An executive order from Mayor Zohran Mamdani to end solitary confinement in jails is receiving praise from some advocates, who say they know firsthand about the damage that could be done inside a cell.

Melquan Thawney, Kayeye Inman and Quayshawn Smith walked through New York City streets as free men on Thursday.

It's a much different reality than the time they spent behind bars, including more than two years straight in solitary confinement combined.

“Being in a box,” said Smith, “It messes with your mental a lot. You're locked in 23 hours a day, you weren't getting any commissary. Dinner's at 4 p.m., the rest of the day you are starving, it's cold in there sometimes, the heat turns off.”

They also add that rodents would often become their closest neighbors.

After serving time on Rikers Island, a jail known for its overcrowding, violence, and poor conditions, they’re now dedicating their lives to saving the next generation from making the same mistakes.

“We just have this one thing in common that we want to see change in our community,” said Thawney.”

“We’re breaking the norms,” said Inman. “The community norms, which is just because you're from over here and over here, we got to be at odds. So that's why we do this. This means together, and we're leading by example.”

When news broke of Mayor Mamdani signing an executive order instructing officials to develop a plan to put an end to solitary confinement, the men said they felt a sigh of relief.

“I think it’s a great step forward,” said Nick Smith, who says his first experience in solitary confinement was the age of 16. “For the kids mainly, but for everybody. When you go in that box, it’s like jail inside of jail.”

Advocates say although it may feel like a step forward, it’s not the finish line. They warn that without strict oversight, solitary confinement could still appear under a different name.

“There should be more programs,” said Thawney. “Whether it’s for anger, substance abuse or whatever it is. Everyone is different.”

The alternative plan is expected from the mayor's administration in the next 45 days.