Urban Compassion Project CEO/Founder Vincent Ray Williams III (S4E39P2)

Trigger warning: Vincent's story is a difficult, painful, and traumatic one that involves several tales of violence, crime, and drug abuse. Please be warned that these episodes contain potentially triggering content. In this podcast, Vincent picks up where he left off in Part 1. He describes a week-long crime spree he went on when he was 15. As he fought sentencing and was holed up in Oakland juvenile hall, he got some visits. First, his sister and her baby came. Then, Vincent's mom visited him. Initially, Vincent was upset. But then he allowed her to share her side of everything that had happened. She told her son that she was broken, that she had trusted her husband (Vincent's dad) and he had abused her. He didn't believe her, but a guard got the police report from that day, and for the first time, Vincent understood what happened. But he couldn't let go of guilt-tripping his mom. Many years later, still not able to move on from that emotion, his mom put her foot down. She was ill and he realized that there was no one to take care of her. This kicked off a spiritual journey for Vincent. That was seven years ago, and he and his mom are tight today. He says his whole life story, which you've been hearing and reading about, played a part in his starting Urban Compassion Project. If you missed Part 1, please go back and listen. And if you'd like to donate or get involved with Urban Compassion Project, please visit their website today. Photography by Michelle Kilfeather