It was evident that his early beginnings yielded very little chance that this “little birdie” would ascend above rooftops as a red-winged blackbird. In fact, cloudy days lay in wait for Saffold. Not long afterward, he became a target of bullying and even contemplated suicide.

Because of unresolved issues from his childhood, Saffold drifted into the dark, unpredictable streets of his community—wandering as a faithless vagabond and engaging in acts of violence and drug use. At times, he also became a victim of violence himself. At age nineteen, he was involved in a crime that led to his imprisonment.

While confined, Saffold earned his G.E.D. and went on to tutor other inmates, bettering himself as an individual and honing his penmanship. In 2008, armed with his G.E.D., Saffold was paroled at age thirty-two. Determined to provide for himself and his daughter, he sought employment, but because of his felony conviction, the workforce wasn’t as welcoming as he had hoped.

Frustrated but resolute in maintaining a crime-free lifestyle, Saffold submitted twenty-one applications before finally landing a job with a moving company. He worked there until the company closed, leaving him unemployed once again. Soon after, he found himself homeless—living on the streets without healthcare, falling behind on bills, and eating poorly, which led to malnutrition and deepening depression.

Nevertheless, Saffold used his time wisely and went on to create a documentary film. Persistent in his efforts, he eventually rose from homelessness and moved into a place of his own—a green 2002 Grand Marquis. With transportation and determination, Saffold frequented a gym to shave and shower, maintaining a clean appearance by day. At night, he sat in the driver’s seat, guided by the light of a burning candle perched atop a book on the passenger seat, writing and editing his books.

Saffold’s story is one of life’s lessons and triumphs. For a reasonable fee, he welcomes the opportunity to share his journey with youth and community groups. Today, Saffold has produced a body of thought-provoking visual art that speaks volumes about the conditions of everyday people. He presents each theme with authenticity and without bias.

Saffold is eager to collaborate with agencies, organizations, and educators whose missions align with empowering the less privileged.