Our UUMS family celebrates the life of Toni Ukkerd Carter, a UUMS faculty member who was instrumental in developing and leading the Prison Ministry Certificate program. Toni’s expertise as a teacher in Folsom Prison for more than two decades has been a tremendous asset to the program. Her book, “My Life Inside,” is a personal account of the knowledge and expertise she gained while working with incarcerated citizens, in response to questions from family, friends, and strangers curious about her work as a teacher in the prison system. The book is a collection of true and memorable experiences that highlight her spiritual journey “through the belly of the beast.” It also highlights what life is like inside the prison and the fun she had connecting with her “captive” audience. Toni earned a Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and a Master’s degree from California State University-Sacramento. She was an accomplished speaker, educator, and contributing author to “Chicken Soup for the Prisoner’s Soul.” She taught in the Detroit and Sacramento public schools, was an active member of Unity of Roseville, CA, and a regular participant in the monthly Courageous Conversations project led by Rev. Sandra Campbell.
