Our stories
READ THE WRITTEN WORK OF THE THINK TANK MEMBERS WHO MADE THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE
HUMANS OF LIFE ROW
Michael Bell
is a graduate of NEIU and a three-time published author.
MICHAEL BELL
Devon Daniels
taught himself how to draw while inside.
DEVON DANIELS
Lester Griffin
is a scholar.
LESTER GRIFFIN
REGINALD BOCLAIR
Reginald BoClair
is a graduate of NEIU, scholar, artist, writer, abolitionist, and intern.
Joseph Dole
is a grandfather, founding member of Parole Illinois, and award-winning writer and artist
JOSEPH DOLE
Charles Hill
is a father, son, poet, published writer, aspiring organizer, grandson, and cousin.
CHARLES HILL
JOHN CUMBEE
John Cumbee
is a former firefighter, author, man of faith, and college graduate.
Raúl Dorado
is a published writer, founding member of Parole Illinois, and college graduate.
RAÚL DORADO
Antonio "TK" Kendrick
is a graduate of NEIU, a writer, and a poet.
ANOTINO "TK" KENDRICK
Robert Curry
is a Bronzeville native and a NEIU student focusing on Community Agriculture.
ROBERT CURRY
Darrell Fair
is a graduate of NEIU and North Park, and artist, father, and published writer.
DARRELL FAIR
Darnell Lane
is a graduate of NEIU.
DARNELL LANE
Rodney Love
is an innovator, legal student, and history aficionado.
RODNEY LOVE
Juan Luna
is a self-taught artist and activist.
JUAN LUNA
Jerel Matthews
is a scholar.
JEREL MATTHEWS
Steven Ramirez
is a Bachelor's student at North Park, writing advisor, choir member, and father.
STEVEN RAMIREZ
Benny Rios
is a loving son, graduate student, and published writer.
BENNY RIOS
Lonnie Smith
is a student, peacemaker, and criminal justice and democracy activist.
LONNIE SMITH
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Jimmy Soto
was wrongfully incarcerated for 42 years.
JIMMY SOTO
Mike Simmons
is a graduate student, restorative justice practitioner, and a man of faith.
MIKE SIMMONS
Michael Sullivan
is a graduate NEIU and North Park, artist, father, and grandfather.
MICHAEL SULLIVAN
Daniel Perkins
is a graduate of NEIU, carpenter, mentor, and dreamer.
DANIEL PERKINS
Carlvosier Smith
is a MA graduate in Christain Ministry, peer educator, public speaker, and father.
CARLVOSIER SMITH
Johnny Taylor
is a scholar.
JOHNNY TAYLOR
Devon Terrell
is a poet, scholar, and college graduate.
DEVON TERRELL
DeCedrick Walker
is a graduate of North Park, a writer, poet, and a chess player.
DECEDRICK WALKER
Eric Watkins
is a philosopher, scholar, and college graduate..