Kenneth grew up in Baltimore in the 1980s and 1990s, under the care of various relatives as his parents struggled with addiction. Being a black teen in Baltimore meant being tough, and he got his first gun at age 12. But although he admits that he was less than a good kid, he was shocked when he was accused of murder. He knew he hadn't killed anyone, and maintained his innocence from the very beginning.
He never expected to be convicted, and the first few years of confinement as a juvenile were incredibly difficult as he faced considerable violence from other prisoners. However, over time, his time inside transformed him. He received his GED and began taking college classes, learning about philosophy, religion and government, while being a supportive parent to his children. He mentors younger men who were once like him.