Madison Man’s Journey from Incarceration to Justice Reform

Shar-Ron Buie carries his story proudly. It’s a journey filled with transformation, resilience, and purpose. The Madison man is a Marine Veteran who spent 25 years behind bars for murder. But he didn’t let that time go to waste. Buie earned numerous degrees and pledged to help others if released. He is now an advocate and leader of several organizations and serves as a Data and Evaluation Coordinator with the Dane County Office of Justice Reform. Buie, as promised, is working every day to make the system more equitable for those still navigating it.

Buie will be honored for turning stigma and struggle into strength at the upcoming Transformation Celebration 2025 on November 22. The event is hosted by MOSES – an organization whose name stands for Madison Organizing in Strength, Equity, and Solidarity for Criminal Legal System Reform. Buie joined John and Gordy, hosts of John and Gordy in the Morning, to discuss what it means to be recognized for driving systemic change in the criminal justice system.

“I believe it’s an indication of when commitment meets transformation,” Buie explains. “You become a little bit bigger than yourself.”

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Listen to the complete discussion starting at the halfway point here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/john-and-gordy-show/2025/10/27/barack-obama-ballroom-hour-2"]

Buie focuses on using data along with his personal experience to identify solutions that reduce incarceration rates and improve reentry outcomes. His work with groups like JustDane and the Madison Justice Team is helping guide new approaches to issues like parole reform. It’s an area he believes could significantly cut Wisconsin’s prison population if addressed collaboratively.

“We need to get everyone on the same page,” he says. “If we all worked together on just one change – like reducing parole violations – we could make real progress.”

Buie believes transformation begins with personal responsibility and continues through opportunity. He’s quick to remind others that reintegration doesn’t start at the prison gate. It starts inside, when individuals take advantage of the programs available to them.

“There’s a misconception that there aren’t opportunities,” he shares. “But they exist. And when people are told they can’t succeed, they stop trying. We have to change that narrative.”

The Transformation Celebration will be held at the Goodman Community Center in Madison and features dinner, storytelling, and a chance to meet local leaders like Buie who are committed to reform.

Tickets and more information can be found on the MOSES website here.