Notable People I've Met or Came Across throughout My Life Part 4

Ladies and gentleman, we have arrived at the final week of "Notable People I've Met or Came Across throughout My Life". Keep in mind that I'm referring to people who are famous; specifically 'notability' not necessarily 'nobility'.

In this final week I'll bring you up to speed with the folk I met from 2008 -- the year I was rearrested -- until now. If you have any questions for me or other stories you'd like to share, please reach out to me via JPay (click here and scroll down for easy instructions on how to email me via JPay).

Jabbar Gibson Have you heard of "Robin Hood"? If not, he's the legendary English outlaw who gave to the poor what he stole from the rich. Now to be clear: I never met Robin Hood 😁. However, I did meet someone who kind of mimicked Robin Hood's deeds. I met him in Orleans Parish Prison while staying on B-2 tier. We lived around each other for months and I found him to be an alright brother. It didn't take long before I learned that a few years before I met him, he had become semi-popular due to a deed of his right after Hurricane Katrina. Jabbar stole a bus and helped members from his community "The Fischer Project" evacuate to Houston, TX. Because of his honorable deed, Oprah Winfrey highlighted him, aided him, and tried to help him change his life. He told me about meeting Oprah, how she mentored him, and how he enjoyed that experience. Unfortunately, Oprah's efforts didn't help change Jabbar's life for the better. But hey...he still has time to get it together. Right?

Telly Hankton That name probably won't mean much to anyone outside of New Orleans, LA. However, in the city of New Orleans his and his family's name is very popular! I could try to explain some of the heinous crimes and charges he's been accused of, but I'mma just ask that you goggle his name.

Telly is currently serving a life sentence at "Angola" and may still be facing other charges. He has been labelled almost every negative name in the law book. I don't know the truth behind the allegations against him, but I do know that his published reputation is the polar opposite of the personality I encountered. I met him through Bo: who's a friend and business partner of mine. Bo befriended Telly in Orleans Parish Prison. The two of them stayed on A-2 tier after Telly was rearrested.

I don't know any of the specifics, but the one thing I heard was he made a $1,000,000 bond, only to have it revoked. I saw him a few times in O.P.P. during court trips and once on a callout. We would later see each other a couple of times in Angola at different sporting events. We don’t really know each other so we didn't have any long drawn out conversations; just general small talk like how we’re holding up and about Bo.

Garelle "Jigga" Smith is another name that means nothing outside of New Orleans, LA. But when it comes to "The City" and Souljah Slim fans...the name "Jigga" is significant. Garelle "Jigga" Smith was accused of and rumored to have killed Souljah Slim, a couple more local rappers (Spencer "Funk" Smith Jr. and Mandell Duplessis) and Terry Brock (Goggle for yourself). Whether he did the acts he was accused of is immaterial as far as this newsletter goes. Being good or righteous is not a requirement for being famous (example: Adolf Hitler) and being arrested for the murder of such a big New Orleans street legend makes you popular.

I lived with "Jigga" for a while in Orleans Parish Prison. We stayed on A-1 tier for close to a year. We didn't talk much, but he seemed pretty cool and was respected. I was kind of surprised that he was respected the way he was, given that "B.G." sent threats in songs to anyone arrested for the murder of Souljah Slim. "Jigga" ended up getting out of jail and going home. Years later, in 2011, he was killed. Jinx was a local rapper out of New Orleans who made a record that made him popular for a second. I never heard of Jinx nor his song before prison. However, in 2010-2011 at Avoyelles Correctional Center (A.V.C.) -- better known as Cottonport I was blessed to be in his presence. I can honestly say that he's one of the best lyricists that I ever met. This brother had a deeeep passion for music, and I related to every piece of art I heard him put together, and there were many! I hadn't heard from Jinx since those Cottonport days. He's probably still locked-up. Stay strong Jinx.

Roy Jones Jr. One of the places you'd least expect to meet a former World Boxing Champion is in prison. Well, sometime around 2015, Roy Jones Jr. came to visit the boxing program at Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI) doing research for the movie ‘The Corner Man’ that follows the life of Valrice “WHOP” Cooper’s boxing career that began while incarcerated. I'm just a few months shy of being at DCI for 10 years so I've held a few different jobs. At the time, I was a recreational orderly, and that job placed me everywhere sports were being played.

Mr. Roy Jones Jr. was cool. He came in the gym like most people would: Humble and attentive. If you didn't know who he was, nothing would give you a clue -- besides his entourage 😁 He watched some of the sparring matches, shook hands, talked to a few guys, then he was escorted on a tour around the prison before coming back to the gym. I didn't talk to him nor did I do anything to be seen. I just chilled a few feet away from him and watched those same sparring matches. It was cool enough just being in his presence.

If your not familiar with the name Roy Jones Jr. then hopefully these facts will give you a clue to his greatness: Roy Jones Jr. is ranked by BoxRec as the 17th greatest pound for pound fighter of all time. He competed in boxing from 1989 to 2018, and held multiple world championships in four weight classes, including titles at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight, and is the only boxer in history to start his professional career at light middleweight and go on to win a heavyweight title.

Boxing record: Total fights - 75, Wins - 66, Wins By K.O. - 47, Losses - 9. I could go on and on, but I'mma leave you with this: Roy Jones Jr. is also a recorded Rap Artist and has played in movies like, Creed II, The Matrix Reloaded, Universal Soldier and many others.

Kendall Beckwith is a former professional football player who was drafted in the third round (107th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He signed a four-year, $3.17 million contract that included a signing bonus of $706,288. The position he played in the NFL and College was linebacker. In college he was a highlight for LSU's defense and that's around the time I meet him.

Kendall Beckwith is from Clinton, Louisiana. Just a few miles away from DCI! My boss at the time, Coach Jefferson, was his neighbor and had watched him grow into the football player he became. Since Coach Jefferson was over the Recreational Department at DCI and I was his orderly, he brought Kendall Beckwith to the prison and he also introduced us. Kendall was a friendly, humble, big dude. I've heard Coach Jefferson speak about Kendall being a true country guy who likes horses, farming, and other outdoor activities. When Kendall made it to the NFL, I remember Coach saying that Kendall bought horses and lived humbly. Nice meeting you Kendall! 😁

McKinley "Mac" Phipps Jr. is a New Orleans rapper who was part of the No Limit rap label that Master P established. He made his appearance in the "No Limit 504 Boys" album, but went on to put out a solo album called "Shell Shocked" which happens to be his best work to me. The last album that I'm familiar with was entitled "World War III". Few people know that Mac has been rapping since a child. He actually made an album at 13 years old "The lyrical Midget". In 2001, Mac was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 30 years. This changed the course of his rap career.

I met and spoke with Mac at Hunt Correctional Center a few times during boxing matches. No lie, I was and still am a big No Limit and Mac fan 😁 So meeting him was a true pleasure. I was even able to ask him a few questions about his past and his relationship with friend/label mate "C-Murder". But the thing we had most in common was our wrongful convictions. His mother, Mrs. Phipps actually draws portraits of people in Louisiana who were wrongfully convicted. She drew mine 😁 (see related article on HuffPost.com). I also knew his father, Mr. Phipps, before I met Mac. He would buy wholesale from us through "The Clothing Outlet" and talk about his son often. On June 22, 2021 Mac went home (see article on Undefeated.com) and I hear he’s already working on some new material. I wish you the best my brother.

Cardell Hayes The name wouldn't mean a thing to you unless, you are his family, you live in Louisiana, you're a New Orleans Saints fan, or you're a New Orleans Saints hater. On April 9, 2016 Cardell Hayes had an incident with William Raymond Smith III, the New Orleans Saints football player that led to Will Smith's death. This case was a big deal in Louisiana! He even had his conviction overturned because of a non-unanimous jury verdict this year. I know this specifically because I too was convicted by a non-unanimous jury.

Anyway, I saw Cardell Hayes a few times at boxing matches hosted by Hunt Correctional Center. He was tall, big, and laid back. I never spoke to him because we had no mutual acquaintance and because of the nature of the event we were attending. Mr. Cardell Hayes is currently out on bond and is set for another trial date. I wish both families the best.

Cedric Levan Richmond is an American attorney, politician, and political advisor serving as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement in the Biden administration.

I got a chance to see him a few years ago at an event for the youthful offenders, better known as YOP's, that was hosted by an organization I'm apart of called Toastmasters International. Mr. Richmond came to inspire the YOP's to be better and do better. He spoke about him growing up in New Orleans and the challenges he faced to become the person he is today. At that time Cedric Richmond was a Louisiana State Representative. He served as Louisiana State Representative from 2011-2021.

Secretary James M. Leblanc Currently serves as Louisiana's Secretary for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC) and has for the past nine years being appointed to the Cabinet position by two governors. He's worked for the DPSC for more than 40 years. How did I meet him? Well, once he spoke as a guest speaker for a mentoring group I helped to reestablish here at DCI called "PILLARS of Life" (POL - see more under Corey Webster below). A friend of mine, Brian "B-Ray" Batiste, worked for him as his orderly and was the forerunner of the group POL He was able to invite the Secretary as our very first guest speaker! 😁 After hearing our groups introduction, he told us to stop and commanded the wardens over the prison to stop what they were doing and come hear us.

When he spoke, he talked about his history in Corrections, some of his plans to make changes and how he needed us to help him, and about his personal struggles. He also told us to keep up the good work.

Now as a prisoner, to have the Secretary of DPSC as a guest speaker was BIG. For him to send for the wardens of the prison to hear us was a bigger statement. He highly regards our group and offers his support.

I have to thank Secretary Leblanc for all of his support and aid he's given our group. Some people talk a good game; others walk it! 😁 I hope to see him again on the other side of the gates.

Corey Webster is a former professional football cornerback who played for the New York Giants. He was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft and later won two Super Bowls with the team, both while with the New England Patriots. He played college football at LSU. His jersey number was 23 and his career was from 2005-2013.

Now I met Corey Webster at another meeting PILLARS of Life hosted. Corey Webster was actually our second guest speaker. How did we pull that off? Once again, my friend and forerunner of the group, Brian "B-Ray" Batiste, made it happen. He actually grew up with and played sports with Corey Webster. So when B-Ray called Corey and found out that he was in the same line of work (mentoring) it was a must do for Corey Webster.

Mr. Webster took us down memory lane and discussed his humble beginning. He explained how his first love was basketball and how he wanted to play basketball in college. However, the famous coach Nick Saban told him and his parents that with his skills he could make him a great professional football player. Well Nick Saban knew what he was talking about. And get this...Nick Saban only saw Corey Webster on video -- not live on the field!

Mr. Webster showed our group much love and even highlighted his visit with us through this video; you'll see me in the video where' I'm referred to as 'Soul'.

Thank you Corey Webster! I will always remember you stepping down to come visit and love on the little men (prisoners). Your words of wisdom will never be forgotten. 😁

Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell is a native of New Orleans, La and a 1998 graduate of the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, La. After law school, she spent ten years working at an appellate court and, in this capacity, gained an expertise in appellate law. In 2008, she left the judiciary and began her career in academia as a law professor. She has worked big cases and even had a hand in fighting the non-unanimous jury verdict laws in Louisiana.

I met Mrs. Allen-Bell at another event that DCI's Toastmasters hosted. This event was extra special to me. Not only did I get the chance to meet and talk with Professor Allen-Bell, but I had the pleasure of interviewing her after she spoke to the YOP's and the Toastmasters.

I found Mrs. Allen--Bell to be very passionate, smart, wise, and articulate. Immediately after she spoke I felt refreshed and committed to following her if she needed me. Thanks Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell for showing me an intelligent, strong black woman. I look forward to seeing you on the other side. 😁

I've been a few places since being rearrested and held in Philadelphia's county jail: I was extradited to Orleans Parish Prison where I stayed 2 years. Next, after being sentenced, I was shipped to E.H.C.C. (Hunt) for about 6 weeks. From there I was shipped to A.V.C. Avoyelles Correctional Center -- better known as "Cottonport" -- where I stayed about a year and a half. Then I was shipped to D.C.I. where I have been -- going on 10 years. I've met some special people here. I've met some special people throughout my life!

I look forward to the day, some human being out there will have me on the list of notable folk they've encountered. And maybe you should too 😁

Thanks for engaging with me and placing time in your life to implicate me in it 😁 Be sure to visit "Much Love, Soul" September 1 to engage in our next venture. 😁 Much Love,

Soul