Nicholas Crayton - FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison

Рет қаралды 64,648

Жыл бұрын

After serving 24 years, Nicholas Crayton is only days away from being released from an innovative prison known as a Life Skills Re-Entry Center in Kewanee, Illinois.
We follow Nicholas as he walks through the prison gates, and begins the next chapter of his life. While he’s set his sights on starting his own tech company, the challenges of adapting to life outside prove harder than he’s imagined.
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About FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison
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They walk through prison gates with little more than a bus ticket and less than $100. After spending months or years counting down their sentences, they have days or hours to find food, housing, healthcare, and a job. WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: LIFE AFTER PRISON offers an intimate look at the challenges and opportunities facing people returning to society after spending time in prison, as they seek to restart their lives while carrying the stigma of a criminal record.
FIRSTHAND: Life After Prison is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago.
www.wttw.com/firsthand
#FIRSTHANDwttw

Пікірлер: 177

@HiMyNameIsSander 4 ай бұрын

Props to him for still remembering his victim every day.

@Abdur-Rasheed-as-Salafi_1 4 ай бұрын

I love this man like a brother bc he IS my Brother. I was locked up with him and he's the smartest, most kind and loving, most genuine and sincere person I've ever met in my life. Welcome home Brother!!!🎉❤

@HLJlovejoy Ай бұрын

God bless you!

@jessicayoung6617 Ай бұрын

Love this I hope your life is better now 🙏🏼

@Abdur-Rasheed-as-Salafi_1 Ай бұрын

@@jessicayoung6617 Thank you! My life is a lot better now. I had a couple of bumps and bruises, but nothing I couldn't overcome. I'm now a student at Prairie State College taking up a course in welding. Life is great. Thank you!

@Abdur-Rasheed-as-Salafi_1 Ай бұрын

@@HLJlovejoy Thank you and may God bless you too!

@ANGELSLVME 29 күн бұрын

@@Abdur-Rasheed-as-Salafi_1hey, how is he doing? Has he gotten a job, wife, car? Hope you’re doing well also

@danielpaschjr3547 4 ай бұрын

We need updates on how he's doing!

@Derivmaster5880 Жыл бұрын

This brought tears to my eyes I'm glad that this brother was released while his mother is still alive cause he looks like someone who has been rehabilitated to the highest level and great things are coming for him, LOVE from South Africa my brother.

@xyz.8377 7 ай бұрын

This is a true blessing to see,every person that sees he’s story cannot but root for him!

@aliciavargas2392 Жыл бұрын

Ricardo is my husband n he told me to watch your documentary congratulations to you and enjoy your freedom you deserve it hopefully soon my husband will be home from kewanee as well major props to you

@xyz.8377 7 ай бұрын

I hope he knows that everyone that see and knows he’s story will be rooting for him He is a true inspiration! He should make a channel and give updates!!

@user-rv9qx9sp1y 7 ай бұрын

It's so good to see a Brother who has been fully rehabilitated and back into society. He's definitely a leader and educated?! He's going to make a big difference in his City. Congratulations 👏.

@lisaglam7278 Ай бұрын

Uncle and Auntie are AWESOME..... Very supportive ❤

@darrellmccall6100 19 күн бұрын

Rarely do inmates have this emotional and economic support when coming home. It's great for him, and yes, they are awesome.

@lc6636 Ай бұрын

This is one of the best stories I have watched. Good luck to him!!

@ZinaReasby Ай бұрын

I am looking for a business team equal.

@irenefinch7024 Ай бұрын

His Transition Was Good! My Son Didn't Have The Family Support. When My Son Got Released He Was Placed On House Arrest & Because I Moved To A New State He Wasn't Transferable. His Living Situation Is With Old Friends I Just Keep Him In Prayer.

@user-cm2ux2pz3y 20 күн бұрын

I pray he leads and not fallows May god bless his foot steps

@lauradavis4848 9 ай бұрын

This is the best documentary I've watched in quite a long time. Not sure I have ever felt so proud of a person I've never met before. But I'm bursting with pride for this man. What a lovely human he is. And what a testament to his mama as well. It's very obvious how she raised her children, even tho she worked her butt off. He made a mistake being with the wrong ppl at the wrong time, and had to pay with 24 yrs of his life. Instead of giving up, and acting a fool in prison, this man got 2 college degrees, speaks and carries himself as such a strong and intelligent man. And that's not an easy thing to do being in prison for that amount of time. I would love to hear how he's doing in Sept of 2023. I have zero doubt that he's living a very successful life. His company idea is fabulous and I'm so impressed by it. I smiled and cheered when he said he got his license and an apartment. If you're reading these comments sir, I pray you are doing amazing like I'm sure you are. I hope your anxiety has diminished for you and I pray you're living your best life.

@NicholasMalakiCrayton 2 ай бұрын

Hello, just now looking at comments. I can assure you that I have done so much more than I thought possible. Not only am I helping people who are returning home, I am also involved with the communities. I pass out food to the homeless, go inside of the prisons to mentor, just published my third book, and actively working with multiple partners to curb the violence within our communities. Thank you for your kind words. They help.

@lauradavis4848 2 ай бұрын

@@NicholasMalakiCrayton so happy to read this!!! You continue to do great things 💗💗 thanks for updating us

@sabrina.natalie Ай бұрын

@@NicholasMalakiCrayton - Nicholas, I’m so happy to read your comment. I see a beautiful future in store for you. I’m so proud of you. Stay the course. Baby steps. Take it one day at a time! ❤️

@ALLQUEEN51 Ай бұрын

What’s your book called?

@AfricanAsianQueen Ай бұрын

Nicholas , my name is Esmeralda Hopkins. I live in the San Francisco Bay area in California. I was so moved and touched by your story. I watched two of your videos. I am happy you are a free man doing all you can to better yourself. I have family members serving time in prison, one doing life. Your powerful testimony gives hope to many people. I'm praying 🙏 for you. I hope and pray you get a permanent job soon. God bless you Nicholas.

@BongzD-zo1dd Ай бұрын

He seems truly remorseful. I like his spirit and he’s so handsome ❤

@pb7133 9 ай бұрын

Doing prison time is the easy part. Being successful after spending a significant amount of time in prison is the hard part. I know this.

@G_Olum 2 ай бұрын

Great rehabilitation. He speaks so well 💫

@prokastinatore 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful coverage. THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING THIS. This dude appears to me like he learned out of his mistakes. Let's give him a second chance because he deserves it! good luck for you man!

@ginab.4605 Ай бұрын

I’m so happy for him😊. Update please!

@Melanin2670 Ай бұрын

This is one handsome & Smart brother CONGRATS HOPE U DOING GREAT🏆🤴🏽🙏🏽1 DAY AT A TIME🙏🏽🙏🏽👍🏽🥳🥳

@nataliejames1110 Жыл бұрын

Good luck in your journey !This is a positive and motivational series. I think this is a great point of view. Having humanity is important. We all need to be given a chance to change and learn and grow. God bless.

@nicolettelovingood9999 Ай бұрын

This was an awesome and inspiring story. I pray he receives blessings on top of blessings. Also, a update would be great.

@truerthanyouknow9456 Ай бұрын

I'm from Chicago. I feel so connected to this man's story and the communities he's moving through on the outside. Thank you for sharing this.

@FitzyS Ай бұрын

He’s had no free adult life!😮 that’s wild. He’s really blessed he has such a lovely family! It’s amazing he took that turn as a child. I think he’s likely to do good though now that he’s out.

@ALLQUEEN51 Ай бұрын

He has such A supportive family! His uncle Jess is such a strong Black man: he is going TO be such...A great influence For him!

@swannyriver75 Ай бұрын

You have such a wonderful support system I hope it remains that way

@barbarawilliams1745 28 күн бұрын

Mr Crayton is an amazing person. He educated and improved himself in prison. He made the best of a bad situation. I wish him all the best.

@musicartlover963 2 ай бұрын

So happy 4 him Continued Blessings 🙌🏾 🙏🏾 ✨️

@irenefinch7024 Ай бұрын

It's Real Out Here & Thank God You Letting Your Freedom Work For You.

@L.A.-hm5yk Ай бұрын

He is so fine and smart.

@seand67 5 ай бұрын

Great documentary. Prayers for the Brother's success moving forward in life

@jeralenebirch Ай бұрын

Praise The Lord! My nephew has been incarcerated for 16 years, waiting on the Lord to release him one day. In Jesus Name Amen 💕✌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

@lahlahluv8380 Ай бұрын

Amen 🙏🏽

@BongzD-zo1dd Ай бұрын

That's a completely self-centered remark. Is your nephew truly remorseful for his crime(s) like this gentleman in the video? 16 years sounds like he went in there for something very serious.

@louisianabred616 29 күн бұрын

@@BongzD-zo1ddI totally agree. Personal Atonement is of the utmost importance.

@Sew-Ronica Ай бұрын

The power of real rehabilitation ❤

@triciaprospertheophile547 Ай бұрын

Blessings to you bro. You will definitely do well. God bless you on whatever you choose to do.

@StarDust227 2 ай бұрын

What a handsome man. Hope he is doing well

@NicholasMalakiCrayton 2 ай бұрын

Doing great. Working, mentoring within the prisons, men and women, helping withe the homeless, just published my third book, and about to begin teaching entrepreneurship in a juvenile facility.

@StarDust227 2 ай бұрын

@@NicholasMalakiCrayton God bless u. May your days b fill with joy

@blcunningham8953 Ай бұрын

I hope the best in your life. May God continues to bless you!@@NicholasMalakiCrayton

@INeedABlessingNow Жыл бұрын

Thank you, wttw channel 11 for this documentary. I hope that things go well for Nicholas and that he remains optimistic about a better life. Best wishes to Nicholas.

@prokastinatore 3 ай бұрын

I hope this man is doing well! Maybe they can broadcast his following life once a year. I'd appreciate that!

@lahlahluv8380 Ай бұрын

May GOD continue to bless him 🙏🏽 I have a family member who been down 19 years and he’s on his way home soon as well! You remind me of him so much, he’s so humble and smart like you ❤

@valerieduncan2397 Ай бұрын

This was truly a BLESSING! Appreciated The Honesty!!! Stay True To Yourself! Believe and Learn How To Receive The Goodness of Life!!!

@millions2nette Ай бұрын

Seems like, from what he explained, that he would've done very well and avoided this long prison sentence, if he was moved to and raised in an upper echelon neighborhood, with better schools. That way, he wouldn't have had to be embarrassed about being smart in school and look up to all the wrong elements, ie thugs n criminals growing up

@AfricanAsianQueen Ай бұрын

It doesn't always matter what neighborhood you come from. There are many who were brought up in well and well educated families in upscale neighborhood and they still grow up and go the wrong paths and end up in prison. You also have people who come from the ghetto grill poor and never did wrong. They stayed in school, got their college education and lived a good life. So it really depends on the individual.

@laneshalewis38 Ай бұрын

Beautiful story and he’s so handsome omg yesssss ❤️❤️🙏🏽

@jighaba Ай бұрын

Probably the best from your channel. I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing

@1st-qt9ce Ай бұрын

Inspirational

@swonsley245 2 күн бұрын

Was experiencing a challenging day and ran upon this video! Thanks for sharing Nicholas, you don't know how your story has impacted me! You're a definitely a true asset to the world! Stay Blessed!

@vw1649 Ай бұрын

We are always under someone else's rule...just by living in this life. You will be okay.

@patriciabarton6373 Ай бұрын

Lord, protect him, encourage him. Let him know you are with him.

@agnespilot9497 Ай бұрын

God Bless🙏this Brother♥️💪💪

@ANGELSLVME 29 күн бұрын

All these BEAUTIFUL BLACK MEN JUST WASTING AWAY IN PRISON! I’m just praying their lives will change for the better

@paprgl 6 ай бұрын

Great series. Thank you.

@acooksla Ай бұрын

Amen

@luqueedapace4441 Ай бұрын

Wow❤ so proud of who he has become 😭

@ahopeandafuture 18 күн бұрын

I understand wanting to smother your sensibilities and even diminish your smarts I have felt that way and it just shows where you can end up when you're not able to be your true self blessings to your future life

@queenljay5859 Ай бұрын

Welcome home young Man...God Bless you going forward in your life 🎉🎉😊

@christinavaughn6273 3 ай бұрын

Great documentary. Do the crime, make the most of your time. He will do well. Thank you for remembering your victim.

@MissUnderstoodasAlways 8 күн бұрын

I am happy to know you’re doing well. I struggle every day. I’m glad to know it gets better 🙏🏽

@acooksla Ай бұрын

What a beautiful man, best of,luck

@Melanin2670 Ай бұрын

I can tell he come from a hood famm background🙏🏽♥️

@City2x 3 ай бұрын

Watching this really rocked e, and I pray to God Nicholas is doing still doing excellent! This brother has beyond I pressed me. Salute to him and all the other brothers out there rebuilding their lives. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

@NicholasMalakiCrayton 2 ай бұрын

I am doing fantastic. Working full time, mentoring in the prisons, helping with the homeless and serving our children that are in need. Thanks for the support.

@delaciwoods8864 4 ай бұрын

Man U have an awesome support system

@TheJd195555 7 ай бұрын

Great video with hope for the inmate getting back into useful and going forward with their lives. For some, a brand new life as I wish them well and the very best of success.

@danielpaschjr3547 4 ай бұрын

This is a wonderful documentary and I can say that it nearly brought tears to my eyes. It also brought a big smile to my face. I'm a white guy here and I wish him the best!

@andreaboyle5273 Күн бұрын

You are so inspiring, genuine and humble. I need to know how life is for you today 🙂

@prokastinatore 3 ай бұрын

Beautiful! Awesome!

@Sew-Ronica Ай бұрын

Lol 28:00 hes looking at family clips online and getting caught up with whats been happening. He calls someone "old"😂😂😂

@kimberlysanders1826 3 ай бұрын

God bless u king. U ARE GOING TO BE OK ONE DAY AT A TIME. BLESSING ON BLESSING

@ioniefrith3095 20 күн бұрын

Nothing but the best bro stay humble and trusting God goodness 🙏

@vsamoht2254 Ай бұрын

I predict BIG things for this brother. I wish the best life for him, and that those around him, who are a support system, allow him autonomy.

@pris_pris Ай бұрын

Wow wow wow 🎉🎉🎉😭😭😭❤️

@lawuanaclark1497 Күн бұрын

Love his appreaction and gratefulness!!! blessings to you man.

@Nille0212 Ай бұрын

I am so proud of this man! He’s going to succeed in life in all he does. I would love a follow up on him to see what he’s up to now.

@umuganwamarie6123 14 күн бұрын

Waaww.There is nothing like pure love, care and supports from loved ones.

@Freda-tk5lj Ай бұрын

Pls tell me there’s a part 3/3/4. ECT… I loved what I just witness

@rayjohnson7886 2 ай бұрын

Great that he didn't waste time in prison he put that time to use people have to be willing to make changes and be able to admit their faults and accept and see things for what it is Chicago is a tough state and very corrupted Cook County is a hell hole Kim Foxx is very corrupted.

@ladyindaroom 19 күн бұрын

This man wasted no time! It’s true his support system he has is phenomenal💯💯💯💯 A good majority of people who are released from prison after doing so much time, usually do not have that type of support.

@icarrus4u 20 күн бұрын

What an inspiring story and person. 🌟

@blacbutaflyy2 Ай бұрын

I enjoyed that story definitely would appreciate a follow-up on where he is now. He so blessed to have family support. Everyone unselfishly assisted with making his transition to society smooth. Wish him all the best.. 💛

@savannaht6550 Ай бұрын

Beautiful family. God bless you Nicholas!

@Ldrj714 6 ай бұрын

What a sweet guy. On some point tears was rolling. 24yr jo

@kennedyreid2504 5 күн бұрын

VEry good blessings bro! (Happy your mom lived to see you out!)

@valeriefullilove5198 Ай бұрын

Update, hows he doing?

@brendavandepool6505 10 күн бұрын

What a testimony and i truly believe he will be successful at whatever he does. Good bless him and his amazing family who is there supporting him. ❤

@darrellmccall6100 19 күн бұрын

The family must adjust when inmates come home. They are not the same people, and they are always rushing to make up time that was lost. I am glad this brother had a support system coming home. Many of my family members have been inside, and I can relate to being a support system. It was a learning curve, but we did it. None of them returned to prison. Congrats to Nicholas

@user-gz5ml4hi1u 6 күн бұрын

He has a very humble kind heart, I pray he becomes a success !! He’s a handsome smart man I wish him the very best life!!🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️

@MrsCrandon 28 күн бұрын

I love this

@sheambitious29lachelle17 Ай бұрын

Seems like a sweet soul very handsome

@plumpandfabulous4255 19 күн бұрын

Amazing

@zacharyminton73 24 күн бұрын

God bless him. He will go far. What a touching story of success through diligence and humility!

@ladyc7989 22 күн бұрын

Excellent, he had such a good attitude 🌹

@user-hk9xu7ji3z 19 күн бұрын

Hope u carry on doing good u got a lovely fam good luck to you sir

@dawannaterry7364 10 ай бұрын

Good luck would like to know what your current update

@NicholasMalakiCrayton 2 ай бұрын

Working full time, mentoring others within the prison, feeding the homeless, just published my third book, will be teaching in the juvenile facility next month.

@Cleo256 2 ай бұрын

This is good to hear...all the way from South Africa

@patriciamckenna6099 Ай бұрын

Would love to know how he is doing? Greetings from Ireland ❤️❤️❤️🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

@valritz3100 4 ай бұрын

Good. Luck

@truthbetold1074 4 күн бұрын

Many Blessings to this man.....

@mannyfrencha5736 Ай бұрын

WOW!

@jameslewis8690 26 күн бұрын

INCREDIBLE STORY , JUST INCREDIBLE.

@triggabun 10 күн бұрын

Life is truly a mystery.

@hughjassol2072 10 ай бұрын

This dude reminds me of that black guy on Shark Tank.

@NicholasMalakiCrayton 2 ай бұрын

That's hilarious, thanks for the compliment.

@swannyriver75 Ай бұрын

Damion he does a little 😊

@louiseottley4995 Ай бұрын

@@NicholasMalakiCraytonAll the best in the future take one step at a time rome wasn't built in a day trust God and everything will work out.

@Regal_Queen Ай бұрын

@@NicholasMalakiCrayton I pray you are well. You are an outstanding success story

@andrilalewis7995 12 күн бұрын

Its going to be rough for this gentleman lets keep it real. I think he will do ok, he seems humble and very smart. May god bless him, keep him safe, and assure him he will be able to get back in society.

@ms1drfl663 29 күн бұрын

I would like to see where he is today.

@zacharyminton73 24 күн бұрын

Beautiful man.

@charminwilliams2179 26 күн бұрын

I don't believe n coincidences,my Love will b sentenced this week And it a prayer that he can do him time in a place like this facility.I pray it has a positive impact on him as well....🙏💯