The Speaker

Charles “Charlie” Grady Jr. is a nationally respected leader whose life defies simple labels. A law enforcement veteran, federal investigator, creative artist, and community visionary, Grady has spent decades bridging structure and humanity, accountability and compassion. His life’s work centers on reshaping how society understands justice, redemption, and human potential. Grady began his career with the Hamden Police Department, breaking historic barriers as the first African American officer assigned to the motorcycle traffic unit in 1984 and later becoming the first African American promoted to Detective by civil service exam in 1997. His career expanded to include narcotics task forces and federal assignments with the FBI, DEA, and the United States Attorney’s Office, where he served as Connecticut’s first Contract Investigator and later led a major gun and gang violence reduction initiative in Bridgeport. Alongside policing, Grady built a successful career in the arts. He is an accomplished actor, musician, playwright, and storyteller who has performed at the Apollo Theater, appeared in national commercials, television programs, and feature films, and produced socially focused stage works across Connecticut. This combination of investigative discipline and creative expression allows him to communicate complex issues in powerful and human ways. In 2014, Grady founded Hang Time, a grassroots reentry and violence prevention movement supporting individuals returning from incarceration and those choosing to leave street life. What began as a single community circle has grown into a statewide model serving more than 1,200 individuals each year, with over 70 percent formerly incarcerated participants. Hang Time is built on authenticity, accountability, and leadership rooted in lived experience. Grady’s work has earned national recognition, including the 2018 FBI Director’s Award for Excellence and the 2024 Wilmers Integrity Award. Grounded in empathy and driven by purpose, he continues to advance community transformation through policy reform, storytelling, and direct service. His legacy reflects a commitment not to talk about change, but to do the work that makes it real.

The Workshop

Reducing Recidivism Through Restorative Justice :
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 10:45A

Hangtime’s Bold Strategy for Empowering Justice-Impacted Individuals and Driving Sustainable Change

Biography of time in the PD and FBI, what was observed with how the life choices of individuals are affected by law enforcement and how a deep dive into this understanding led to a journey to observe and change how people are treated after arrest and conviction.