LONG BEACH, CA - JULY 2, 2023 – The 3rd Annual Reentry Keys Economic and Healing Summit that took place June 21st and June 22nd, hosted by Ronnie's House, marked a notable virtual appearance by Wallo, host of the popular podcast "Million Dollars Worth of Game." Wallo's inspirational journey from incarceration to media mogul resonated profoundly with the attendees, providing hope for those seeking successful reintegration into society.
Wallo, who spent two decades in prison from ages 17 to 38, has built an impressive media career over the six years since his release. At the summit, he showed extraordinary generosity by sharing his life experiences and offering guidance to attendees, some of whom had served as much as 35 years.
One particularly moving interaction was with a young man, fresh from serving a 27-year sentence. Feeling inadequate with his achievements in the two months since his release, the man was reassured by Wallo of the remarkable feat he had accomplished just by securing a job. Wallo advised another attendee with visible tattoos. He felt he was being judged to embrace his identity, build his community, and communicate openly about his past and commitment to change when seeking employment. Wallo's compassion, inspiration, and engaging presence kept the audience glued to every word.
A man, who had served a 35-year sentence, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the chance to meet Wallo, whose Instagram appearances had been an inspiration even before his rise to fame. By understanding the challenges of reentry from his own experience, Wallo underscored the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and practicing self-compassion.
The summit's organizer, Shirin Senegal, Executive Director of Ronnie's House, spoke highly of Wallo's participation. "Wallo was an inspiration," she said, adding her gratitude to him and his team for supporting their work to reduce recidivism. Senegal, who founded Ronnie's House after the tragic loss of her husband to gun violence, underscored the importance of role models like Wallo in bringing about change and connecting individuals with resources and mentorship opportunities.
The summit offered a range of workshops covering a variety of topics, including starting a business, securing funding, learning trades, advancing college education, and managing credit. It served as a platform for attendees to share their stories and address their traumas. "Healing is central to my work," Shirin commented, adding that the trauma begins long before incarceration and only intensifies with it.
In the next few months, Wallo plans to host an event for Ronnie's House in Los Angeles, solidifying his dedication to the cause of aiding justice-impacted individuals.
In 2024, Ronnie's House preparing to host a Reentry Keys Summit in Atlanta and Los Angeles.
For more information about the summit and the work of Ronnie's House, visit www.reentrykeyssummit.com
About Ronnie's House:
Ronnie's House is a nonprofit organization that supports justice-impacted individuals through advocacy, support, and resource provision. Founded by Shirin Senegal, the organization envisions an inclusive, equitable society that actively supports the reintegration of these individuals into their communities.