From Inmate to Change Agent: A Return to Pulaski County Jail

This week, Julius Buie, Court Coordinator with the Smart Justice District Court Initiative, returned to the Pulaski County Detention Center—this time, not as an inmate, but as a speaker, mentor, and graduate of the very reentry program that once helped him rebuild his life.

Standing before men in the reentry unit, Julius shared a message of recovery, purpose, and faith. His words carried a unique weight because he once sat where they now sit, slept in the same bunks, and wrestled with the same challenges. Today, he is living proof that transformation is possible when people commit to change and intentionally seek help.

“I wanted them to know there is hope,” Julius said. “I was once what they are, but I discovered that we do have a purpose. Once we choose to change our lives, seek support, and remain intentional with ourselves, we can truly make a difference—not only for our own lives, but for our families and communities.”

Julius also shared that he is now serving as a Court Coordinator in North Little Rock, where he works alongside Judge Paula Jones. In this role, he helps defendants appearing in court identify deficiencies across key social determinants of health—such as housing, employment, transportation, and recovery—and connects them with the resources they need to stabilize and succeed.

The men listened closely, encouraged by the fact that someone who once walked their same path now stands on the other side, determined to serve as a change agent. His story is a powerful reminder that the reentry journey is not just about second chances—it’s about creating a future rooted in recovery, purpose, and impact.

Through his role with the Smart Justice Initiative, Julius now helps others navigate the very obstacles he once faced. His return to the Pulaski County Detention Center represents more than personal redemption—it demonstrates the heart of the Smart Justice mission: breaking cycles, restoring hope, and building stronger communities.