issues as quickly as possible. He says the best way to create change is to empower those already working in the community, whether through funding or collaboration, so that they can nd solutions that actually work for the people they aim to help. “The people closest to the problem are closest to the solution, and you can't omit those people,” Muab-El says. A Broke Syste Perhaps his most notable cause, Muab-El is dedicated to ending mass incarceration and the judicial system’s practice of disproportionately incarcerating people of color. Muab-El himself was sentenced to 15 years behind bars when he was just 15 years old, serving his entire sentence. His experience gives him a unique insight into the correctional system and he says we need to focus as much on keeping people out of prison as we do helping individuals when they get out. “Our goal is to make sure that those people stay out of prison and make sure that they integrate into the community in a way that is ultimately successful,” Muab-El says. Muab-El says he has been “looking at the system with a microscope,” and when he thinks back on his time in prison, he can’t help but feel connected to those still behind bars. When talking with inmates, Muab-El says he looks into their eyes and can see the same potential that resides within himself. “He can do the same things that I’m doing,” Muab-El says. “The fact of the matter is that those brothers keep me humble as well.”
“ MY PURPOSE IS ESTABLISHING A LEGACY AND A BETTER WORLD FOR MY SON.” - Caliph Muab-El
Inspire an Determine Though the work can be dif cult,
Muab-El says he draws inspiration from the hundreds of letters he receives from incarcerated individuals who tell him they count on him to champion their cause. And he says his biggest inspiration is the one closest to his heart: his son. “Every time I look into those big ol’ eyes that look like mine, that is always my de ning moment to let me know that my purpose is establishing a legacy and a better world for my son,” Muab-El says. Though he’s seen progress, Muab-El knows his work is far from over. Focused not on the miniscule, but always on the bigger picture, Muab-El says as long as he continues to see racial bias in the judicial system, inequality in communities and schools, and other societal ills that foster disunity and inequality, he will continue to ght for what is right. “We have a great momentum moving forward and I don't see myself slowing down anytime soon.” wrong.”
“ PEOPLE CLOSEST TO THE PROBLEM ARE CLOSEST TO THE SOLUTION, an yo CAN'T OMIT THOSE PEOPLE.” - Caliph Muab-El, minister and social activist
53
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker