Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities come from places you least expect.
Who would've thought that a book written from inside a Minnesota prison would lead to sitting on a couch with a Minnesota State Senator, sharing stories about rehabilitation, accountability, and the power of personal transformation?
For Brandon D. Cox, co-author of It Just Works: Real Stories & Behavioral Science From the Earned Living Unit, that moment became a reality at the 1st Annual Cuts 4 Vets event at Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater (MCF-Stillwater).
Alongside fellow incarcerated author Jermaine F. Ferguson, Brandon had the opportunity to spend time with Minnesota State Senator Karin Housley, sharing their book and discussing the work taking place within Stillwater's Earned Living Unit (ELU).
And yes, they captured the moment in a photograph—three people sitting together, each holding a copy of It Just Works.
Cuts 4 Vets at MCF-Stillwater: More Than an Event
The 1st Annual Cuts 4 Vets at MCF-Stillwater brought people together for an occasion centered on connection, recognition, and community.
For Brandon and Jermaine, the event also provided an unexpected opportunity to introduce It Just Works to Minnesota State Senator Karin Housley.
What might appear to be a simple photograph represents something much more meaningful.
Two incarcerated men, who have spent years working on themselves and contributing to their community, were able to share something they created with an elected official.
For Brandon, it was a humbling reminder of how far a person's voice can travel—even when their physical freedom is limited.
It Just Works: A Book Opening Unexpected Doors
It Just Works: Real Stories & Behavioral Science From the Earned Living Unit was written by Brandon D. Cox and Jermaine F. Ferguson to share firsthand experiences of men living within the Earned Living Unit at MCF-Stillwater.
The book combines personal stories with behavioral science to explore the importance of positive environments, accountability, peer support, responsibility, and rehabilitation.
But It Just Works is not simply about two incarcerated authors.
It is about the men who trusted Brandon and Jermaine with their experiences, their struggles, and their personal growth.
Those stories are now creating opportunities for conversations that extend far beyond the walls of MCF-Stillwater.
As Brandon reflects:
"Who would've thought that writing and sharing stories in prison would create opportunities like this? I may not be able to walk into every room, but through our book, our voices can still reach them."
That is the purpose behind It Just Works.
Sharing It Just Works With Senator Karin Housley
Meeting Minnesota State Senator Karin Housley at the Cuts 4 Vets event was a memorable experience for Brandon D. Cox and Jermaine F. Ferguson.
For Brandon, who founded Crookd Crown Publishing while incarcerated, the opportunity was especially meaningful.
What began with writing, entrepreneurship, and a desire to create something positive has grown into an opportunity to share the voices of other incarcerated men.
The photograph of Brandon, Senator Karin Housley, and Jermaine holding It Just Works captures that journey.
It represents the possibility of connection between people whose lives and experiences are very different.
Brandon expressed sincere appreciation to Senator Housley for taking the time to connect with them and show interest in their work.
The moment was not about politics or recognition alone. It was about the opportunity to share experiences, encourage understanding, and demonstrate that meaningful personal growth can happen even in difficult environments.
From MCF-Stillwater to a Growing Audience
The journey of It Just Works continues to create opportunities for Brandon D. Cox, Jermaine F. Ferguson, and the men of the Earned Living Unit.
From community events like Cuts 4 Vets to a feature on KARE 11 News, the book is reaching audiences who might otherwise never hear these firsthand stories.
The KARE 11 feature highlighted the Earned Living Unit at MCF-Stillwater and the experiences behind It Just Works.
Watch the KARE 11 feature about It Just Works and the Earned Living Unit
Through Crookd Crown Publishing, Brandon and Jermaine are also working to place copies of It Just Works into the hands of community leaders, educators, corrections professionals, and policymakers through a community book sponsorship campaign.
The goal is simple: get these stories into the hands of people willing to read, listen, and learn.
Redefining What's Possible
Brandon's journey has never been about pretending the past did not happen. It has been about accepting responsibility, committing to personal growth, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to others.
Sitting beside Minnesota State Senator Karin Housley at Cuts 4 Vets, holding a book written from inside prison, was one of those moments that made the journey feel especially meaningful.
What began as an idea inside MCF-Stillwater has become a published book, a platform for incarcerated voices, and an opportunity to connect with people beyond prison walls.
Sometimes your circumstances limit where you can go, but they don't have to limit how far your voice can reach.
For Brandon D. Cox and Jermaine F. Ferguson, It Just Works continues to demonstrate that the stories we share can create connections we never imagined.
Our names are on the cover. Their stories are why the book matters.
Crookd Crown Publishing — Real People. Real Stories. Real Change.