Wrongfully Imprisoned for 22 Years, a New York Man Reflects on How It Changed Him

Calvin BuariPhoto byyahoo.com

Calvin Buari parked his black Volkswagen Jetta outside the maximum-security prison he had once called home. Looking at the imposing walls of Green Haven Correctional Facility, he took a deep breath. Not long ago, he was on the other side of those walls. But in June 2017, Buari returned not as a prisoner but as a new business owner, driving an elderly woman to visit her grandson behind bars.

After spending years fighting a wrongful double homicide conviction, Buari was finally released a month earlier. Wasting no time, he launched Ryderz Van Service— a transportation business providing rides for families visiting inmates. He aimed to help people stay connected with their loved ones behind bars, recognizing how vital family ties are during incarceration.

His new venture was a far cry from his past. Buari was once a flashy drug dealer in the Bronx, driving luxury cars and wearing designer outfits. But his life took a drastic turn after being wrongfully convicted. Determined to rebuild his life, he poured his energy into his business.

Now, seven years after his exoneration, Buari has found a sense of purpose, striving daily to make a positive impact.

Buari’s story is more than just overcoming adversity. It’s a reminder that resilience, hope, and determination can pave the way for a brighter future, no matter the challenges faced along the way.