We’re a group of contributors that span collectivist digital and on-the-ground physical communities — representing carceral publications, civic engagement groups, and thriving Internet communities that have already generated thousands of dollars for impacted communities through digital art sales.
Across these spaces, we represent communities of tens of thousands of people — now we’re bringing those people together.
Alphabetically organized
Founder of SawariMedia Amani Sawari is a writer, activist, and founder of SawariMedia, a communications and civic engagement organization serving those inside prisons nationwide. She has created multiple visionary publications, including the Right2Vote Report and Motivate Michigan newsletter, that aid in distributing messages and building community among participants in the prison resistance movement on both sides of the wall. Generated circulation of over 1200 active subscribers in 250+ facilities in 33 states.
Derrick Washington
Co-Founder of the Emancipation Initiative, incarcerated in the state of Massachusetts
“Throughout my sixteen years as a slave of the state -- I've realized the importance of having our many stories heard…I daily feel the aches and pains from slavery. I stare at its malicious face which has worn on me. Being branded as state property #W89316 strips away at my dignity by the day and I bear many of the mental and physical scars of living this reality as I currently sit here in the state’s maximum security prison at Souza Baranowski's Correctional Center (SBCC) facility.”
Author and Entrepreneur of Toppnotch Writing Inc.
Damien "Toppnotch" Hodges, a Chicago native from the Cabrini Green Projects, overcame a challenging environment marked by drug dealing, gang violence, and hardship. Drawn to creative expression through a fine arts school and local rap groups, he found a passion for storytelling, capturing the realities of inner-city life. As Vice President of Gotta E.A.T Records, he promoted events before moving to San Diego to further his career. He faced legal struggles there but channeled his experiences into writing "Blinded By The Lights," the first in a trilogy exploring friendship and the music industry. In 2014, with support from Tajana Sutton, he signed with Ruby Love Publications and launched his imprint, Toppnotch Writing Inc. His debut novel, "Blinded By The Lights - A Diamond In The Rough," received praise, proving his belief that "Dreams can become a reality with ambition." Through his unique brand of urban "reality" literature, Toppnotch has earned acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Co-Founder of Night on the Yard
Elise Swopes is a Brooklyn-based digital artist and creator who has captured the attention of millions with her mesmerizing art, surreal cityscapes, and colorful style. Recognized by Rolling Stone, NFT Now 100, Afrotech, and more as a leader in the crypto field, Swopes is continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity by melding art with a message.She has worked on countless campaigns and released top-selling artwork featured in major publications and social platforms. Moreover, she has dedicated her time to uplifting creators from underrepresented backgrounds and ending the hidden impact of incarceration through Sunrise Art Club–a community and agency dedicated to women of color in Web3–and Night On The Yard—an NFT project created for that purpose.