Book Club for Incarcerated Youth and Adults

Following in the footsteps of leaders who have walked before us, Free Minds members continue to be beacons of peace, passion, and positivity through their poetry. With the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. in mind, Free Minds members reached new audiences through their writing. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we facilitated five “On the Same Page” events, sharing Free Minds poetry with hundreds of people in a unique literary exchange. We were honored to be included in the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s National Day of Service as well. Your gracious support has helped Free Minds bridge gaps and give back, encouraging members to write new chapters in their lives, one page at a time. 

Bridging Communities

We worked with local and national organizations to amplify the voices of our members. We partnered with The National Book Foundation for the third annual acclaimed “Literature for Justice” program, a nationwide, book-based campaign that seeks to contextualize and humanize the experiences of incarcerated people in the United States. The program is guided by the Literature for Justice committee, a cohort of well-known authors who are also experts, leaders, and advocates within the space of mass incarceration (Literature for Justice - National Book Foundation).

In preparation for a panel discussion with the Literature for Justice committee and authors of the selected titles, Free Minds distributed the selected books to our incarcerated members in the DC Jail and in federal prisons all over the country: City of Inmates: Conquest, Rebellion, and the Rise of Human Caging in Los Angeles, 1771-1965, Ossuaries, Golden Gulag: Prisons, Surplus, Crisis, and Opposition in Globalizing California, Solitary: Unbroken by Four Decades in Solitary Confinement and Assata: an Autobiography. Free Minds members participated in an Assata book club, and submitted thoughts and poetry to be shared at the event. Free Minds member Vance wrote, “I think the book was fantastic! Assata was a very strong and purposeful woman and I really admire her more now after reading her autobiography. I can relate to portions of the things she encountered as a youth out there on her own.”

We continue to be a resource of timely information for our members to support them through rapidly changing situations, such as sending voter registration information after DC passed a historic voting rights bill allowing incarcerated people to vote, and sending up-to-date information about how to access the federal CARES Act stimulus payments if you are incarcerated.

Members shared their “attitudes of gratitude” with us:

“You have recently made me aware that we DC inmates can now vote. WOW! I was so elated by the news and immediately sent for applications. I want to make a change, difference, and show that not only Black Lives Matter, but Black Votes Matter!” - Free Minds member Gene

“Your efforts have been amazing throughout this time and I really appreciate it. I have shared with so many people what your organization does for us and I have felt privileged to be a part of it. The book choices are amazing and the newsletters are so informative.” - Free Minds member Yusef

“I appreciate the entire Free Minds Book Club because as a member I truly feel like part of a family and have come to understand that love, kindness, and respect can be found even amongst people you haven't personally met." - Free Minds member Darnell

Connect: Purpose

We welcomed the new year by identifying and celebrating the purpose each one of us holds in our community. In our latest issue of the Connect, Free Minds staff, members, and friends came together as witnesses to the power, strength, and meaning our community creates in sharing and fulfilling our purpose together.

In the Purpose issue of the Connect, you will find a story of hope and success as FM member Marcos recounts his journey to the United States and the gift of second chances (page 34). On page 6, Free Minds friend Maji reflects on how the lasting legacy of Congressman John Lewis led him to find purpose through writing. On page 16, Free Minds friend Jeffrey writes about pursuing his purpose of becoming a licensed therapist for youth, despite the obstacles he faces being blind. On page 27, read an interview with FM member Marius, home after 25 years behind bars, about finding purpose in both his time while incarcerated and in his next steps at home. 

Books Across the Miles: Never Caught

Our latest Books Across the Miles title (selected by votes from members) was Never Caught by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. It’s the true story of Ona Judge, an enslaved woman of George and Martha Washington who risked everything to escape and reach freedom. Members wrote in sharing their thoughts on the legacy of George Washington, the importance of one’s name, and Ona’s inspiring resilience: 

“At first, I really did not know too much about George Washington...I was shocked that he actually had a plantation.” - MC

“Ona’s name tells the world who you are and where you are from and what you are part of. A good name is truly worth more than gold. A full name for our ancestors marked them as free women and men: Human beings, whole and free, braveheart and true, liberated to move in life with the rest of humanity.” - AW

“I just finished reading Never Caught. It was such an inspiring book. I related to Ona in how she was subjected to a certain way of life that would be for the duration of her life, yet she fought, persevered, hoped, and began to turn her dream of freedom into a reality.” - MV

From voting to serving, Free Minds members will continue checking “firsts” off of their lists. 

Their prose and poetry are compelling testaments to hardships we not only experience, but overcome, together as a community. Your support is an invaluable part of the Free Minds community. Thank you! 

Links:

• Read the Free Minds Connect
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