On a dimly lit stage at the Maltz Performing Arts Center in University Circle last Friday, Ronnie Cannon shared his story of pain and triumph. 

He was one of three storytellers and Towards Employment alumni who talked about the challenges of finding work after being incarcerated. They spoke at the organization’s annual “A Chance to Advance” fundraising event.  

In front of nearly a hundred Clevelanders, Cannon told the crowd that when he was 16, he was arrested for murder. 

Over a mellow trumpet and tender piano medley, Cannon recalled the moment he spoke with the victim’s mother one final time before being sentenced to Trumbull Correctional Institution in Leavittsburg, Ohio, near Warren. 

“She said,” Cannon said to the crowd, his voice shaking. 

He paused. Then he took a deep breath. The crowd erupted with claps of encouragement and chants telling Cannon to take his time. 

Cannon began again: 

“She said, ‘Ronnie, with this time they’re about to give you, I hope you do something with yourself,’” he said tearfully, recalling the moment. “I would be incarcerated for the next 19 years.”   

“Endless possibilities“

Cannon is now a senior manager of community engagement at Towards Employment, an organization that supports Clevelanders in building careers and wealth. Working as an advocate for formerly incarcerated Clevelanders has led him to his purpose, he said. 

“The work that I do now, I use myself as a vessel to showcase all the possibilities out there for individuals who have had some type of involvement in the criminal justice system,” Cannon said. “I’m here to say you can join me in all the endless possibilities.” 

When Cannon was released from prison in May 2012, he said two signs  led him to Towards Employment. He said the first came as he was leaving prison, when he was given a Cuyahoga County reentry guide. The guide listed Towards Employment as an organization that could help him find work. He said he didn’t know much about the organization, so he didn’t reach out. 

In that same week, he said he went to church and ran into a member who volunteered with Towards Employment. The church member told  Cannon more about the nonprofit’s programs and how they help people who have been incarcerated find work. 

“I did a bit more research and then called [Towards Employment] to schedule a meeting,” Cannon said. “After that meeting, I decided to enroll in a month-long program that helped me with basic job skills like interviewing.” 

“It made their stories powerful“

After completing the program, Cannon said he started volunteering at the organization as a part-time receptionist. After a year, a full-time job opened up. From receptionist to program aide to case manager, it took Cannon a decade to work up to his current role as community engagement manager. 

“I am often telling people my story every day for work when I go out in the community,” Cannon said. “But [telling my story on stage] was such a rewarding experience that was both exciting and emotional for me all at the same time.” 

Cannon said he worked with two other storytellers for this performance.  

Tracy Patton shared her experience of overcoming addiction. She is the founder of Survive to Live, a nonprofit that supports women in recovery. 

LaTonya Cliff, the other storyteller, shared how her experience with trauma and violence led her to prison. She turned her life around and now works as a case manager for Towards Employment. 

Tori Davis an alum of Towards Employment. Last year, Davis shared her personal story of overcoming homelessness and the obstacles she faced  gaining stability. This year she came back as a mentor to support the storytellers. 

She said she appreciated vulnerability and raw self-expression from each performer on stage. 

“It made their stories real and powerful. The audience was able to understand the barriers people have to restart their life,” Davis said.  

Telling stories about real people 

Since 2017, Dominick Farinacci, international jazz artist and co-creator of Modern Warrior LIVE, has worked with veterans and people impacted by the criminal justice system to tell their stories accompanied with live music.

This year was the second time Towards Employment partnered with Farinacci to share uplifting stories of personal triumph and transformation. The organization got a grant from  The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation which paid for this year’s program.