Jefferson County Memorial Project by Ronald McKeithen When the realization of having to serve an agonizingly slow death sentence of life without the possibility of parole finally hit home, the pursuit of education became a mild sedative for hopelessness and despair, and the classroom a haven from the constant chaos of prison life.  Over the …

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We recently talked with Anderson Smith, our newest addition to the Teaching Artist Spotlight series, and one of the newest members of the Justice Arts Coalition Board of Directors. Dr. Smith has a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion while supporting ways to question and change inequitable societal norms. Working with adults in and out …

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  Izuo-Ere “Mimi” Digifa embraces the breadth of her experiences, devoted to infusing light, love, and wisdom into the lives of others. Despite life’s challenges, she invites readers to journey alongside her, navigating through various emotions and experiences. Through her vulnerability and strength, she shares her story with sincerity and authenticity. This book is a …

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by Jhenna El-Sawaf Marcus Pettiford was around two years old when his mother, Anita, handed him a pencil and piece of paper. He settled in to draw a portrait of his favorite toy, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. When he showed his mom the final result, she was stunned: “It scared me! I was like …

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by Marcus Pettiford Just when I thought it was possible, and beginning to feel optimistic… I was sadly reminded that God does not save the ghetto. Ironic laughs with tearful smiles. Late night fist fights, and daylight gun shot victims. Please God save the ghetto. Liquor bottles a quarter full, smoke filled air. Young boys …

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By R. Zumar I’ve never ridden a horse before even though I’m fascinated at the thought of doing so. I plan to one day if I ever get the chance. I created this piece for two reasons. One is just for the first reason I said above, but the other is a little deeper. Someone …

Continue reading The Becomings of a Master: Canyon Run

This month, we are highlighting artist, poet, activist, public speaker, and nonprofit founder Kenneth Reams. We were lucky to connect with Kenny through his work with the Prison Story Project. Kenny was one of the 11 men incarcerated on Arkansas Death Row who wrote PSP’s “On the Row,” a film that JAC screened with our …

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We recently talked with Elia Cadilla, our newest addition to the Teaching Artist Spotlight series. Elia has done research for the FILIUS Institute, part of the School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico (among other projects, a study about the effect of theater in the rehabilitation process of female convicts.) Cadilla teaches Acting for Film and TV at the …

Continue reading Teaching Artist Spotlight: Elia Enid Cadilla