The Untold Story of the Real Me

Recently, I created a blog post centered on a poem, “(I’m a Survivor) The Labels of My Life,” by Quenten, one of the young men involved in Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop. Through Free Minds, these men discover the power of poetry as a vehicle for expression and transformation. Free Minds and these young poets are a testament of how poetry, books, and community can open doors and change lives. The Untold Story of the Real Me is a collection of poems and personal essays by young people who were charged and incarcerated as adults at the age of 16 or 17. All the poets are members of the Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop; many are currently incarcerated in the DC Jail or federal prison. Their work explores themes of parenthood, love, pain, identity, race, and freedom in voices both raw and powerful.

This book is being used in classrooms across the country to start conversations around youth violence and the justice system. The Untold Story of the Real Me provides a new take on the power of one voice to speak truth to pain, to seek redemption and healing.

I am in awe of these young men who have been through so much, yet seem to find hope and courage through poetry. And I’m impressed by the imagination, creativity and success of Free Minds’ efforts. So I am delighted to announce that The Untold Story of the Real Me is our next Book Giveaway!

Subscribe by April 17th to win a copy of The Untold Story of the Real Me!

As a special thank you to our blog subscribers, each month we give away autographed books by a wide range of authors and poets.  Winners are picked randomly, notified by email, and announced on our blog and on Facebook.

Subscribe to be entered into a drawing for an autographed copy of The Untold Story of the Real Me – and all our Book Giveaways each month.

Over the days ahead I’ll be sharing some of their poems and stories as well as more information about Free Minds and how you can get involved.

For now, I’ll leave you with Quenten’s poignant bio which I believe epitomizes the title and heart of The Untold Story of the Real Me.

I am a strong black man who made a bad decision when I was much younger many years ago, based on false truths and misconceptions, and I’m now paying my debt to society for those actions without excuses. I understand that my rite of passage into true manhood would come fighting against a current of negativity and degradation on a daily basis in a system that wants nothing more than to destroy my sense of humanity. It’s through God’s saving grace and mercy that I’ve come to love, accept, and know who I am, and whose I am. Who I was and where I came from is irrelevant. But who I am and where I’m going in life? Priceless.

 

And here’s the link to Quenten’s poem, “(I’m a Survivor) The Labels of My Life.”

Again, many thanks to Quenten for his permission to post his poem and bio.

 

What people are saying about The Untold Story of the Real Me

 The literary collection you hold in your hands is a testament to the vitality and spirit of the young poets whose work is presented in these pages, proof in print that books and reading can change and save lives. The key is perseverance; the Free Minds people remain present from lockup through reentry, creating ambassadors to the community who effectively curb the cycle of violence and incarceration. The message is important, and so is the work. The pieces showcased here are moving and real.” — George Pelecanos, novelist (The Cut, Drama City), writer/producer of The Wire

“[Free Minds poetry] helped me to realize that I should continue to get my education so that I can pursue my career as a social worker to help at-risk youth.” — On The Same Page Violence Prevention Project DCPS Middle school student participant

“Writing these poems and telling my story has been a great way to express myself and how I feel instead of being locked up behind doors holding all my feelings in.” — VA middle school student who began writing poems for her incarcerated father after reading Free Minds poetry in the Untold Story of the Real Me

“Thank you for sharing your stories and motivating me to want to become a better person. Your stories are really inspiring and encouraging. Even when you were all faced with hardship and struggle you fought through and made it out better and stronger. Thank you for making the world a better place.” — On The Same Page participant American University College student

“Free Minds poetry is an unbelievably powerful vehicle for making human connections across the many walls that separate the fortunate ones in our society from the less fortunate. When I sit down with a poem written by an inmate I get an uncanny feeling of direct communication with someone who society has placed out of bounds, someone for whom words and poetry have taken on huge meaning…Reading their poetry humanizes and individualizes the inmates. They are no longer an undifferentiated group of people; instead they are D’Angelo, Delonte, Demetrich, etc. My connection with Free Minds has also greatly increased my concern about mass incarceration, solitary confinement, and the channeling of adolescents into the adult justice system.” — Anne Manuel, Volunteer

“The Untold Stories of the Real Me
Light exposing the pain and heartache most can’t see
My students read your poetry and said those poems are reflections of me
And there are no limits to what I can be.
The Untold Stories of the Real Me
Opens doors for the youth, helps them see
That the pen is mightier than the sword
And that problems, issues, setbacks, as well as victories can be expressed through the written word
Some might think it absurd, that writing can cause one to change
Untold Stories, reality, simple and plain
Thank you for the love, energy, and light”

— Quincy Murdock, educator in Kentucky