There’s nothing more universal than the desire for freedom – the freedom to build lives of our choosing. And one of the most powerful expressions of this desire is through the art we create. 

For people on probation and parole, true freedom can be hard to realize. Supervision comes with many conditions and restrictions, which effectively serve as trapdoors right back to incarceration. People on supervision can be sent back to prison for missing a curfew, crossing county lines without permission, or accidentally missing an appointment with a probation officer. As a result, people on supervision live with the anxiety that one false move – one ordinary misstep – can upend everything. 

Still, the hope of freedom, of a life beyond constraint, endures. In this post, we’re spotlighting three people who know the struggle of supervision well, because they’ve lived it. And they’ve turned their experiences into art, using the power of spoken word poetry to testify to the freedom of their spirits. Take some time to listen, ponder their words, and consider what freedom and art mean to you. 

Bleu “Inkk” Watkins went from a life sentence to graduating from law school. After 28 years in state prison, she was granted parole with a five-year supervision term. She immediately threw herself into the work of helping others, working with the reentry program A New Way of Life. This organization, founded by Ms. Susan Burton, supports women transitioning out of prison. In July 2020, after administrative changes in parole policy, her case was reviewed by a parole board. Because of all the great work she’d done, the board decided to terminate her parole early. For the first time in more than 30 years, she was truly free.

Freedom. Let freedom ring. Freedom. Our ancestors will sing.
Do I tell you about the three moments of freedom that stick out for me? Like the one when I had traumas as a child? As an adult, I was able to free myself mentally. Or after doing 28 years in prison, the gates opened up. That freed me physically. Or the time when I thought that I was going to be on a lifetime parole, and that ended like a quiet storm. Yes, the parole department took advantage of that and said it was them. But come to find out, it was an alliance reformed.

I still search for moments like these every day to cheer. My personal accounts of freedom are added to the lives of those that I hold near. Freedom, yeah, let it ring.

Our ancestors still sing. I hold freedom in my prayers. For those who are still unfree. The world gave us a limited amount, but we hold the key to our own personal freedom inside. So, let’s let freedom ring. Freedom.

Tanaine Jenkins is a reentry strategist and motivational speaker. She is the Florida Organizer for REFORM Alliance, a role in which she thrives at building coalitions and driving change. Sentenced to five years of probation for felony fraud, Tanaine reminds us of how technical requirements like in-person reporting and travel restrictions can sabotage employment, strain family ties, and create a constant state of fear, even for those determined to succeed.

Freedom is mercy wrapped in grace. A soft light breaking through the darkest place.

It’s forgiveness for the stuff we don’t say out loud, for the weight we carry, for the times we let ourselves and others down.

Freedom is letting people be exactly who they were born to be without apology or a permission slip.

Freedom is understanding that one nation under God is not just a line, it’s a promise. It’s a key. It’s a reminder that freedom should be free. Not just for you, not just for me, but for us all.

Tony Conyers is the founder of the “Free After 23” movement, a platform for using personal stories to inspire positive change in others, especially young people. The name “Free After 23” derives from Conyers’ own experience of being incarcerated for 23 years, starting at the age of 14.  Upon his release, Tony was determined not to let probation be an obstacle. While he had heard stories in prison of men returning on technical violations, he adopted a proactive “man on a mission” mindset. He prioritizes his probation requirements above all else, maintaining open communication with his officer and focusing on his goals.

Where I come from, they don’t sale hope.
They try to put you down until your soul broke.
Now, I got a story, living testimony.
So when I see the devil, ain’t no pressure on me.

Give it to me, folk, you know, I got it good.
Got a second chance, now I’m finna make it hood.
And I put it on God ‘cause he never lied.
Brought me back like Lazarus,  like I never died.
Wonder how I did it? I’m a G, I’m a G.
Came a long way and I put it on G.
Made it through hell like I said.
So I got to hit my knees, thank god—free after 23.