On Dec. 18, SCI Phoenix inmates and employees welcomed one of the most successful boxers of the past three decades, having held multiple world championships in two weight classes, including the undisputed middleweight title from 2004 to 2005 and the lineal light heavyweight title from 2011 to 2012.
Bernard Hopkins, a former DOC inmate having served time at SCIs Graterford and Dallas, visited SCI Phoenix (Graterford's replacement) with a different type of message. As a former inmate, he talked to inmates about his life, saying not only was life hard inside the institution, but it was harder outside the institution. He spoke of ownership, for the decisions and choices we make, and for the paths that one must take to be who we need to be. He said that we all must work to better ourselves, not only for us, but for the young growing up who need guidance. Hopkins encouraged those that will leave prison to be the best they can be, and for those that will never leave, to be there for the young inmates.
While at the prison, Hopkins was able to meet briefly with those that helped and inspired him along the way. Bernard Hopkins, may be a boxer, but he was also a motivational speaker who shared a part of himself and was able to give something back to the inmates at SCI Phoenix.