David Garlock

From Incarceration to Inspiration: David Garlock’s Journey of Justice, Redemption & Change

Criminal Justice Reform Advocate | Reentry Expert | Public Speaker

David L. Garlock is a nationally recognized criminal justice reform advocate, reentry expert, and speaker. Sentenced to 25 years for taking the life of his abuser, he served over 13 years before being released with support from the Equal Justice Initiative. While incarcerated, he pursued education and later earned a BA in Urban Studies from Eastern University, where he was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Young Alumnus Award. His work has influenced campaigns to abolish death by incarceration, expand parole opportunities, and reinstate Pell Grants for incarcerated students. A research fellow at Yale and Columbia, he frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and community events. His story is featured in the film Just Mercy (2020), and he delivered a TEDx Talk at Arcadia University in 2022.

Why Book David Garlock?

• • A Living Testament to Second Chances: David Garlock’s transformation from incarceration to a leading advocate for criminal justice reform and reentry programs is a powerful story that resonates with all audiences.
  • Courageously Breaking the Silence on Male Survivors of Abuse: David openly discusses the often-overlooked issue of sexual abuse in men, shedding light on the long-term impact and the importance of healing, advocacy, and systemic change.
  • Expert in Reentry & Justice Reform: As a formerly incarcerated individual turned criminal justice reform leader, speaker, and mentor, David provides firsthand insights into breaking the cycle of incarceration and building opportunities for success.
  • A Passionate Advocate & Mentor: David has dedicated his life to empowering justice-impacted individuals, helping them navigate reentry, education, and workforce challenges with confidence and resilience.
  • Dynamic & Engaging Speaker: Having spoken at universities, advocacy conferences, and correctional facilities, David captivates audiences with raw honesty, wisdom, and practical solutions for change.

Discussion Topics:

• • Personal Journey and Transformation: The Chapters of My Life | Blood Brothers: Overcoming Abuse Through Murder
  • Trauma and Its Impact: The Trauma to Prison Pipeline | How Social Workers Can Help Dismantle the Trauma to Prison Pipeline | Survivor Homicide: How the System Has Evolved
  • Sexual Abuse and Language: Sexual Assault and Abuse | Unlikely Advocate: Sexual Assault Survivor Advocates for Those Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses | Labels: First Person Language Matters
  • Education and Faith: Prison Education: The Inside, College After Release, and Teaching in Prison | Faith, Reason, and Justice
  • Unique Perspectives: What Your Textbooks Don’t Teach You: Prison, Reentry, and Policy | Creative Prison Food

Recent Speaking Engagements:

• • CVS Virtual Lunch & Learn
  • Mission Forums Speaker (Eastern University)
  • Keynote Speaker: Stanford University, Gettysburg College, Washington State University, Texas Christian University (TCU)
  • Keynote Speaker: Alabama Conference of Social Work, Disrupting Human Trafficking Conference, Palm Beach County Reentry Summit
  • Featured Panelist: American Society of Criminology & Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences 

Notable Achievements:

• • Research Fellow, Yale University & Columbia University (Vaccinations in Prison)
  • National Institute of Health: Healing Communities Excellence Service Award
  • Pell Grant legislative meetings with Vera Institute of Justice
  • Co-Chair, Lancaster County Reentry Coalition (2017-2021)
  • Boards: National Association for Rational Sex Offense Laws, The Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sex Offense Laws, The Pennsylvania Reentry Council, The Eastern University Prison Education Program

Publications & Media Contributions:

• • “It Takes a Village”: A Personal Account of Reentry Education and Becoming a Reentry Educator
  • Beyond the Mask: Overcoming Abuse and Trauma (TEDx Talk)

Travels From Pennsylvania

Downloadable Documents:

• • David Garlock Profile PDF

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