In a world often boxed in by labels and binaries, Charles Grady—affectionately known as Charlie—defies categorization.. He is at once a law enforcement veteran and a seasoned creative, a disciplined investigator and an expressive artist, a public servant and a visionary changemaker. It is precisely this unique fusion—of structure and soul, grit and grace—that has shaped his life’s mission: to rewrite the narrative around justice, redemption, and human potential.
Charlie’s path began with shattering ceilings. In 1984, he became the first African American police officer assigned to the Hamden Police Department’s motorcycle traffic unit, and in 1997, the first African American promoted to Detective by civil service exam in the department’s history.
But badge and uniform only told part of his story. Behind the scenes, Charlie nurtured a lifelong passion for the arts—acting, music, storytelling. He’s graced the Apollo Theater stage in New York City, starred in national commercials and soap operas, and appeared in films such as Waltzing Anna, Diamond Ruff, Breaking Point, and The Inside Game. His plays, focused on social justice, have premiered at venues across Connecticut including Infinity Hall, Legacy Theater, and UConn Theater.
This rare duality—of enforcement and expression—has become his superpower. Charlie embodies a rare blend of disciplined structure from his law enforcement career and the imaginative creativity cultivated through his artistic pursuits. This unique combination allows him to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and create meaningful, lasting change.
After an illustrious career with narcotics task forces and federal assignments with the FBI and DEA, Charlie was invited in 2008 to return as Connecticut’s first Contract Investigator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. By 2013, he was leading an anti-gun and gang violence initiative in Bridgeport.
Yet his deepest calling came not through an assignment—but through his heart.
In 2014, Charlie founded Hang Time, a grassroots movement designed to support individuals returning from incarceration and those choosing to leave street life behind. What began as a single community circle has grown into a transformative statewide model—serving over 1,200 people annually, 70% of whom are formerly incarcerated.
Hang Time is not just a program. It’s a movement. A family. A platform for hope.
“You have to learn to smile at adversity,” Charlie says to the men and women navigating reentry. “You’re not going to feel successful right away. Be kind to yourself. This is temporary—but the new life you’re building is real.”
The Hang Time model is built on authenticity and accountability. Over 90% of the staff are formerly incarcerated, making them credible messengers who speak from lived experience—not theory.
“They’re here for the heart. They’re not here for the money. They work 24/7, even when they don’t realize they’re working,” Charlie says with pride.
Charlie’s vision for Hang Time reaches far beyond Connecticut. He imagines a powerful coalition of formerly incarcerated leaders—“top-level voices,” as he calls them—coming together with lawmakers to reshape national reentry policies.
“These aren’t just people who came home. These are people doing great things in their communities. They should be empowered as change makers,” he says.
“Imagine gathering them all in one room with legislators. That’s my ultimate goal.”
Already, states like Maryland and Michigan are preparing to replicate Hang Time’s Hall of Change, a platform that recognizes formerly incarcerated individuals who have made extraordinary community contributions. His work is not just helping people heal—it’s reshaping systems.
Charlie’s insight comes not only from the streets or the system—it comes from deep empathy, forged in a lifetime of seeing the world’s most complex realities up close.
“Until you’ve walked a mile in the shoes of someone incarcerated—or someone addicted to substances—you can’t be judge and jury,” he says.
He challenges society to rethink assumptions:
“Most people in prison didn’t choose that life lightly. Often, it’s a string of bad choices influenced by pain, lack of guidance, or environment. Everyone has a story. And many deserve a second, third—even sixth—chance.”
To families supporting loved ones through reentry, Charlie offers this reminder:
“When they show you they’re truly changing—not with words, but with actions—meet them halfway.”
Charlie Grady’s impact has earned him national recognition:
Yet with all these accolades, he remains humble.
“In this world, there are doers and there are talkers,” he says. “I strive to be the doer that the talkers talk about.”
Charlie continues to amplify his mission through media and the arts. He’s completing his second documentary, following one focused on the journey from incarceration to law enforcement. His first book, chronicling the origins and evolution of Hang Time, is set to release this fall.
These are strategic tools for cultural and systemic change—designed to inform, humanize, and inspire.
“Anyone can find themselves behind bars under the right—or wrong—circumstance,” he reminds us.
Creating change is never easy. Charlie acknowledges the emotional and logistical weight of building credible, sustainable programs in underserved communities.
“It’s a much heavier lift to find the right people—people with trust, credibility, and the will to work,” he says.
“But when we get it right, the ripple effect is powerful.”
He recalls calling one man who had recently lost his job:
“He said, ‘You have no idea what this phone call meant to me.’ That’s what we do. That’s the work.”
Charlie Grady’s life is a masterclass in purpose-driven transformation. From law enforcement pioneer to creative visionary, from federal investigator to grassroots builder, he has redefined what leadership looks like—and what justice can become.
His story is not just inspiring—it’s blueprint-worthy.
“You can’t catch up to where you left off. The only way to do that is to stop time—and that doesn’t happen. What you can do is start anew.”
Charlie Grady is, without question, a Champion of Change. His journey stands as a living testament to this issue’s theme: Celebrating Freedom. Honoring Purpose. Inspiring Progress.
And as his mission continues to ripple across state lines and into hearts and homes, one thing is clear—the best of his impact is yet to come.
