About the Project

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Tomorrow’s Ken is an invitation to reflect on the humanity of those living within the American prison system. It is a collection of video portraits of people who are currently or formerly incarcerated. Each portrait is centered around an audio-recorded interview, with original music and imagery added in support of the narrative. This project is facilitated by composer, Tim Reed.
 
It is particularly important to me that the people featured in these portraits have the opportunity to tell their story in their own way, and the creation of these pieces has been a collaborative process. I worked closely with each of these folks, sending drafts for review throughout the process (although getting material to incarcerated folks for their review can be challenging). The person featured in each portrait retains full editorial control over the way in with their story is portrayed.
 
The first few video portraits are posted below. This is an ongoing project, and more pieces will be added as they are completed.
 
If you are moved by these stories, please consider supporting one of the organizations listed at the bottom of this page.

Spoon Jackson

Spoon Jackson is a poet, author, artist and musician who is currently incarcerated in Solano State Prison in California. My first phone call with an incarcerated person was with Spoon in the spring of 2022. Since then, we have had many conversations by phone and by text and I feel honored to call him a friend and mentor. Spoon is a published author and poet and his work can be found here  and here. To learn more about Spoon and his many artistic projects, visit spoonjackson.org.

Kétu Oladuwa

In the 1960s, Kétu Oladuwa spent 5 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. Since then, he has dedicated his life to learning, writing, activism and community work. Some of Kétu's recent work can be found here, https://www.rootfolks.com/tag/ketu/

Sirlilar Stokes

Sirlilar Stokes is from Baltimore, Maryland and currently lives in the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women. Hers is a powerful story of overcoming obstacles and personal growth. She has been incarcerated since 2008 and is hoping to receive parole this year.

Ebony Mahone

Ebony Mahone is from South Haven, Michigan and is currently living in Women's Huron Valley Correctional Center. In this piece, Ebony speaks about her early life, her experiences in prison and her plans for the future. To learn more about Ebony and to read her work, visit her profile on Minutes Before Six - https://minutesbeforesix.com/wp/category/contributors/ebony-mahone-mi/

Bob Gross

Bob Gross spent time in prison during the 1970s for refusing to comply with the U.S. Selective Service laws as a conscientious objector to war. Since that time, he has worked for local and national organizations in the fields of peace, justice and reconciliation. Bob and his partner, Rachel, live near North Manchester, Indiana

Suggested Organizations to Check Out

If you are moved by the stories in this project, please consider supporting these (or some of the many other) organizations that are doing important work to advocate and provide assistance for incarcerated folks:
             *These organizations are not directly affiliated with this project, but are simply some of my recommendations for organizations to support.

Justice Arts Coalition
Death Row Support Project
YouYesYou!
Minutes Before Six
Innocence Project