My Story: A Path to Purpose
My name is Todd “Tiz”, and my life has been shaped by two powerful, often conflicting, worlds. I grew up in New York City in a two-parent home where faith and structure were constant guides. I was loved and supported, but I also felt the immense gravitational pull of the streets and the allure of fast money. I was a young man caught between the life I was raised for and the one I saw unfolding all around me.
From the Court to the Mic
Discipline and drive were constant threads. Basketball was my first passion; I played at San Jacinto College and then at York University. My world was also deeply shaped by hip-hop; a culture I witnessed change the world.
I was fortunate to be a part of that era, managing legendary artists like The LostBoyz and Canibus. I even recorded the track "Hot Fun" with Richard Grayson. My time in the music industry taught me about ambition, and the relentless hustle it takes to succeed at the highest level.
A Dangerous Path
Despite my efforts, the reality for many youth in my city was a systemic trap with few real choices. I always held a job and sought a path beyond the quick-money lure, but in a stark and devastating example of a broken system, my life was tragically rerouted.
In a travesty of justice caused by mandatory sentencing laws, my first offense landed me with a devastating 58-year sentence under a federal stacking statute.
It was inside the federal prison system facing the reality of decades behind bars that my purpose was truly forged. The lessons from my past, the discipline of sports, the foundational guidance of faith, and the ambition learned in the music hustle converged. I became a dedicated mentor, using my experience not for despair, but to guide others.
I witnessed the untapped talent, potential, and deep-seated desire for change among countless incarcerated men. My purpose became crystal clear: to use my voice and experience to disrupt the cycle of recidivism and foster lasting generational change.
A Testament to Reform
My excessive sentence became the core challenge for The Holloway Project, where the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton directly targeted unjust 924(c) stacking laws. Their efforts led to my immediate compassionate release. Now, my story, featured in the powerful short documentary The Holloway Project is currently being leveraged in an Amicus Brief filed with the Supreme Court (Rutherford v. USA) as a living example of why sentencing reform is vital, and why correcting the systemic injustice of 924(c) sentencings is important.
I stand as a testament to the power of transformation. Alongside my wife, I am dedicated to equipping formerly incarcerated men and women with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in life.
My work is not simply about advocating for second chances; it is about providing the essential keys to lasting self-determination, community healing, and true freedom.
