Episode 15

Shaka Senghor

SHAKA SENGHOR UNVEILS HIS INSPIRING
JOURNEY FROM SOLITARY CONFINEMENT TO
BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND TECH EXECUTIVE,
EMPOWERING OTHERS THROUGH HIS STORY.

About The Show

Shaka Senghor: From Solitary Confinement to Redemption Through Writing and Service

In the unforgiving world of the American prison system, solitary confinement is often used as a weapon to subdue and punish.

Shaka Senghor, who spent seven years in solitary confinement during his 19-year incarceration, describes this experience as deeply dehumanizing. However, despite the mental and emotional toll, Shaka’s journey through isolation is a remarkable testament to personal redemption and transformation—a story of survival that he shared on The Last Mile Radio.

Solitary Confinement: A Brutal Tool of Punishment

Solitary confinement involves being locked in a small cell, often for 23 hours a day, with minimal human interaction. It is designed to break a person down, both mentally and emotionally. Shaka Senghor’s time in solitary was no different. “They use it as a weapon,” he explained during his Last Mile Radio interview. The isolation, he said, was intended to crush his spirit and render him compliant.

“Solitary confinement doesn’t just lock your body away; it locks your mind in a battle for survival. Every day I spent in that cell, I had to choose between losing myself and finding a way to stay sane.”

Like many others, Shaka initially responded with anger and defiance, emotions that had already shaped much of his life up to that point. The small, claustrophobic cell became a battlefield of inner turmoil, with thoughts of hopelessness and despair gnawing at him daily. However, in a profound shift, Shaka chose to turn inward and focus on rebuilding his mind rather than surrendering to the system’s intent.

Writing His Wrongs from a Solitary Cell

One of the most pivotal moments in Shaka Senghor’s life occurred while he was in solitary confinement, armed with little more than a disposable pen and paper. The act of writing became his lifeline. From the confines of his cell, Shaka began to pour his thoughts onto paper, reflecting on his past and imagining a different future. His writings would eventually become the foundation for his critically acclaimed book, Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison.

During his interview on The Last Mile Radio, Shaka recalled how writing helped him process his emotions and the trauma of his life experiences. He detailed how he painstakingly penned a manuscript while isolated from the world, using every available moment to reflect on his past actions and the anger that had driven him. Writing, he said, became an act of self-discovery—a way to reclaim his humanity and reshape his narrative.

“Writing became my escape. It was my way of confronting the demons of my past and imagining a future where I wasn’t defined by my worst mistakes.”

In a particularly striking story, Shaka spoke about lending his only manuscript to another man in a different cell. They communicated by sliding papers under the doors, a silent exchange between two men in isolation. Despite the risk of losing his only copy, Shaka wanted to share his story, a powerful gesture that underscored his growing sense of connection and purpose.

A Transformation of Mind and Philosophy

The isolation of solitary confinement could easily have consumed Shaka’s mind, but instead, it served as a catalyst for a dramatic change in his personal perceptions and philosophy. He began meditating daily, practicing patience, and seeking ways to understand his anger and regrets. His reflections, paired with the discipline of writing, transformed him from a person filled with rage into someone seeking reconciliation with his past and a new direction for his future.

“There was an agreement between me and the universe. The same way it was in the negative, I wasn’t surprised I got arrested. I wasn’t surprised I ended up in prison. That was a narrative I created. So why would I be surprised that I become successful if I’ve created that narrative as well?”

Shaka described this transformation during his Last Mile Radio interview as a process of “rebuilding the man I wanted to become.” He realized that if he was ever going to truly change, he needed to confront not just his past actions but the root causes of his anger—poverty, trauma, and a lack of guidance. His journey became not just one of personal healing but also of accountability and redemption.

Redemption and a Life of Service

Following his release, Shaka Senghor committed his life to service, using his personal experiences to advocate for criminal justice reform and to mentor justice-impacted individuals. His book, Writing My Wrongs, has reached thousands, offering hope to those who feel lost in the system and serving as a call for systemic change. Shaka’s message is clear: redemption is possible, even in the darkest circumstances, but it requires introspection, accountability, and the right support systems.

“I realized that if I wanted to change my life, I had to start with myself. I had to let go of the anger and hate and focus on becoming the person I knew I could be.”

In his post-incarceration life, Shaka has worked tirelessly to highlight the devastating impact of solitary confinement on rehabilitation and reintegration. He emphasizes that isolation is not a path to transformation, but rather a tool that exacerbates trauma. Through his advocacy work, he pushes for a system that promotes healing rather than punishment, believing that true justice is found in uplifting and restoring dignity to those affected by the criminal justice system.

His efforts extend beyond storytelling; Shaka is actively involved in mentoring youth and those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. His life now revolves around community service, advocating for policies that end the practice of solitary confinement and providing pathways for incarcerated individuals to find their own redemption, much like he did.

Solitary Confinement Is Not A Solution

Shaka Senghor’s journey from solitary confinement to a life of service demonstrates that even in the harshest conditions, transformation is possible. His story serves as a powerful critique of the use of solitary confinement as a weapon, one that destroys rather than rehabilitates. Shaka’s decision to channel his pain into writing, his willingness to share his story, and his ultimate transformation into an advocate for justice reform show that redemption is not only possible but essential for building a more humane society.

The lessons from Shaka’s experience are clear: solitary confinement is not a solution. Instead, we must focus on building systems that foster healing, accountability, and redemption. Shaka Senghor’s voice, amplified through platforms like The Last Mile Radio, continues to inspire and guide efforts to reform the criminal justice system and create opportunities for transformation.


Episode Resources:
Shaka’s website
Book By Shaka: “Letters to the Sons of Society”
Book by Shaka: “Writing My Wrongs”
Shaka’s Instagram
Favorite book: “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”
Navan

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