I wish to express my gratitude and efforts towards the success of this program to the people in my life who have helped free my positivity.
- My mother Lois, whose angelic qualities I am unable to draw comparison to. She has kept her heart open to me when I lost my way, taught me that I am my own hero and capable of rising to any challenge.
- My stepfather Bob, who has been a continuous source of support and comfort.
- Ms. Annette Chambers – Smith, Director of ODRC and GCI Warden Keith Foley, Kai Adams – IIS, and Sesan Popoola – CPS, who all looked beyond prison #293-878 to see my worth and potential, and gave incarcerated men the opportunity to have a voice in prison reform with their Normalcy Initiative: See Scandinavian Prison Model.
- Ms. Latoya Logan and Project LIFT who, without judgment, have mentored me and sharpened my life skills. Her commanding grace, kindness, social and justice work that is an exemplary mark that keeps rising, and has given me the inspiration to “get to it”.
- Mr & Mrs. Patrick Davis of Scars & Bars, who are true ambassadors of change.
- Queen Mother High Priestess Lady Brigid, who helped me look within myself to gain a spiritual freedom I never believed was possible to obtain inside prison walls.
- High Priestess Lady CrowMoon whose spiritual counsel helps me to keep my moon-steps in life on course.
- All those who helped me from drowning with the life raft of true friendship with every accepted call, visit, cent put on my phone and commissary account, letters, pics, and emails of love and support.
- The people on the inside and outside who value me as your Mentor despite my incarceration.
- Marcel McDaniel for living true to the abiding principle of Elevation. With your NONSTOP GROWTH initiative you will empower countless others with a pathway to step forward. Let Us Dare to Rise!
Moving FAST arose out of the seed of remorse for all the damage I have caused, grief, empathy for all those who are adversely impacted by gang violence, and my commitment to be a positive force for change.
With Sincerest Gratitude, Mr. DeAngelo Capone
Special Thanks To
Bryan Stevenson, Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. The inspiration given to me by your achievements and continued activism can not be appropriately acknowledged without actively reforming self to effect change around me. It is not my destiny to fill your footprints but I hope to honor them with my work.
Ms. Karen L. Mapp, Ed. D – Senior Lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Your ability to strengthen minds transcends classrooms or auditoriums, reaching and enlightening the most distant and deemed lost of society.
World Renowned Chef Jeff Henderson, the Big Homie, who encouraged me to see myself being successful and to use my prison experience to un-handcuff my mind. You are living verification that the power of choice is ours. You have my active gratitude.
Reggie Washington – Founder of Project A.W.A.R.E for investing your time and effort to build better men inside and outside these walls. Effective change on the outside begins with processing the potential on the inside. I’m with you brother.
A true LA Sun King Donald Hurst of Dads Back Academy which is a branch of Friends Outside Los Angeles. True criminal justice is found in mending fractured families and communities, and providing meaningful habilitation & restorative resources. I salute your service in doing that and more – “Go Trojans!”
Sheldon Jackson, a genuine friend, GCI staff and resident barber. Thank you for helping me to maintain a gentleman’s swag and teaching men a healthy life skill with your “Above All Cuts” platform.
Coach Marty Eggleston – Step International and his partner Mrs. Lanette Eggleston – Out The Box Ministries, both of whom have shown an unwavering commitment to being in service to others. I appreciate you and I can only hope to mimic your kindness & service.
Senior Pastor Dr. R.A Vernon, Queen Darella E. Motley, my brothers Jackie, Sherman, Clem, Mike, Angelo,and George of the Word Church Prison and Reentry Ministry. I Thank You for the wealth of memories we’ve made together through a spiritual embrace that has forged a human connection promising more to come. The scope and positive impact of your service is unmatched and a model for all agents of change. I love you all.
Snoop Youth Football League – For recognizing that the hope of a golden tomorrow lies in investing in the youth of today. Dogg, I salute you, two times, for providing thousands with mentorship, a positive environment for positive development, and opportunities to safely shape their own future. Continue to set the gold standard for giving back.
The Regency Fun Center in Lakewood, California – For being a positive option for youth to engage in prosocial activities after school and on the weekends.
The Care Alliance Health Center in Cleveland, Ohio for providing the community with the access to take charge of their health care. Feeling connected to community and being cared for is a deciding factor for resiliency in life.
A Golden Thank You And Salute to my Uncles Big Bad Habit, Big Cat Man, and Lil’ Reese Cup: For your authenticity, familial love, and indomitable spirit which provides me the motivation to never rest as long as there are present struggles in our communities and future hopes for our families. It is not enough that we hope things will get better. The sun rises and shines on all people, so I would use the light entrusted within me to diligently pursue better.
Rabbi Shlomo Elkan and Author Jody Savin of the Los Angeles County Jewish Community for blessing my heart and spirit with the transforming presence of Holocaust Survivor Qadoshem Trudie Strobel. Her power of resiliency, resistance, and hope has lit my spirit with a fire of love and service. I will thank you with my continuous action against hate and evil in the world.