Motivational Speaker Formerly Incarcerated on Wrongful Conviction; Co-Founder & Visionary, Unfragile Farm

Milwaukee, WI, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Alphonso James Biography

At 17, Alphonso James was wrongfully convicted of a murder he had no connection to and sentenced to life in prison. He remained incarcerated for 32 years, all the while maintaining his innocence. His release on February 14, 2017, was facilitated by the Wisconsin Innocence Project. Despite his circumstances, he refused to let injustice define him. While confined, he found liberation — teaching himself to read and eventually earning degrees in theology and culinary arts.

James furthered his personal growth by authoring a memoir titled "UnFragile: The Truth of Alphonso James." In this work, he shared his experiences and insights, transforming his pain, grief, and rage into wisdom, peace, and faith in life’s goodness. He also expended energy in improving the lives of his fellow inmates, developing multiple self-improvement programs, and building extensive networks of volunteers and supporters.

Now a free man, James is actively engaged in public speaking. He shares his journey from suffering to freedom, highlighting the power of maintaining innocence and hope under extreme circumstances. His journey proves that true freedom isn’t just about escaping physical walls—it’s about breaking the prisons we build in our own minds.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/18/2025.

Alphonso James Speaking Topics

  • Breaking Free from the Prisons We Create for Ourselves

    For 32 years, Alphonso James lived behind concrete walls, metal bars, and razor wire. Yet, through his journey, he realized that the most powerful prisons are not made of steel—they are the invisible ones we build within our own minds. Fear, shame, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs can confine us just as much as any prison cell, keeping us trapped in cycles of pain, regret, and resignation.

    In this powerful talk, Alphonso shares his journey of breaking free—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. He reveals how he turned his prison into a place of transformation, uncovering the deep truths about resilience, self-forgiveness, and the power of the human spirit. His story is a testament to the fact that true freedom begins within—and that no matter what life has taken, we all hold the key to reclaiming our lives.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Your Mind Can Be Your Greatest Prison or Your Key to Freedom – The stories we tell ourselves determine whether we remain stuck or break free.
    • Self-Forgiveness Is the First Step to Liberation – Releasing guilt, shame, and resentment unlocks the door to true healing and freedom.
    • You Hold the Key – Regardless of past hardships, every person has the power to reclaim their life and write a new future.

  • The Power of Resilience: Rising Even When the World Knocks You Down

    Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about learning how to rise every time life knocks you down. Alphonso James knows this truth firsthand. Wrongfully incarcerated at just 17, he spent 32 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. Stripped of his freedom, his youth, and nearly everything he had, Alphonso faced a choice: let injustice define him, or rise above it.

    In this inspiring talk, he shares how he turned unimaginable pain into a source of strength, transforming his darkest moments into opportunities for growth and healing. He reveals how resilience is not something we’re born with—it’s something we build, choice by choice, moment by moment. No matter what life has taken or how many times the world knocks you down, you have the power to rise.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Resilience Is Built, Not Given – Strength isn’t about avoiding hardship but about how you respond to it.
    • Pain Can Be a Teacher – Every struggle carries the potential to shape you into something stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.
    • Keep Getting Up – The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is the willingness to rise—again and again.

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Alphonso James Videos

Alphonso James | 2024 Elevating Humanity Through Leadership Conference

Alphonso James | 2024 Elevating Humanity Through Leadership Conference

Listen to Alphonso's inspiring journey from hatred and despair to discovering forgiveness as his superpower, in his talk titled: "Break Free of the...

Alphonso James @ Innocence Network, 2024

Alphonso James @ Innocence Network, 2024

  • How do I book Alphonso James to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Alphonso James for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Alphonso James, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Alphonso James or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Alphonso James

    Speaking fees for Alphonso James, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Alphonso James are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Alphonso James, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Alphonso James speak about?

    Alphonso James is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Belonging, Civil Rights, Empowerment, Happiness, Mindset, Motivational, Overcoming Adversity, Personal Growth, Resilience, Social Activism, Social Justice, Spirituality, Success
  • Where does Alphonso James travel from?

    Alphonso James generally travels from Milwaukee, WI, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Alphonso James’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Alphonso James for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Alphonso James for your next private or corporate function.
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Alphonso James is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Breaking Free from the Prisons We Create for Ourselves , The Power of Resilience: Rising Even When the World Knocks You Down, Finding Your Purpose Within: The Journey to Your True Self, You Are Not What Happened to You and Building a Legacy: Success Beyond Money & Titles. The estimated speaking fee range to book Alphonso James for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Alphonso James generally travels from Milwaukee, WI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Marcus Allen, Erika Obando, Dr. Michael Time, Michelle J. Lamont and Chrissie Wellington. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Alphonso James for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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