
In a heartfelt conversation, Sheriff McFadden and guest Malik Abdullah reflect on Abdullah's journey after being in and out of the prison system for 39 years. Abdullah shares how the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office helped him in a way no other correctional facility ever had. At MCSO, he felt truly seen - as a person, not just another resident in a pod. He participated in several programs, including drug recovery, which gave him the tools to look inward, find his identity, and begin healing. Their discussion raises a deeper question: Does society genuinely care about individuals once they’re released? Too often, support is limited or nonexistent, leaving many to face barriers alone. But Abdullah’s story shows what’s possible when an agency chooses to invest in dignity and rehabilitation.