From Trauma to Triumph: A Culinary Symphony of Empowerment

My name is Joshua Bevill.  I'm serving a 30-year federal sentence for a low-level, nonviolent offense.  I've been in prison for nearly 15 years.

During my time on the frontlines, I've witnessed the atrocities of injustice, up close and person—the human toll of injustice.  But with that comes stories of hope and inspiration. This story is one of my favorite yet.

For many years, Sharon Richardson was the victim of domestic abuse. To make matters even more horrifying, her boyfriend was also molesting Richardson’s young daughter. 

A gentleman who had been living with Richardson and her boyfriend at the time witnessed the abuse and took it upon himself to “solve the problem.” One night, he and three of his friends jumped Richardson’s abuser and killed him.

Richardson was eventually charged with second-degree murder and conspiracy in the first degree and sent to prison for 20 years. Though she had physical bruises and stories of terrifying abuse, her stories hit a wall of indifference. No one wanted to listen.

And so two lives were taken that day: Richardson’s and her abuser’s. And her two young children were ripped from their mother’s arms and sent to be raised by a relative.

Yet, even in the face of despair, a faint ember of hope flickered.

Seeds of Transformation

Days bled into years behind bars, each one painted in the monotonous gray of prison life.  But beneath the surface, a quiet transformation was taking place within Richardson.  A decision to pursue higher education was the spark she needed to rekindle her desire to make a difference in the world.  “At some point — and I can’t tell you exactly when — I began to look at my time as a gift.”

Richardson earned her associates degree, then her bachelor’s, reclaiming control of her life and purpose. A unique pastoral program became a turning point, opening doors to self-discovery and connection.  She wasn't just acquiring knowledge; she was forging her inner strength, finding solace in spirituality, and discovering the power of community with others who understood the weight she carried.

Building a Legacy, Bite by Bite

Finally, the day came when Richardson walked out of prison a free and changed woman. She was soon met with an unexpected opportunity to start a business. This opportunity rekindled a passion long dormant – a passion for food, intertwined with the importance of human connection.

A powerful memory set in motion what would be Richardson’s calling. During her incarceration, she learned that her mother was dying. Richardson was taken out in shackles and handcuffs and allowed to visit her mother on her deathbed.

After saying her final goodbye, Richardson was returned to prison, where she assumed she would go to her cell and cry into her pillow all night long. Instead, she was met by friends who had prepared an entire meal while she was out. Richardson and these other women lived on the honor floor, where they had certain privileges, like making their own meals.

And so Richardson spent that evening eating and sharing stories of her beloved mother. She and the other women cried together and ate together, and the moment became the cornerstone of Richardson’s vision.  She realized the power food held, coupled with the raw vulnerability of storytelling, to heal, connect, and inspire.  This vision morphed into Reentry Rocks and Just Soul Catering, a social enterprise with a mission: to empower formerly incarcerated women.

“Not all of our stories are pretty stories, and they’re not meant to be.”

Richardson's dream extends far beyond creating delicious soul food.  She envisions a space – a haven – where women can not only gain job skills but rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.  Her unwavering determination is fueled by a deep belief that everyone deserves a second chance, that the stories we carry, even the painful ones, can become a source of strength and inspiration for ourselves and others.

The Power to Create a Compassionate World

Today, Sharon Richardson is surrounded by love – the love for her work, the love she shares with those she empowers, and the love for life itself.  Her story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It's a melody that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that the food we share and the stories we tell have the power to create a more just and compassionate world.