storyteller, visionary, phenom on a mission

A captivating storyteller and dynamic, young visionary, Momodu Gondo is a phenom on a mission to empower the next generation to reach its fullest potential.

In 2017, Momodu made national headlines after he was arrested by the FBI for his involvement in widespread corruption within the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force. Charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, Momodu plead guilty and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.

a story of second chances

While behind bars, Momodu made the choice to take accountability for the poor decisions that led to his downfall. Becoming a man of faith and leveraging fitness as a tool to cope with the trauma of incarceration, he underwent a personal journey of transformational change from the inside out. With a strong desire to serve others, Momodu worked alongside the prison chaplain, encouraging other inmates to hold on to hope.

In 2022, Momodu’s story again drew national attention when the hit HBO Max limited series, “We Own This City,” was released while he was incarcerated, in which he was portrayed by actor McKinley Belcher III. It was then that Momodu began dreaming of sharing his story to help others avoid making the same decisions that cost him his freedom. Two years later, after serving 82 months of his sentence, Momodu was released early due to good conduct.

inspiring others to change

Today, Momodu travels around the country sharing his battle-tested message of hope, love, forgiveness and second chances. Drawing from his experience of falling from grace and rising from the ashes, Momodu is passionate about sharing the blueprint that has helped him find redemption on his own journey from inmate to inspiration. As a sought-after motivational speaker among at-risk youth, aspiring law enforcement officers and prison inmates, Momodu is also committed to helping others confront their own challenges, embrace personal responsibility, and achieve meaningful change in their lives.

Momodu is also a certified personal trainer and helps others take ownership of their health and fitness to create a life they love. Ultimately, his story is a testament to his belief that no setback is insurmountable and everyone has the power to rewrite their narrative.