Empowering incarcerated youth to write new chapters in their lives.
By IS
I can feel a change in the air
A change that isn’t fair
Taking something that I love so much
My pride and my honor that can never be touched
Change could be a good thing
Or change could be tough
It can leave you wondering
Wondering if it’s enough
Are you changing for yourself
Or changing for someone else?
Never will I change to impress
But sometimes change happens for the best
Changing your mindset in order to progress
By AR
Mind, body, and soul still you uphold
From the toxins that had you controlled
Because of your blinded eyes
They appeared as gold
Many days you said you would leave that road
But for many times under pressure you had fold
But now that’s no more load for you to hold
And when I say drug free I’m bold
Yes I because now I’m me
And as strong as I can be
But never looking down at those lower than me
And only looking higher for more to achieve
So when you look at me only believe
That my old habits finally let go of me
And know thanks to God
I’m Drug Free At Last
October 28, 2020, 7:00 – 8:30
Read and respond to poetry by incarcerated writers! Registration is required; click here to RSVP.
November 18, 2020, 7:00 – 8:30
Read and respond to poetry by incarcerated writers! Registration is required; this page will be updated prior to the date with the link to RSVP.
Free Minds uses books, creative writing, and peer support to awaken incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youths and adults to their own potential. Through creative expression, job readiness training, and violence prevention outreach, these poets achieve their education and career goals, and become powerful voices for change in the community.
Winner of the 2015 Aspen Ideas Award from the Aspen Institute, the Justice Potter Stewart Award from the Council for Court Excellence, and the Library of Congress Best Practices in Literacy Award.
United Way of the National Capital Area (UWNCA) #9633
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) # 75998
1816 12th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
