True Freedom
Begins From Within
Motiviational Speaker, Keynotes, and Virtual Solutions to inspire healing, resilience, and transformation from within.
True Freedom Begins From Within
Motiviational Speaker, Keynotes, and Virtual Solutions to inspire healing, resilience, and transformation from within.
Watch Alphonso In Action
2025 PTTOW Summit
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Elevating Humanity Through Leadership Conference
Launchcast: The Unfragile Redemption
The True Crime Story Of Alphonso James
SPEAK: Unfragile, The Journey Within
Are You Waiting for Permission?
Alphonso James @ Innocence Network
Alphonso's Journey
Hello. My name is Alphonso James. In 1985, when I was 17 years old, I was arrested and falsely convicted for the murder of a man I’d never seen or met. I spent 32 years incarcerated in Wisconsin prisons for a crime I did not commit. And, I am not angry.
At the age of 17, I was wrongfully convicted of a murder I had no connection to and sentenced to life in prison. I spent 32 years behind bars, all the while maintaining my innocence. My release on February 14, 2017, was made possible by the Wisconsin Innocence Project. Despite the injustice I endured, I refused to let it define me. While incarcerated, I found my own form of liberation—teaching myself to read and eventually earning degrees in theology and culinary arts.
During that time, I deepened my personal growth by writing my memoir, UnFragile: The Truth of Alphonso James. In it, I share my journey—how I transformed pain, grief, and rage into wisdom, peace, and a renewed faith in the goodness of life. I also dedicated myself to helping others on the inside—developing self-improvement programs, mentoring fellow inmates, and building a strong network of volunteers and supporters.
Today, I continue that mission through public speaking. I share my journey from suffering to freedom, and what I’ve learned about holding on to innocence, hope, and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity. My story is living proof that true freedom isn’t just about escaping physical walls—it’s about breaking the prisons we build in our own minds.
TOPICS
Finding Your Purpose Within: The Journey to Your True Self
In this transformative talk, Alphonso shares how he discovered his true self in the most unlikely place and how anyone—no matter their past, struggles, or circumstances—can connect with their deeper purpose. He reveals how authenticity leads to fulfillment, how pain can be a teacher, and why everything we go through is preparing us for something greater.
Key Takeaways
Purpose Is Not Found—It’s Remembered – The answers you seek are already within; you just have to listen.
Authenticity Leads to Fulfillment – When you align with your true self, life begins to flow with meaning and ease.
Every Experience Prepares You for Your Calling – Even the hardest moments are shaping you for something greater.
The Power of Resilience: Rising Even When the World Knocks You Down
In this inspiring talk, he shares how he turned unimaginable pain into a source of strength, transforming his darkest moments into opportunities for growth and healing. He reveals how resilience is not something we’re born with—it’s something we build, choice by choice, moment by moment. No matter what life has taken or how many times the world knocks you down, you have the power to rise.
Key Takeaways
Resilience Is Built, Not Given – Strength isn’t about avoiding hardship but about how you respond to it.
Pain Can Be a Teacher – Every struggle carries the potential to shape you into something stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
Keep Getting Up – The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is the willingness to rise—again and again.
Breaking Free from the Prisons We Create for Ourselves
In this powerful talk, Alphonso shares his journey of breaking free—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. He reveals how he turned his prison into a place of transformation, uncovering the deep truths about resilience, self-forgiveness, and the power of the human spirit. His story is a testament to the fact that true freedom begins within—and that no matter what life has taken, we all hold the key to reclaiming our lives.
Key Takeaways
Your Mind Can Be Your Greatest Prison or Your Key to Freedom – The stories we tell ourselves determine whether we remain stuck or break free.
Self-Forgiveness Is the First Step to Liberation – Releasing guilt, shame, and resentment unlocks the door to true healing and freedom.
You Hold the Key – Regardless of past hardships, every person has the power to reclaim their life and write a new future.
FAQS
How do I book Alphonso James to speak at my event?
To inquire about booking Alphonso James for your upcoming event, simply use the contact form on this site or send us an email. Please include details such as the event date, location, audience size, and topic of interest. Our team will respond promptly with availability and speaking fee information, and we’ll work closely with you to ensure a seamless planning experience.
What are the speaking fees for Alphonso James?
Speaking fees for Alphonso James typically start around $10,000 for live, in-person events. Virtual and online events are also available and may be priced differently depending on the format and level of engagement. Final fees can vary based on several factors, including event type, location, duration, audience size, and customization needs. The best way to get an accurate quote is to use the contact form on this site. Once we understand your event and goals, we’ll provide a tailored proposal that fits your needs.
What topics does Alphonso James speak about?
Alphonso James speaks from lived experience, offering a powerful voice on topics such as wrongful incarceration, personal transformation, healing from trauma, restorative justice, faith, and resilience. His keynotes explore themes of belonging, forgiveness, civil rights, inner freedom, and the power of purpose. Whether speaking to youth, educators, faith communities, corporate teams, or justice advocates, Alphonso inspires audiences to turn pain into purpose and walk boldly in truth.
Where does Alphonso James travel from?
Alphonso James is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is available to travel for keynote speeches, conferences, corporate events, and other speaking engagements. For more details, please reach out using the contact form on this site.