Freedom to be Heard: The Power of Creative Expression

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A collection of short films showcases the voices of system-impacted communities and highlights the role of the arts as a transformative agent in promoting healing and social change.

Introduced by Marlene McCurtis and Brandon Baker 

The Wait Room 

The Wait Room is a multidisciplinary dance work that exposes the physical, psychic, and emotional burden on women with incarcerated loved ones.   

STAND! 

A filmed, theatrical performance piece using spoken word and movement, written by men on the A Yard at California State Prison, Los Angeles County-Lancaster. Performed by three formerly incarcerated actors.

Chasing Redemption 

Two men are on a lifelong road towards redemption after being commuted from a LWOP sentence. Discover how they were able to change their life trajectory after making the worst decisions of their lives. Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentences in the U.S. impose a sentence of incarceration for the remainder of an individual's life, with no possibility of release, even if they show signs of change. 

Panel Moderator: Brandon Baker is a formerly incarcerated student, published author, motivational speaker, and youth mentor. Through education, Baker was able to transform from a traumatized teenager who was sentenced to die in prison into a triumphant adult who returned to society after 25 years. Among Baker's many passions are healing the community through storytelling and educating youth in narrative therapy. He believes that stories can connect and, therefore, heal and transform. The story of Baker is one of adversity and resilience, of poverty and prosperity, and of the end result: love for all and hate for none.

Deon Whitmore is currently pursuing a Master in Public Health at California State University, Los Angeles. Passionate about creating systemic changes, he serves as a program manager for Healing Dialogue and Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting both juveniles in detention centers and survivors of crimes. Additionally, Deon works as a student consultant, leveraging his expertise to drive impactful initiatives.

 Khadijah Shabbazz is a public speaker, author and global advocate for women and children affected by a loved one’s incarceration. For years, Khadijah served as a foster mom and safe haven for infants prenatally exposed to substances, as well as small children with behavioral difficulties. In addition to her work in the foster care system, Khadijah is often called on to support families affected by police violence. Khadijah has never shied away from serving the most vulnerable of society.  

 Born and raised in South Los Angeles to a Creole mother and Kenyan father, John Njoroge served twenty-four years in correctional facilities before paroling in 2019. Since his release, he has expressed his creativity through writing, music, and performance. As an Actor and Understudy with Theatre Workers Project, his work explores transformation and healing through art. His performances and writings have been featured at the University of Southern California, the University of Pennsylvania, the Long Beach Museum of Art, and national conferences, including the Conference on College Composition and Communication.


John serves as the Public Relations and Intake Coordinator at The Francisco Homes, a faith-inspired nonprofit in South Los Angeles that provides holistic support to formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to reintegrate into the community.   He is honored to work for the same organization that welcomed him back into society upon his release. He loves to support initiatives that support second chances and personal transformation.