In a powerful moment that bridged redemption and recognition, exonerated prisoner Donte West presented rap star NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell Gaulden, with his very own day in Kansas City on September 21st. The presentation was made on behalf of Kansas City (State of Missouri) Mayor Quinton Lucas, who issued the proclamation recognizing YoungBoy’s cultural impact.
West’s path to this moment is remarkable. After prevailing on a pro se motion, his conviction was overturned, ending a nearly eight-year sentence after serving three years for possession of a pound of cannabis. In 2021, he was hired by the national nonprofit Last Prisoner Project, where he works as an advocacy associate.
West advocates for decriminalization and helps secure the release of incarcerated cannabis offenders across the Midwest and South. Simultaneously, West completed studies in cannabis law and business at Rutgers Law School and played a role in helping several individuals gain release before their projected dates.
West, a Stockton, California native now residing in Kansas City, also serves as a legal analyst for Barry Grissom, advising on legal strategy and public advocacy at the intersection of cannabis law and criminal justice reform.
“Mr. Gaulden has used his platform to champion peace through his widely recognized ‘Stop the Violence’ campaign, calling for an end to cycles of crime and retaliation and encouraging young people to choose positivity, education, and opportunity,” the proclamation from Mayor Lucas reads.
“Mr. Gaulden’s journey reflects the realities of many individuals impacted by the justice system, and his story brings much-needed visibility to ongoing conversations about probation, reentry, and the barriers that people face as they rebuild their lives,” as stated in the proclamation while highlighting the city’s importance in recognizing redemption stories.
NBA YoungBoy’s recognition comes amid his legal battles. YoungBoy has faced multiple legal challenges over the years, including weapons and assault charges.
Kansas City, MO proclaim September 21, 2025 as ‘NBA YoungBoy’ Day; Courtesy of Donte West/INSTAGRAM and Getty Images
YoungBoy received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump on May 28, 2025, clearing him of federal gun-related charges stemming from his guilty plea to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. In 2024, he had accepted a deal resolving both Utah state and federal cases, which left him facing a 23-month prison term, five years’ probation, and a $200,000 fine, as reported by the AP.
After being released to home confinement in March 2025, the pardon wiped away those obligations, including strict probation requirements like drug testing, effectively closing a turbulent chapter in his legal battles.
