lasting change means supporting both young people and their families. If you’re passionate about justice reform, mentorship, and grassroots solutions, this episode will challenge, inspire, and inform you. Tune in to hear how resilience, leadership, and community drive meaningful progress for youth in the juvenile justice system,and what more we can do moving forward.

    58 min
  2. Episode 31 -Reimagining Justice: Renee Cummings on Algorithms, Data Activism, and Youth Empowerment

    FEB 24

    Episode 31 -Reimagining Justice: Renee Cummings on Algorithms, Data Activism, and Youth Empowerment

    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.

    41 min
  3. Episode 30: Mentors Matter - Nala Barlow’s Story of Resilience and Hope

    JAN 28

    Episode 30: Mentors Matter - Nala Barlow’s Story of Resilience and Hope

    In this episode of "What I Know Now" from The Delta Project, Host Cole Williams sits down with Nala Barlow, a clinical mental health professional working inside a juvenile detention center. Together, they unpack how childhood experiences shaped Nala Barlow's journey from surviving instability, homelessness, and parental addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for youth impacted by America's justice system. Nala Barlow shares raw, unfiltered memories of growing up as a "parentified kid," struggling in environments filled with chaos, and longing for adult support. Through powerful storytelling, the episode explores themes of trauma, generational cycles, and the impact of undiagnosed mental health issues in families. Listeners will discover how relationships—like those with Nala Barlow's grandfather, basketball coaches, and mentors—provided essential lifelines and helped foster resilience, belonging, and a sense of purpose. This episode addresses tough questions around how society labels “bad kids,” underscoring the importance of seeing past behaviors to the pain and stories underneath. Cole Williams and Nala Barlow challenge listeners to reconsider their assumptions about youth in the juvenile justice system, highlighting the transformative power of unconditional love and consistent, caring adults. Whether you’re a parent, educator, mentor, or someone passionate about social justice and youth advocacy, this episode offers moving insights into trauma, healing, and the critical power of compassionate relationships. Tune in for candid conversations on redemption, accountability, and how one person’s journey can shine a light for countless others. Listen now to discover what Nala Barlow knows now—and why love is the answer to healing our communities.

    37 min
  4. Episode 29: Seeing Kids First: Building Trauma Informed Juvenile Justice with Indu Wilson

    JAN 5

    Episode 29: Seeing Kids First: Building Trauma Informed Juvenile Justice with Indu Wilson

    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.

    51 min
  5. Episode 28: Beyond the Walls: Youth Voices on Hope, Healing, and Change in Juvenile Justice w/ Marshall Mansfield & Jordan Lyle

    11/26/2025

    Episode 28: Beyond the Walls: Youth Voices on Hope, Healing, and Change in Juvenile Justice w/ Marshall Mansfield & Jordan Lyle

    Welcome back to "What I Know Now," a podcast by The Delta Project where real stories spark real change. In this episode, host Cole Williams sits down with guests Marshall Mansfield, Nick Williams, and Jordan Lyle to pull back the curtain on life inside Michigan's juvenile justice system. As young men who’ve experienced detention firsthand, our guests speak candidly about what it’s like to walk into a facility, the impact of simple kindness from staff, and the lifelong effects of being treated as less than human. They share how trauma, loss, and labels can follow youth long after release—and what true support and mentorship look like for someone coming home and trying to break old cycles. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to have hope in tough circumstances, what is lost in those years behind the wall, and how crucial youth voices are in shaping a better system, this episode delivers honest answers. Whether you’re a professional working in juvenile justice or a young person trying to find your path, there’s something here for everyone. Listen in for reflections, advice, and powerful reminders that it’s never too late to change your mindset or your future.

    44 min
  6. Episode 27: Navigating Fatherhood, Leadership, and Legacy - Christopher Lovelady on Purposeful Impact

    10/31/2025

    Episode 27: Navigating Fatherhood, Leadership, and Legacy - Christopher Lovelady on Purposeful Impact

    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 development Creating welcoming spaces for at-risk youth Building brotherhood and trust among young men The importance of accountability and consistency Reflections on fatherhood, loss, and forgiveness Advice for scaling community-led nonprofits Investing in violence prevention and re-entry programs Whether 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.

    1h 2m
  7. Episode 26: Time, Truth, and Transformation: Jimmy’s Journey Through Incarceration and Reconnection

    10/13/2025

    Episode 26: Time, Truth, and Transformation: Jimmy’s Journey Through Incarceration and Reconnection

    Welcome to "What I Know Now," a podcast by The Delta Project, where we dive deep into life inside the juvenile justice system and what it takes to turn things around truly. In this powerful episode, guest host Nick Williams and co-host Cole Williams sit down with guest Jimmy Horsley for an honest, heartfelt conversation about redemption, fatherhood, and the transformative power of mentorship. Jimmy shares his journey from childhood in Mississippi to navigating the streets, facing repeated incarceration, and ultimately rediscovering himself as a father and mentor. Through his candid insights, you'll hear how the pain of separation from his daughters and the lessons learned in fatherhood programs shaped the man he is today. Meanwhile, Nick opens up about his own time in juvenile detention, the challenges of breaking free from a destructive mindset, and the importance of finding something to believe in. Together, Jimmy and Nick reveal the impact of connection behind the walls—how vulnerability, self-reflection, and genuine support can plant seeds of hope, even in places where it feels like nothing grows. Whether you're a parent, a mentor, or someone seeking to understand the real stories behind the headlines, this episode reminds us that everyone is worthy of change, and that time—even measured behind bars—can be used to transform your life. Listen in for raw stories, personal breakthroughs, and the lessons these men wish they’d known sooner—in the hope that what they know now will spark change for the future.

    58 min
  8. Episode 25: Building Trust and Healing Hurts - Gayle Harvey on Community, Advocacy, and Moving Forward

    09/18/2025

    Episode 25: Building Trust and Healing Hurts - Gayle Harvey on Community, Advocacy, and Moving Forward

    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.

    36 min
See All (30)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

To share compelling stories about system-impacted youth, their families, and their communities, so that listeners are inspired to take meaningful community action and support the advocacy work of the Delta Project.

Information

You Might Also Like