In this episode of Crime Survivors Speak, Aswad Thomas sits down with restorative justice leader Ghani Songster, who spent 30 years in prison after being sentenced to life without parole as a teenager and has since become one of the nation’s most visionary voices on healing and accountability. Ghani reflects on why hope is not a luxury but a necessity, and how restorative justice creates what our current system cannot: honest dialogue, shared humanity, and pathways to real reconciliation. He describes the transformation that becomes possible when survivors, responsible parties, and communities are finally brought together to heal—not separated by a courtroom. Ghani also shares powerful stories from the circle processes he facilitates, including moments when people on both sides of harm experience mutual understanding for the first time. This conversation invites listeners to imagine a justice system rooted in connection, dignity, and the belief that transformation is possible for all of us.

In this episode of Crime Survivors Speak, Aswad Thomas sits down with California-based advocate Enako Jefferson, a survivor, mentor, and co-CEO of the Jireh Shalom Foundation. Enako’s story is one of deep faith, loss, and transformation—a journey that has shaped her life’s mission to bring healing to both survivors of violence and those who have caused harm. Drawing from her personal experience and decades of advocacy, Enako speaks about the importance of parole reform, trauma-informed justice, and the need to see accountability and compassion as interconnected. She reflects on how community, empathy, and faith can help repair harm and restore lives, reminding us that healing is never a solo act—it’s something we build together.