Meet Our Guiding Lights

Ralph Bailey was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended Catholic school from first through twelfth grade. He graduated in 1982 from St. Frances High School, making history as the first student to earn a basketball scholarship. Though he began college shortly after graduation, Ralph soon found himself drawn to the streets, a path that led to a significant turning point in his life.

In October 1984, Ralph was sentenced to life in prison for Conspiracy to Commit Murder and related charges. He served 32 years before being released in October 2016. Upon his release, he was welcomed by his youngest brother, a certified HVAC Master, who introduced him to the trade.

With guidance and support, Ralph became certified in HVAC and eventually launched his own business. He is currently in the process of obtaining his official license. Grateful for the second chance he’s been given, Ralph looks forward to the future with faith and optimism, trusting in what Allah has planned for him.

Drawing from her own life experiences and deep personal connections with those affected by the justice system, T’nia brings empathy, insight, and determination to her work. She has witnessed firsthand the challenges that returning citizens face from social stigma to lack of family support and is committed to being a guiding light through that process.

Passionate about creating real second chances, T’nia’s mission is to help individuals rebuild with dignity, purpose, and hope. Through Emerging Light, she strives to provide access to resources, opportunities, and mentorship that empower people to build stronger, more fulfilling lives for themselves and their loved ones.T’nia Curry brings compassion, insight, and resilience to her role, drawing from her personal journey and connections. Her mission is to facilitate dignity, purpose, and hope for those reentering society, providing resources and mentorship for a fresh start.

David O. Fakunle, Ph.D. is a “mercenary for change,” employing skills and occupying spaces to help anyone divested from their truest selves. David serves as Assistant Professor at the Morgan State University School of Community Health & Policy, and Chair of the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission. David’s interests include built environment stressors, manifestations of systemic oppression, and utilization of arts and culture to cultivate holistic health through humanity, equity, justice and ultimately, liberation.

Deborah Pierce-Fakunle is a post-doctorate student at Grandma College, University of the

Ancestors. As such she bows down to the Elders as she teaches and uplifts diverse audiences. In songs and stories, She creates power-filled cultural experiences based in training from the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, the National Association of Black

Storytellers, The Growing Griots, as well as from BALTIMORE CONNECT.

Mama Deborah is the co-Founder and Facilitator of DiscoverME/RecoverME which encourages the utilization of storytelling as the powerful modality for change that it is, while

incorporating acknowledgement of “virtuesˮ – positive intrinsic qualities possessed

by all people.

Makaila Hyman, a Baltimore native, is a Political Science student at Johns Hopkins University. She has worked with the Baltimore City Council, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, and in the Office of Congressman Kweisi Mfume, gaining experience in policy research and community engagement. In addition to her public service, she is the owner of Kaytoure Boutique LLC, where she channels her passion for leadership and entrepreneurship.