Meet the Volunteers

"Hello, I'm Hakeem A. Muhammad (Alfred Butler), Imam at Columbus Correctional Facility. Having experienced challenges in my past, I'm now dedicated to helping others avoid similar pitfalls. I'm honored to be part of the TAG program, working towards positive change for our youth. I'm committed to supporting their growth and development."

"Lost and helpless, that's where I was in my early years. My name is Anthony D. Kenan Jr, I've been incarcerated since I was 18, and now I'm 36. T.A.G. is an opportunity for us to ensure our youth have someone to talk to, unlike my experience. So, let's make a change and TAG someone in!"

"My name is Frederick Nokes. I joined the TAG program because I was forced to grow up too quickly. My past mistakes, including a tragic incident where I drove under the influence and took the lives of several people, have had a lasting impact on my life. I deeply regret that decision and want to use my experience to help others avoid similar mistakes. I'm committed to being a listening ear and a voice of caution, sharing my story to prevent others from going down the same path."

"I am Geoffrey and I joined T.A.G. to utilize my experience in helping others outside of prison. In 2019, I participated in the NC Field Ministry Program, earning an accredited four-year college degree. I'm now serving in an official role, supporting my peers and facilitating their growth. Education has been a key factor in my personal growth, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to play a role in someone else's journey. Thank you, T.A.G. and everyone involved, for making this possible."

"I'm Gregory Robinson Jr., Founder of Wisdom of Creation Books, from Beckley, WV. I'm currently serving serving a 51-72 years consecutive sentences in the North Carolina Department of Corrections. I joined T.A.G. because I believe the youth are our future. Through my experiences and dedication, I hope to share my story and insights to help young people see life from a different perspective. Life is all about intentions and decisions. I was that youth, the one that made that wrong decision that indirectly and directly destroyed families. My goal is to empower them to make positive decisions and avoid the consequences of poor choices. I'm committed to helping youth make informed decisions and create a better future for themselves."

"Hi, my name is John Sierra. I'm 46 years old and have been incarcerated for 11 years. I made some poor choices and ended up here. Now, I'm part of the TAG program, where I'm dedicated to helping youth avoid the same mistakes. Life is full of tough decisions and challenges, and I'd like to share my experiences to help them navigate these obstacles. I've been through a lot, so I'm here to listen and offer guidance. If you need someone to talk to or just need a listening ear, feel free to reach out – I'm here for you."

"My name is John Sifford. I joined the TAG program because I believe it's time to change the narrative and give today's youth a chance to experience their childhood and become adults when the time is right. Being incarcerated at a young age robbed me of my childhood, forcing me to grow up too quickly. Now, I want to help others avoid the same fate and ensure they have the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest."

"My name is Julio Roman. I grew up in a very loving family. The paths I took after leaving home were 100% my decision. I took the fastest path to achieve my goals without considering other options. If I had the opportunity to participate in the TAG program in my youth, I'm sure I would have taken a different path in life. The TAG program will be a great opportunity to share good advice and various paths with others. By sharing my experiences and mistakes, I hope to help someone who's been in a similar situation."

"Mi nombre es Julio Roman. Crecí en una familia muy amorosa. Las decisiones que tomé después de dejar mi hogar fueron 100% mías. Tomé el camino más rápido para lograr mis metas sin considerar otras opciones. Si hubiera tenido la oportunidad de participar en el programa TAG en mi juventud, estoy seguro de que habría tomado un camino diferente en la vida. El programa TAG será una gran oportunidad para compartir buenos consejos y diversas opciones con otros. Al compartir mis experiencias y errores, espero ayudar a alguien que haya estado en una situación similar."

"My name is Justin T. Walker, and I've been incarcerated for 23 years of a 30-year sentence. I believe I'm a great fit for the T.A.G. program because, when I first came to prison, I faced two significant concerns. One was how to reach my two sons and ensure they didn't follow a similar path. The second was how to guide my five daughters to make positive choices in their relationships. Through faith and effort, I've seen all my children thrive in positive ways. I'm eager to continue this trend by sharing positivity with other young people who may be influenced by negative factors. I hope that my efforts, combined with those of the T.A.G. family, will make a difference and help some young men and women avoid the prison system."

"I learned about T.A.G. from someone here who described it as similar to a scared straight program where we would be able to help our youth straight-in-up and GOD willing avoid being a resident in a prison. I've been incarcerated for over 12 years, with 3 years in county jail and 9 years in state prison. I believe in being the change I want to see in others, so I strive to positively impact my environment and those around me. Despite the limitations on classes for lifers in the camps I've been in, I've taken advantage of opportunities to grow and develop. I've completed various programs, including Thinking for a Change, Commercial Cleaning, Horticulture, and Jump Start. I'm now an Inside Leader in Jump Start, a 42-week program with a Christian focus. I'm eager to share my experiences and insights with others, and I pray that I can be of use."

"Hi, my name is Tyree Pickenpack. Born and raised in High Point, NC, I've lived a life marked by crime and violence from a young age, which led me down a dark path. I'm currently serving a 24–30-year prison sentence for murder. However, after giving my life to God, I now wish to help others. I joined the TAG program to reach out to youth and share the harsh realities of incarceration, guiding them toward a better path and closer to God. I'm honored to be part of TAG and hope we can make a positive impact in your child's life. Thank you, and God bless."