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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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Incarcerated Scholars Conference Art Gallery 2025

WE Must

Anonymous

Oklahoma

WE MUST... When the Challenges Escalate
Don't Cower to Emotions of iRate
There's No Time to Balk, to Hesitate
Cease Complaining We Must Participate
Act as Tho' the Process You Appreciate
the Will to Overcome, We Must Satiate
with Heart that Will's Upward, NOT Denigrate
thru L.O.V.E. Quenching the Fires of Hate

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that Desire to Condemn and Berate Leadership Must Elevate!
Reach into Communal Spirits and Activate
with 1ne Bloc, an Alliance to Syncopate
Our Voice, Our Vote in 1neness, to Oscillate
the Art of the Vision, We Must Cultivate
in Hue-Mil-I.T. We Must Meditate

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Aspiring Action's, We Must Associate Fashioning Factor(s) that Facilitate

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Real Resolution(s) to Appropriate
Rising Above Fictitious Flaws that Fascinate
NOT Endorsing Negatives that Negate
Permitting Fear, Yes Doubt and Descension to Resonate
Allowing Anger's to Overcompensate
But the Grace of the Most High Designate
Tinder Mercy's is Just-Us to Delegate
To ReForm, Yes Rebuild the Ugliness We Obliterate
How Much Better are Ye if Ye ONLY Desolate
When the Challenges of Leadership Escalate
We Must Stand Up, Step Up and Participate ®

Artist Statement

I wrote this spoken word piece because I’m tired of watching the world burn while we wait on someone else to put the fire out. This poem came from a place deep inside, a place that knows pain, injustice, rejection and silence, but still believes in the power of voice, action, and collective love. Every word is a reminder that we can’t keep cowering to the chaos or letting anger lead us astray. We’ve been divided, manipulated, and taught to doubt our own strength. But we’re better than that. We must rise, not just in protest, but in purpose. In participation. In unity. Having HOPE.
Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a choice we make every day. And when the challenges escalate, that’s the moment we decide whether we build or break. I’m challenging us to build. To elevate. To love anyway. To lead anyway.

If you are the artist of an artwork featured in this gallery and want it removed, please reach out to alliance@higheredinprison.org

Welcome to the ISC Art Gallery!

To view the gallery, please read:

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WE Must

WE Must

Anonymous

Oklahoma

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