Tomorrow, we hold our first live program presenting art from the inside! Join us on the VCU campus from 2-3:15pm to see the men of Lawrenceville Correctional share what’s near and dear to them. For more information on their stories and who they are, keep on reading for their biographies and messages to all of us!
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Darren Harris, #1120930
I am one of the first emcees that hosted Virginia’s historic TEDx at Green Rock Correctional Center in 2024, an electrician, public speaker, and a poet. I write poems that are meant to embrace the reader from the many different personalities within those that have a tongue but are scared to speak what they think. My poems, “Free Me”, “Emancipated”, “1120930”, and more have been published in “Unlocked Art and Experience from Inside Virginia’s Prison” magazine, three times. I am one of the creators and facilitators of a DOC approved “Men’s Mental Health Support Group.” I believe that lived experience is the best teacher, and that is why I don’t mind sharing how I am a suicide survivor. “Mental Health is more than just a slogan.”
I am incarcerated for robbery and I’m constantly striving to learn more skills that will keep me employed as well as learning more successful attributes and morals so that I can be the best neighbor, coworker, and friend society has ever had.
My speech is on the ‘ripple effect and coming from the side of the one who threw the stone.
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Larry B. Capers, Jr.
My name is Larry B. Capers, Jr. I am from Norfolk, Virginia. I have been locked up since I was 18 years old.
I was born into art. Both my father and mother were artists that allowed me to share my world to whom all would like to know. I once perceived art as a means of expression, a skill cultivated by my inner desire to manifest my trapped imagination. However, the true nature of art transcends this limited understanding.
During my incarceration, I felt a pressing need for a safe haven where my psyche could retreat from the harsh realities of confinement.
Ultimately, I found that refuge within myself, through art.
As I delved deeper into my artistic journey, I discovered the hidden power of art. Beyond its inherent beauty, art evolved into an unexpected source of healing amidst chaos. My artistic world became a sanctuary for healing, calming, hiding, relaxing, and discovering my true nature, an innate capacity for boundless kindness and empathy.
I have two paintings that I would like to share. One is called “Incarcerated Love” and the other called “True Vibes.”
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Joseph Dorsett
Hello, my name is Joseph Dorsett, I’m 47 years old and I’ve been incarcerated for close to 25 years. I’ve spent the majority of my adult life trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can, bettering myself by challenging myself. Art and music have always been my safe haven when all else fails. Art is not bound by visual depictions, art includes all forms of creativity, music is also art so when I think of “Ripple Effects causes tidal waves” It puts me in the mind of how thought can create sound and how sound can generate an action; the art and music that I create is modeled from that fashion.
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James A. Steele is currently incarcerated and during his well over three (3) decades of being in prison, he discovered things about himself that he never knew existed.
One of his discoveries happen at the age of 44. A few years prior, he realized an artistic ability to draw and spent majority of his time doing just that, to the point of his artwork being displayed 06 BET.
Then it happen. Based on his popularity of knowing how to draw, he was handed paint brushes for the first time (at 44) and volun-told to paint a 20ft. x 20ft. mural.
Never knowing he could draw, yet paint, Steele discovered a gift that continues to marvel the mind. The theme: The ripple effect that causes tidal waves. It inspired Steele to present a painting that illustrates his personal transition.
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Randell Hakeem Love Barkley Jr
By way of Brooklyn New York, Randell Hakeem Love Barkley Jr, 34 years old, has been in prison for 19 years. He is a person who learned how to be a responsible person from failed examples. Growing up in prison is the worst way to find yourself, because it means a law was broken or a person became a victim in order for growth to be achieved. He is a person who recognized his growth came at the expense of creating a tidal wave of trauma to an undeserved family. This dance routine reflects that growth. As he seeks to apologize through his actions and his movements.
Randell recognized his growth at the expense of creating a tidal wave of trauma. He seeks to apologize through his actions and his movements.
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F. Logan
Logan is a Jacksonville, FL native who’s made brief stays in VA, PA, NC, CA and has ventured as far as Australia. I come from a military family and I also am a Veteran of the U.S.M.C. In all villages, there are flaws in which I highly regard. Though my life has had its fair share of heart aches, I’ve learned to grow and share these lessons. I’ve been incarcerated long enough to hear the voices of my children change, as well as watch my parents grow just a little older. Most of my time has been spent (reimagining) reading, writing, and creating a legacy for those to come. As an artist, I’ve been featured in Charlottesville’s (Blackity Black) art show, along with a contest winning in Kite Magazine. I will continue on this creative path in a positive manner in hopes of doing more for others than I have in the past. I truly understand that I owe a huge debt.
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Dustin Lee Russell was born during a meteor shower on the 14th of June, 1982. His contemporaries are in constant transmutation. He rides a translucent steed in preparation for the untimely demise of all frivolity. He is honored to be loved by those that love him. Those that hate him can eat a diet loaf. God bless.
Dustin Lee Russell
Aka Lu
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Jefferson Elie Il ‘Poetic’
My honorable name is Jefferson Elie Il and most people know me by the name Poetic. In 1998, at the age of 19, t was incarcerated and eventually sentenced to serve 50 years as a 1st time offender for 8 mandatory minimum gun charges (38) and one aggravated malicious wounding (12). Since my incarceration I have been on a constant journey of self-discovery, self-worth, and self-improvement. t have written 3 children’s books and published one called, “The Youth are our Future”. I am the founder of a 50103 organization called, W.E.G.O.D. In the Community Inc., which was created to educate and empower youth in the communities I grew up in and beyond.
I have also written and co-written multiple programs geared towards the growth and development of the incarcerated I am a poet and a lyricist who finds great pleasure in painting vivid pictures with my words, evoking deep contemplation, and challenging social norms.
My daily fight is to prove through my actions and character that I have earned a second chance. Upon my release I plan to use my 50103 to provide options to the youth and expose them to many positive examples of success, all in an attempt to help them avoid making the mistakes I made.
Poetic
Hon. Jefferson Elie Il
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Imani Malik Melvin (Magnetic) was born February 21, 1980 in Virginia Beach Virginia. He, along with his older brother, Lamarr, was raised by their single mother, Lillian Ivana Helm. During the same summer of his High School graduation, he would become incarcerated at the age of 18. He has been incarcerated ever since. However, his long period of incarceration has not been in vain. For throughout atl of those years he has completed 2 trades; Horticulture and Business Software Applications. He has also completed several Treatment programs. In 2024, he achieved an Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Information Management with Ashworth College.
He has written over 100 poems, as well as delivered countless spoken word performances. As of January 26, 2026 he has become a published author with his first Children’s Book entitled “Princess Kailani and the Magical Dolphin”. He is an unapologetic representative of the Nation of Gods and Earths; and lives by the righteous name of Magnetic Peace Life Allah.
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Bryan K. Jones #1015577, @gettingout.com
Bryan K. Jones Known as Abdul Maalik ibn Jones is an author, peer mentor and advocate for personal transformation.
With a passion for prevention, helping others and lived experience navigating life’s toughest challenges he not only used his time wisely (being incarcerated for over 20 years) he focused on his passion for writing and created “T.R.A.P. Talk” (Taking Risks Avoiding Poverty); Awareness Prevention, and Recourse in Avoiding All Traps. A compelling and practical self-help guide that addresses the hidden and not so hidden life traps that plague individuals, families, and communities. He’s a Certified Peer Mentor, a Youth Mentor for the disadvantaged and at risk from the group home to the community. He’s a licensed program facilitator for u7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey and currently active in vocational school to become a licensed electrician. He also created and facilitates his own Peer led program “Avoiding Life’s Traps” which promotes prevention, awareness, and accountability to avoid life’s traps and recidivism. God willing this is only the beginning of something so much bigger for Jones.
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Coordinators: Alejandro Ruiz and Lord Serious
Brilliance Behind Bars 