Damion Walker
ATM, B.A.
TX, USDamion Walker received Congressional Recognition as a "Craig Washinton" Scholar and is an honoree of the "Black Super Hero" by CFC40, because of his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. However, as a teenager, Walker's path had a different outcome. He sold drugs; yet, he said it was crimes that he did not commit (four aggravated robberies) that got him and a friend locked up for 17 years. Walker spoke of wanting to fight the charges but was advised by multiple people (lawyer, family, etc.) to plead guilty rather than go to trial and face the possibility of 25 years for each crime.
Walker built a reputation on the street as a hustler and carried that into prison. His first prison stop was with what was then considered "the worst of the worst" offenders in the state of Texas. He was later transferred but constantly faced adversity for rebelling against the officers. Yet, the most painful part of his incarceration was losing his mother and grandparents while he was locked away.
While in prison, Walker was introduced to Toastmasters and gravitated to it immediately upon experiencing instant success in speaking competitions and was voted as a club president. He focused on honing of his oratory skills that helped him focus on living a more positive existence. Though Walker has been a featured speaker at several events, some with participants numbering in the thousands, the TGSJSB has helped him hone his talents.
While in prison Walker earned an Associate's degree from Alvin Community College. Upon his release from jail, Walker would go on to earn a Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and became monetarily successful as a car sales representative. But it has been through the organization he started that Walker has found meaning in being able to work with formerly incarcerated individuals searching to fully re-integrate into society.
He is developing a policy portfolio that would end the school to prison pipeline. He is working on a communication curriculum for those released from prison and an educational documentary based on criminal justice reform.
Damion Walker received Congressional Recognition as a "Craig Washinton" Scholar and is an honoree of the "Black Super Hero" by CFC40, because of his commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. However, as a teenager, Walker's path had a different outcome. He sold drugs; yet, he said it was crimes that he did not commit (four aggravated robberies) that got him and a friend locked up for 17 years. Walker spoke of wanting to fight the charges but was advised by multiple people (lawyer, family, etc.) to plead guilty rather than go to trial and face the possibility of 25 years for each crime.
Walker built a reputation on the street as a hustler and carried that into prison. His first prison stop was with what was then considered "the worst of the worst" offenders in the state of Texas. He was later transferred but constantly faced adversity for rebelling against the officers. Yet, the most painful part of his incarceration was losing his mother and grandparents while he was locked away.
While in prison, Walker was introduced to Toastmasters and gravitated to it immediately upon experiencing instant success in speaking competitions and was voted as a club president. He focused on honing of his oratory skills that helped him focus on living a more positive existence. Though Walker has been a featured speaker at several events, some with participants numbering in the thousands, the TGSJSB has helped him hone his talents.
While in prison Walker earned an Associate's degree from Alvin Community College. Upon his release from jail, Walker would go on to earn a Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and became monetarily successful as a car sales representative. But it has been through the organization he started that Walker has found meaning in being able to work with formerly incarcerated individuals searching to fully re-integrate into society.
He is developing a policy portfolio that would end the school to prison pipeline. He is working on a communication curriculum for those released from prison and an educational documentary based on criminal justice reform.
Understanding Positive Communication
RE-ENTRY LESSONS (An Educational Documentary)
"RE-ENTRY LESSONS" is a venture into providing a view of the elements of re-entry. The re-entry process of a returning citizen is key to their success after release. "RE-ENTRY LESSONS" will provide an educational look into a critical portion of so many people's lives, from the formally incarcerated, their family and society. The relevance of this project is very timely towards the continuous desire to alter the criminal justice system. From Philadelphia Eagles Cornerback, Malcolm...
