ABOUT VERNON
JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE
Vernon T. Bateman is a self-taught artist, author, and keynote speaker who transformed 26 years of wrongful incarceration into a mission of resilience, creativity, and education.
While confined—often in solitary with nothing but a golf pencil—he created hundreds of works of art, authored five children’s books, and built a lifelong philosophy centered on turning pain into purpose.
Today, he speaks to college students nationwide, using raw storytelling, visual art, and lived experience to challenge perspectives and inspire transformation.
WHY BOOK VERNON
Vernon T. Bateman delivers a message that is raw, real, and unforgettable.
After spending 26 years wrongfully incarcerated, he turned isolation into purpose — creating hundreds of artworks, publishing five books, and building educational programs from inside prison walls.
Today, Vernon speaks to students and organizations about:
- Real-life transformation story from wrongful incarceration.
- Conversations around justice, identity, and resilience.
- The reality of the justice system.
- Turning pain into purpose.
- Deep student engagement and reflection.
- Visual storytelling through original artwork
- Optional live art creation during events
His story doesn’t just inspire — it shifts perspective immediately.
AUDIENCE OUTCOMES
WHAT AUDIENCES WALK AWAY WITH
- A new understanding of resilience and identity
- Real tools to overcome adversity and pressure
- Awareness of justice and systemic barriers
- Motivation to pursue purpose-driven paths
- Emotional connection to real-world lived experience