About Kushawn Miles

After being convicted as a juvenile and maintaining his innocence throughout 32 years of incarceration, Kushawn Miles was finally granted parole—an outcome made possible by his extraordinary record, his deep commitment to personal transformation, and his unwavering belief in a better future.

During his time inside, Kushawn rebuilt his life from within. “I had to educate and discipline myself to change my thinking and prepare myself for freedom,” he reflects. He earned more than 150 self-help certificates, pursued higher education and made the President’s List, and became a recognized creator, with his artwork featured in numerous prison exhibitions.

Since returning home, Kushawn has continued that momentum with remarkable determination. He works at Crossroads of Michigan, has held two art shows—including exhibitions at the Flint Institute of Arts and the University of Michigan—and obtained both his driver’s license and chauffeur’s license. He has become a public speaker, sharing his story of growth, resilience, and reentry.

Kushawn also prioritizes his healing, engaging in ongoing mental-health therapy as he navigates the challenges of rebuilding a life long denied. Supported by family, friends, NCCAN, the University of Michigan Justice Fund, and SADO, he continues to adjust, learn, and rise.