Incarcerated Archive
The Incarcerated Archive is a growing collection of writings and artworks from incarcerated people in the state of Michigan. This collection of material began at a poetry workshop called Writer’s Block. But, given the forced relocation of earlier members, inspired words from incarcerated people across the state began to accumulate. This archive reflects some of that work.
For background on some of the members of Writer’s Block see
The Writer's Block in the Rivera Court from KATIE BARKEL on Vimeo.
The New Yorker video or read Detroit’s Critical Moment.
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IA Portfolios
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Women Spitting Truth in the Face Of Carcerality
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This portfolio marks the anniversary of the Attica Rebellion with an update from incarcerated Activists, Organizers and Poets inside Kinross Correctional Facility. Listen, Read and Please Help Support Incarcerated People Across the US and the Globe.
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Poet, Feminist, Abolitionist and member of Huron Valley’s Writer’s Block
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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I consider myself a thinker and a lover of truth, words, and beauty…In an attempt at self-expression I discovered poetry.
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I’m a poet, abolitionist organizer and member of Writer’s Block Norte
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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I enjoy painting the poetic rhythm of life
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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I create because I have to. I attempt to do it well because I’m vain. My suffering is not unique. My aspiration is that my poetry and art will be.
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I write because I hope to help those who read my poems to write for themselves
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My name is Dezmon McMiller. I’m a didactic 19yr old man. Poetry helps me think.
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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I started writing poetry as therapy for my regrets and disappointments, and it evolved into a love for the craft.
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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I consider myself to be a very conscious minded brother who never gave in to the system by letting his talents go to waste because of a road block.
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Poet, creative writer, certified chef, welder and personal trainer.
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A young alkebuland warrior priest, poet that grew into the knowledge of self and loves to learn and teach.
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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Fred Williams is a poet, scholar and abolitionist organizer.
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I was born and raised in the city of Detroit. I have been writing for six years. I wouldn’t know what to do if I couldn’t write.
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Writer’s Block Westcoast
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James D. Fuson rides ponies in his free time and loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Sometimes he writes poetry. For fun, he rolls around in money.
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Poetry allows me to escape my confinement and gives me a voice to be heard beyond the walls of prison.
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Poet, artist and resident barber…he cuts the hair of all those, and only those, who don’t cut their own hair…the question is does he cut his own hair?
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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Resides in Michigan Enjoys private living, good guitar and exploring creativity.
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Kyle Devon Daniel-Bey (aka Akinyemi) is an artist, poet, writer and critical intellectual. As a juvenile he was sentenced to die in prison. Despite this, he has not let prison restrict his growth and development as a person.
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Laid back, well mannered, responsible, eager to learn, mature, consistent, willing to listen to others, concern for humanity
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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I am generous, humorous with a consistent ambition and drive. My motive is to express myself, vent, reach out to the youth and to speak for the unspoken.
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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From the eyes of a nameless soul his poetry is the birthplace of all emotion.
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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I use poetry as my therapy, my comforting blanket, and my shield.
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I have been through so much struggle that I always seem to find a little joy from any situation I encounter.
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I’m grateful for a chance to have my voice heard around the world.
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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Through my writings, I have come to the realization that light does exist in the presence of a dark world.
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My writing has helped me deal with situations in my life whether good, bad or perplexing
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Writer’s Block Marquette
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I write with the thought that nobody would hear it, so what you hear is coming from my heart.
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Member of the Writer’s Block Westcoast
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I’m a strong willed souljah, standing tall under a low ceiling…nice to meet you, I’m “Q”!!!