Every Door Doesn’t Open… But Some Do

One of the commitments I made to myself when I started The Xavier Lee Plan was that I would document the journey honestly.

Not every letter would receive a response. Not every email would be answered. Not every opportunity would lead somewhere. And that’s okay.

This journey has never been about guarantees. It’s about consistently taking small steps in the right direction.

Recently, I reached out to Louis L. Reed, a nationally respected leader in criminal justice reform and someone whose story I first encountered years ago while watching The First Step documentary from inside the D.C. Jail.

I shared my story with him.

His response was simple, but it meant more than he probably realizes.

He encouraged me to stay connected, told me he loved my story and my journey, and even shared his personal phone number, inviting me to text him anytime.

That doesn’t mean I’ve “made it.”

It doesn’t guarantee a partnership, a mentorship, or any future opportunities.

What it does mean is that one more door has opened. For that, I am genuinely grateful.

Thank you, Louis, for taking the time to see the person behind the prison number. Thank you for being willing to walk alongside me as I continue this journey. Your willingness to stay connected is an encouragement I don’t take lightly.

Moments like this remind me that progress is rarely made through giant leaps. More often, it’s made through one conversation… one relationship… one act of faith… one open door at a time.

I’ll continue doing the work.

I’ll continue learning.

I’ll continue documenting every step—the victories, the disappointments, and everything in between.

Because this is what rebuilding looks like.

One small step in the right direction.