Award-winning author. Mentor. Positive contributor. And now, featured in one of the most historic prison newspapers in America.
I never imagined that after spending 20 years incarcerated, I'd be sitting here looking at my own story in The Prison Mirror, a newspaper with a history dating back to August 10, 1887.
But what makes this recognition so special to me isn't simply seeing my name and picture in print.
It's knowing that another incarcerated man nominated me because he saw something positive in the work I'm doing.
Not because of the books I've written. Not because of any awards I've received. But because of the impact I'm trying to make on the people around me.
And that means everything.
Recognized in The Prison Mirror for Mentorship and Personal Growth
The Prison Mirror, published at Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater (MCF-Stillwater), has long provided a platform for incarcerated voices, experiences, and accomplishments.
Being spotlighted in a newspaper established in 1887 is something I don't take lightly.
The article recognizes my journey as an award-winning author, my involvement with the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW), and my commitment to personal growth.
But one particular passage stood out to me:
"A great mentor and positive contributor to the ELU program."
Those were the words used by a fellow incarcerated person who nominated me for the spotlight.
I've received recognition for my writing, but being recognized by someone who lives alongside me, sees my actions, and experiences the environment we're working to build is a different kind of honor.
It tells me that maybe the things I'm doing are making a difference.
The Earned Living Unit: Choosing Growth Over Our Circumstances
One of the most meaningful parts of the article was seeing my thoughts about the Earned Living Unit (ELU) at MCF-Stillwater shared with readers.
I said:
"When men are placed in a setting built on structure, behavior changes. You see conversations replace confrontation; discipline replace chaos. It's not by accident, it is by choice; we choose this."
Those words reflect something I genuinely believe.
Prison can be a difficult environment to grow in. But I've learned that our environment, our choices, and the people we surround ourselves with can make a tremendous difference.
I can't undo my past. I can't erase the harm caused by decisions I've made. But I can take responsibility for my life today and make a conscious effort to become a better man.
And if I can encourage another man to do the same, then I'm doing something worthwhile.
Mentorship isn't about having all the answers. Sometimes it's simply about being willing to share what you've learned and helping someone else see what's possible.
From Hustle Reimagined to It Just Works: Writing With Purpose
The spotlight also highlighted my journey as an incarcerated author and entrepreneur.
My first book, Hustle Reimagined: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Beating the Odds, shares my experiences and the lessons I've learned from adversity.
My second book, The 8 Laws of Hustle: The New Psychology of Self-Made Success, explores a different understanding of hustle—one built around discipline, mindset, purpose, and personal development.
Both books were published through Crookd Crown Publishing, a company I helped build from behind prison walls.
At the time of my Prison Mirror spotlight, I was working on my third book, which would become It Just Works: Real Stories & Behavioral Science From the Earned Living Unit.
That book, co-authored with Jermaine F. Ferguson, gives men inside the ELU an opportunity to share their experiences with rehabilitation, accountability, and personal transformation.
Looking back, it's incredible to see how something that started with writing about my own life has grown into helping other men share theirs.
Our names are on the cover. Their stories are why the book matters.
I Want to Leave This Place Better Than I Found It
There's another statement from my Prison Mirror feature that continues to guide me:
"I want to leave this place (prison) stronger than I entered mentally and emotionally, and as a better man. I want to leave this ELU in a better place than when we came in."
That's still my goal.
After 19 years of incarceration, I understand that personal growth isn't measured by what we say about ourselves. It's measured by how we live, how we treat people, and what we contribute.
I'm proud of my accomplishments as an author. I'm proud of the books we've published and the opportunities they've created.
But being nominated by another man for the way I contribute to our community reminds me that some of the most meaningful accomplishments will never come with a trophy or a medal.
Sometimes they come from knowing that someone sees the effort you're making.
Thank You for Seeing the Man I'm Becoming
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the individual who nominated me for this spotlight and to The Prison Mirror for sharing my story.
To be recognized in a newspaper with such a remarkable history is an honor. But to be recognized for mentorship, leadership, and contributing something positive to the lives of others is even more meaningful.
My story is still being written. I have plenty more to learn, plenty more work to do, and plenty more ways I hope to give back.
I spent years being known for the worst decisions of my life. Today, I'm working to become known for what I've learned from them and what I choose to do next.
And if my journey can inspire even one person to believe that meaningful change is possible, then every word I've written has been worth it.
With gratitude,
Brandon D. Cox
Award-Winning Author | Founder, Crookd Crown Publishing
Real People. Real Stories. Real Change.