Father’s Day Q&A with Rodney Brown

In May 2022, Rodney Brown was finally reunited with his daughter, Kayla, after spending more than 27 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Since then, he has been enjoying freedom and fatherhood to the fullest. In 2023, Rodney welcomed his second daughter, Kaylyn. For Father’s Day 2023, we talked to Rodney about what fatherhood is like for him.

 

 

What does being a dad mean to you?

Being a dad means everything to me. I’ve always wanted kids—I also have three goddaughters—and I take pride in being an active dad. Fatherhood is an opportunity for me to instill what I have learned and give my kids a life that I’ve never had. There are a lot of people like myself who grew up without a father figure, and I don’t want my kids to experience that.

 

 

What are your favorite things to do with your kids?

I just like spending quality time with them. Helping them with homework, taking them to school, just being there for them. Kayla is an outdoorsy person, so we love going outside together. We went to Dave & Buster’s a couple weeks ago and had a blast.

Any Father’s Day plans?

This is my second Father’s Day at home. We don’t have any particular traditions, but this year, we’re doing a cookout with friends.

Is there anything you would like to say to other fathers who are or were wrongfully incarcerated?

I just want to say that even though you may have missed those years of your kids growing up, it’s never too late to be an active dad. Being a dad is not just about providing financial support. What’s most important is spending quality time with your kids and being there for them. The small moments matter more to your kids than finances.

What would you like people to know about our criminal-legal system?

I always say this anytime I’m asked: for guys who have spent 20 to 30 years in prison, where does it end? We may be out of prison, but we’re never really free. At what point do I get my rights restored? Everyone deserves a second chance.