On March 1st, 2023, rapper and poet Noname joined our book club in the DC Jail. As the creator of the Noname Book Club, she is dedicated to shining a light on authors who are young people of color. We were very excited for Noname to join us for a session about the book The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus, which she chose because of the novel’s relation to her own passions. The novel features two young women from different backgrounds coming together to care for each other in the face of struggles. This love story celebrates the enduring bonds of two people determined to persevere together, as well as the intricate relationships among family.
Noname joined us for a session with the Men’s Book Club, followed by a session with the Women’s Book Club. For each session, the room was filled with. A member of the men’s book club discussed opportunities he found in prison that he wouldn’t have had elsewhere, sparking a lengthy conversation about resource accessibility and time management for inmates. Noname led them in a meaningful conversation about the availability of literature both inside and outside, and members responded by talking about their personal experiences before and during incarceration. Each of the members responded to a poetry prompt about layers of identity. Many shared their writing out loud. Noname provided encouragement and even performed. The talent shared was incredible, and Noname took part in it without hesitation. She even shared her own writing!
“Once you identify who YOU are, don’t be afraid to be yourself.”
– fREE MINDS member, craig
The women’s book club session began with Noname reading from, The Stars and the Blackness Between Them. This led to a wonderful conversation about self-worth, family, and identity, as well as the challenges of finding acceptance in an unsupportive environment. Both the men’s book club and the women’s book club had impassioned and thorough discussions about the reading, as well as their own thoughts on self-love and liberation. It was a wonderful day of celebrating the dualities of life, such as incarceration and reentry, sexuality and religion, and love and forgiveness. Despite their short time together, Noname really connected with our members and shared her passion for literature, and our members shared vital perspectives and original ideas. We are incredibly grateful to Noname for joining us for a day that is sure to be remembered by our members and all those involved for a long time.
Photos provided by the Department of Corrections
Check out “Unlayering,” an original poem by member Nichole in response to the prompt about layers:
Unlayering
By Nichole
Me being spoiled and self-reserved was a gift for me
I’ve always had a spark in my eye from what others couldn’t see
A single child to my grandparents
Love gave security and hope that fit like a glove
Growing up, it gave me a niche of maturity that couldn’t see
Peeling through my lawyers showed me what genuine love could be
The layer that most defines me is the beauty I share and see