🔔 Trigger Warning
This episode contains discussions of murder and violence. Listener discretion is advised.
What is justice?
What is criminal justice reform?
Is it accountability? Is it truth? Is it centering the victim and their family—not the criminal?
Today, I walked out of court after delivering impact statements alongside my family. The judge looked us in the eye and admitted—with his own words—that a murder took place. He acknowledged that he had the power to override the decision made by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Chief Assistant Meg Reiss. But he chose not to.
After 2 years, 5 months, and 7 days of waiting, grieving, and advocating… the court accepted a guilty plea with 7 months time served. That’s what they called justice.
Let that sit.
This episode is the conclusion of a long time coming. It’s the release. The rebirth. The moment I choose healing over silence, growth over grief, peace over pain. I am thankful I was able to speak on my father’s behalf and share the impact. I am proud to have used my voice.
But make no mistake:
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE.
This world is wicked. And some of the people in it are too.
But we—the next generation—we are the change.
We are the action.
This Is Where I Landed with Shayla
This podcast is a love letter to the ones who create beauty from their becoming.
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Remember, you are that guy, you are that girl, you are whomever you choose to be. Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
