Greetings to you all! My name is Derek Jamal Stephens. I was born and raised in a townhouse in Portsmouth, Virginia, the second oldest of five children. I come from a family led mostly by hard working women. The men in my family either worked in the shipyard or in construction, and I have an uncle who was in the Navy. They used to invite my entire family to the ship to enjoy prepared meals, and I’d be so scared walking those steps with the wind blowing. The chow hall on the ship was so huge and loud!
My dad wasn’t around, though, because he was in out of prison. Still, my family did a great job raising me. They made sure I attended church and school and taught me good values. I was an average student, enjoying English and Science but was very distracted by girls.
My biggest distraction was seeing friends come to school with new clothes, shoes, and a bottomless pocketful of cash, which I’d never had. That led me to skipping football practice, showing up late to games, and finally deciding to drop out after tenth grade. I still shake my head in disappointment over that choice. I was so lost I never considered how selling drugs leads to carrying guns and how if you carry a gun and live a life of crime eventually you’re gonna use that gun. So obvious now, but I made that tragic, irreversible mistake. I was only 18 when that happened 2004, the victim only 19. I regret constantly the life I took and also how I contributed to more Black on Black crime in the process. After spending only 18 years in society in Mom’s loving home, I’ve spent the 18 years since in prison, part of a 36 year sentence for murder and use of a firearm.
Once I came to the prison system I was classified and sent to Wallen’s Ridge, a maximum security prison. I was still only 20 then so I briefly remained remained misguided, in and out of segregation. That was, until a conversation with an older guy with just so much knowledge made me crave to be knowledgeable. That conversation changed me! He taught me that I don’t have to just do time passively, that I could actually figure out who I am so I will know what to do when finally released. I stayed out of trouble since, gained my GED, and earned my way to a lower security prison where I could advance myself more. Continued study and reflection
and now I am 36 years old and I am sure of who I am. I am living my ideology of “It’s not what you can gain, it’s what you can give.” I am also husband to a beautiful woman, Amber Crocker, with a son Aidan.
With her help, I have been able to bring my ideas to life. Two years ago, we began a non profit organization, Incarcerated Lives Matter VA (EIN 85-3532489). Believing people are incarcerated by a variety of experiences, including domestic violence, disability, homelessness, victimization, and prison, we advocate for all such people but also show the world what people can do beyond those challenges. We already operate a growing food bank, passing out food, toiletries, and household supplies every Saturday. I have developed a program called F.O.C.U.S., Food Outreach Community Utilizing Services. My wife leads our youth mentoring program at the Charles Houston Rec Center on Fridays. I am also developing a violence intervention program, TRAVEL, as well as a deescalation training group, The 5 Steps of C.O.D.. Once I am able to devote myself to this in person, we intend to get our own space and open a transitional home and school. In the meantime, I have also been at State Farm Enterprise Unit, working a skilled job in the Print Shop, since 2020. These are not just dreams, but realities we are already creating to help heal our communities with the lessons I’ve learned.
I currently am not eligible for any parole or expanded good time credits, and there is no one to look at me to see I have truly made corrections in my life. It would be incredibly fulfilling if the Second Look bill passes, giving the same judge who sentenced me a chance to see and evaluate my rehabilitation. I would also have a chance to rejoin the community and family sooner if parole eligibility for juveniles expands to age 21 or if earned sentence credits become available to all, both recently considered. But whatever happens, I will continue onward. This is my focus and my passion.