The artwork displayed here was created and submitted by participants of the Incarcerated Scholars Conference. We are honored to share these creative works publicly to celebrate the talent, voice, and vision of the artists.
All works remain the intellectual property of their respective creators. The images, names, and likenesses of the artists are shared solely for the purpose of viewing and appreciating their work.
Reproduction, distribution, sale, or any other use of this artwork, including use of any artist’s name, image, or likeness, without explicit written permission from the creator, is strictly prohibited.
By viewing this gallery, you agree to respect the integrity and ownership of each artist’s work. Our goal is to make these creative expressions visible and valued—while protecting the rights and dignity of those who made them.
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I’m from the streets
I lacked knowledge and wisdom of self and became a beast
The Greeks and Romans disguised as police
Have shot at me and chased me until my speed increased.
They locked me up in their jails but I kept getting released
Peace never entered my mind
because I feasted off of crime.
I knew that the world was mine only when I was confined.
And time seemed to still
and pieces of my life became real but
Still I had more street knowledge to fulfill.
I had to tell more lies, more robbing and
more people to kill
I had to pass more poison for ills.
I became as hard as the street of concrete.
I couldn’t sleep until I fulfilled my destiny.
I had to master negativity, so nothing of intelligence will ever tempt me.
I am very familiar with this energy.
I did 20 years in its university
I am certified and have a diploma in negative philosophy
My body was so cold I can predict negative prophecies
and genetically make a negative people.
It’s true this is what I’ve been through
and growing into the other side of who I am.
A lamb with no tears, a lion with no Fear.
Everything that happens is clear when the knowledge of self appears
My ears have heard truth on the other side opposite of the one filled with lies
and the calcified eye that never cry started to moisturize
that gave rise for me to see through all three
and positivity was making me open to more that allowed to explore outside of the door of this box
and the knots that my tongue was tied began to unloose.
And the truth became real
and that which I once destroyed I started to rebuild
and my concrete still body was now flexible with the utmost respect for all people
Pros and cons provide equilibrium
Add and subtract equals.
The opposite attracts the opposite energy
So I am very attractive to positivity.
Perfection is the balance of two scales evenly.
I am knowledge and wisdom, so I am is me.
My beast is crushed intellectually
The streets was nothing but a teaching.
I used confinement to empower my thinking.
Reaching perfection is the essence of balancing
I’m from Illinois. I have five unpublished books & a few published articles. One of my most favorite books is my unpublished children’s book called: “Oblivion the Elephant.” “The Essence of Balance” was a true metaphor piece for my Life that I had to hide to avoid a lot of my personal struggles. I hope you all can appreciate & try & figure it out.
If you are the artist of an artwork featured in this gallery and want it removed, please reach out to alliance@higheredinprison.org