THE PROGRESSION PODCAST
HOSTED BY 007 OF 5thWard Boyz
HIGHLITING EX-FELONS AND TELLING STORIES OF REDEPTION
The Progression Podcast
Our purpose is to empower and equip incarcerated and ex-incarcerated individuals through the Progression Podcast, sharing personal stories and practical advice, so that they can reintegrate into society and break the cycle of recidivism.”
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Listen on:
Episodes
Sunday Mar 26, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
C.J. Walker led a life of crime, that life ultimately led him behind the walls in a Texas prison. Ultimately to gain a renewed mind and do great things outside the walls…listen to him tell his story of ultimate redemption.
Sunday Mar 12, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Friday Mar 10, 2023
Tommie Anderson of C.H.A.R.M. Ministries enters the pod....shares his testimony of a fast life at a young age and receiving a 25 year sentence...listen to Tommie's redemption story.
Wednesday Mar 08, 2023
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Tuesday Mar 07, 2023
Founding director of C.H.A.R.M Prison Ministries enters the pod with a story of incarceration and redemption
OUR FOUNDER
Andre “007” Barnes is a 5th Ward native whose story is a perfect example of how positive opportunities and role models can lead to dramatic life change.
In the mid-90’s 007 gained fame and notoriety as a founding member of the hard core gangsta rap crew the 5th Ward Boyz. Unlike many of today’s street rappers, 007 was never a “studio gangsta.” His lyrics reflected his actual life. That included a murder case for shooting and killing a man trying to steal his car (later ruled a justifiable homicide) and armed robbery as well as selling and abusing drugs.
Eventually greed consumed 007. After a European tour in the year 2000, he was caught robbing three banks and sentenced to more than four years in prison. Upon release he caught another case that earned him an additional 15 months behind bars.
It was there, in jail once again, that Andre Barnes had his “Road to Damascus” experience. Finally encountering and understanding the true grace of God through the sacrifice of His one and only son, Barnes began to change.
When he walked out of the yard this time around, it was with a renewed mind. Barnes pursued ministry, established Taking Back the Streets, and opened Blessings Christian Bookstore with his wife and family.
Now a new creature, 007 has returned to the mic with a much different message.
“I’m just trying to show young people that you don’t have to let street life consume and define you,” Barnes said.