Synopsis
Born in 1930 in Texas, Sample was the mixed-race son of Emma (a hard-drinking black prostitute and gambler) and Mr. Albert (a wealthy white cotton broker and one of her tricks). He emerged from an abusive childhood an angry young man on a straight path to the penitentiary. By his early 20s, Sample was serving a 30-year prison sentence at Retrieve, a plantation-style prison known as "the burnin' hell." After a profound spiritual awakening, Sample's future changed dramatically. In 1972, he was released after serving 17 years and soon received a full pardon and restoration of all civil rights. Sample went on to become the first ex-convict in Texas to work out of the Governor's office and to serve on the staff of the State Bar of Texas. In recognition for his work in the field of corrections and rehabilitation of ex-offenders, he received numerous high-profile humanitarian awards. This true American treasure passed away on May 19, 2005.