Unheard Voices Outreach

21/10/2026

What is this justice that God requires of us?

After spending/surviving 26 years of my life caged, I’ve come to understand that justice and punishment are not necessarily the same thing.

We can punish someone without healing the harm. We can incarcerate someone without transforming their life. And we can demand accountability while failing to create the conditions that make restoration possible.

So what does justice really look like?

On Wednesday, October 21, I’ll be joining Preston Shipp, a former prosecutor and now chief legal counsel for Fair and Just Prosecution, for an important conversation about faith, justice, healing, and reconciliation.

We come from different experiences within the criminal legal system, but we share a commitment to exploring what justice can become when we center humanity, accountability, and restoration.

Through I Love Someone in Prison, I also want us to remember that incarceration never affects just one person. Families, children, loved ones, and entire communities carry its consequences.

I invite you to come think, question, and engage with us.

📍 Belmont United Methodist Church
2007 Acklen Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026

🍽️ Meal at 5:00 PM

🗣️ Conversation at 6:00 PM | Room 124

Justice should be measured not only by what it punishes, but also by what it heals.

Come join the conversation. Bring someone with you.

20/10/2026

What does justice look like when healing becomes part of the conversation?

Unheard Voices Outreach invites you to an important community conversation: “What Is This Justice That God Requires of You?”

On Wednesday, October 21, UVO founder Rahim Buford will join Preston Shipp, chief legal counsel for Fair and Just Prosecution, to explore the relationship between faith, justice, accountability, restoration, and reconciliation.

Rahim brings the lived experience of 26 years in Tennessee prisons and years of advocacy for incarcerated people and their families. Preston brings his experience as a former prosecutor and his commitment to advancing a more equitable and compassionate justice system.

Together, they will examine a fundamental question:

Can we build a system of justice that holds people accountable while creating opportunities for healing, transformation, and restoration?

At Unheard Voices Outreach, we believe meaningful justice must recognize the humanity of everyone affected by harm, including victims, incarcerated individuals, families, and communities.

📅 Wednesday, October 21, 2026

🍽️ Meal at 5:00 PM

🗣️ Conversation at 6:00 PM | Room 124

📍 Belmont United Methodist Church
2007 Acklen Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212

We welcome community members, faith leaders, advocates, families, and anyone interested in reimagining justice.

Changing the Conversation. Changing Laws. Changing Lives.

Please share this invitation and join us!

12/10/2026

Does criminal punishment really keep us safe—or have we confused punishment with justice?

At Unheard Voices Outreach, we believe community safety must be rooted in accountability, healing, human dignity, and the possibility of transformation—not punishment alone.

This Thursday, October 15, our Founder and Executive Director, Rahim Buford, will join a powerful community conversation at Nashville PBS.

After serving 26 years in prison, Rahim brings a perspective shaped by lived experience and more than a decade of organizing for justice, freedom, and second chances.

What does it mean to create safer communities without giving up on people?

This is a conversation our communities need to have—and your voice belongs in it.

📍 Nashville PBS | 161 Rains Avenue
📅 Thursday, October 15
🕡 6:30 PM
🎟️ FREE — Registration required

Reserve your seat today! LINK IN BIO.

Because real justice should not simply punish harm. It should help create the conditions for healing, accountability, and transformation.

SecondChances Nashville

07/10/2026

Today we listened to arguments about whether a Life sentence is 60, 36, 30, 25, years for expiration, or does not expire, depending on when the sentence was imposed. Confusing to say the least, but it takes Brother’s like Hakeem who hasn’t been home a year to stand firmly on law and determination to be free. We await an opinion from the Tennessee Supreme Court. Props to Jada X and Monique for showing up with support.

03/10/2026

Thank you Rahim Buford for using your voice and lived experience to lift our voices inside-out.

90.3 WPLN or watch live on YouTube .

“Freedom is not just release from prison. Freedom is a lifestyle.”
-Rahim

Why don’t Tennesseans vote at the same rates as people in other sta...

24/08/2026

FICPFM (Formerly Incarcerated Convicted People and Families Movement) convening was a great success. We were present in many ways. Thanks to everyone who came out to support.

22/08/2026

We are Looking forward to moderating at FICPFM Nashville Regional Convening Family Reunion. Please check out the session if you’re attending the event!

17/07/2026

UPDATE It was a real trial like moment! Police, Parole officials, an attorney, and witness testimony for my brother.
We won the case!
Three charges (felonies) dismissed.
My brother took accountability & plead guilty to not reporting.
This was a community(Rob Quinn not shown) EFFORT! Shout out to Melody Fowler-Green attorney at law https://www.yezbaklaw.com who went hard in the paint.

25/06/2026

Opportunity to Learn & Build Together

Unheard Voices Outreach, Bridges to Freedom, I Love Someone in Prison, and our partners are invited to join two important virtual learning opportunities on Tuesday, June 30. Whether you’re a family member, directly impacted leader, advocate, organizer, or community partner, these sessions offer valuable information to strengthen our collective work across Tennessee.

1. Know Your Rights: Tennessee’s 2026 Censorship & DEI Legislation
Time: 5:00 PM CT / 6:00 PM ET

Join EdTrust Tennessee for a discussion on Tennessee’s recent legislation affecting censorship, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what these changes mean for our communities.

Register here: https://edtrusttn.org/event/know-your-rights-what-you-need-to-know-about-tennessees-censorship-and-diversity-equity-inclusion-bills-from-the-2026-legislative-session/

2. NAACP Tennessee Civic Engagement & Political Action Training
Time: 6:00 PM CT / 7:00 PM ET

This statewide training is designed to strengthen civic engagement and political action efforts across Tennessee. Whether you’re new to organizing or already active in your community, this is an excellent opportunity to learn, connect, and prepare for meaningful engagement.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OJTnFDx7RTaR9dUxt1d5Gw

Please share this invitation with your networks, leadership teams, volunteers, and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and civic impact. We hope you’ll join us.

25/05/2026

Please support one of our community members.


Hello! I wanted to share a GoFundMe campaign for Reginald Clay, who is currently battling Stage 4 cancer. Every donation, no matter how small, can help support his medical needs and ease the burden on his family during this tough time. Please consider clicking the link below to donate or share it with others who might want to help. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Support Reginald Clay & His Family During His Cancer Battle On be… Sheryl Huff needs your support for Standing with Reginald Clay in His Cancer Battle