Press Article: From Incarceration to Empowerment: Shakoor’s Journey and Activism
Sajad Shakoor, a formerly incarcerated individual, has transformed his life since gaining his freedom, emerging as a beacon of hope and empowerment for others navigating the challenges of re-entry into society. After serving time, Shakoor confronted the common hurdles faced by those with felony convictions, including securing housing, reconnecting with family, and finding employment. He quickly found a job at Falafel Corner, a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bay Area, where his culinary skills honed in prison kitchens propelled him to management within weeks.
By 2018, Shakoor acquired the restaurant and helped expand it to over 30 franchises across Northern California. His accomplishments extend beyond business; he is a vigorous advocate for criminal justice reform. In 2014, he testified in favor of Senate Bill 1391, which broadened access to college education for inmates—a bill that became law that same year. Most recently, he supported SB 309, which established universal standards for religious grooming and headwear across California’s detention facilities, drawing from personal experiences of discrimination while incarcerated.
Shakoor is not only committed to advocacy; he also engages directly with incarcerated individuals. Since 2017, he has organized food-sharing and worship events in correctional facilities, offering a sense of community and hope to those feeling isolated. His own reflections on resilience, likening human endurance to flowers blooming in harsh environments, resonate deeply within the prison walls.
Amidst the challenges, Shakoor and his peers, like Kali, a 69-year-old inmate, find solace in faith and camaraderie, emphasizing that even in despair, there are pathways to peace and purpose. As Shakoor continues to uplift others, he embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity through compassion, resilience, and community engagement.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
