By Jess Lawson, Free Minds intern
On Thursday, March 26, students, poets, professors, and social justice advocates alike gathered for a night of celebration and acknowledgement. BleakHouse Publishing hosted its annual awards ceremony at American University (AU) to honor poets and contributors to the online BleakHouse Review.
BleakHouse Publishing aims to publish works that shed a humane light on the nether world of penal institutions, as well as other repressive settings, practices, and beliefs. The awards ceremony showcased authors and artists whose works have been featured throughout the past 9 years, since the founding of the press in 2006.
Juan and Professor Johnson
Free Minds co-founder Kelli Taylor and Free Minds Member Juan were also present that evening, and accepted a BleakHouse Literary Award on behalf of fellow FM member Alfred. Alfred’s poem, “Crocus,” was one of five literary works awarded with the prestigious title of “Best Poem” for 2015. In addition, one of Juan’s poems was chosen to be featured in this year’s upcoming edition of Tacenda, BleakHouse’s literary magazine, along with poems by fellow Free Minds members Michael, Elijahwon, and DJ.
Other attendees included Rachel Cupelo, a 2008 BleakHouse and American University alumnus, who still comes back every year to support the not-for-profit press. For Cupelo, BleakHouse Publishing is a vital organization because it is “bringing people together, talking about literature, talking about writing, talking about expression…and what so many people in the criminal justice system are missing is expression.”
Professor Johnson warmly welcomes the award ceremony attendees.
This lack of expression is exactly why BleakHouse Publishing’s editor and founder, American University professor Robert Johnson, created the press. Professor Johnson’s passion for promoting the voices of the incarcerated and highlighting the human element amidst the inhumane attributes of the justice system is contagious.
Through his avid mentorship, advocacy, and poetry, hundreds of readers and writers alike are gaining exposure to the realities of individuals who are often silenced. As Cupelo reminds us, “All we hear about are the politicians, the C.O.’s, the people in charge—this is the place to hear about the other points of view.”
Professor Johnson presents Alfred’s award for “Best Poem” to Kelli.