Spirit triumphs even in the most dismal circumstances. Russell’s poetry and artistry illuminates readers to his experience. By transcending the boundaries where understanding was obsolete and emotions were misguided his prose instructs us on how to see beyond the surface image of the prison system and look deeper at how our actions can bring about change.

This National Poetry Month we are sharing the work of incarcerated artist, Russell Wardlow. Words have the incredible capacity to change how we feel and illuminate what was once unknown. By sharing about "Prose of a Con," a collection of his writings, we seek to show the humanity and hope of individuals like himself who are incarcerated.

For transcript and more writing by Russell: https://proseofacon.com/2021/04/15/wright-wronged/

Wright Wronged by Russell Wardlow

Daily, our minds withstand an immense amount of information, but it is our hearts that can discern the good from the bad with an inexhaustible abundance of empathy. Using the language of the heart, poetry communicates a deeper message for compassion and wisdom, which can help us rise beyond the misguided actions of the prison legal system and build understanding and connectivity to incarcerated individuals.

This National Poetry Month we are sharing the work of incarcerated artist, Russell Wardlow. Words have the incredible capacity to change how we feel and illuminate what was once unknown. By sharing about "Prose of a Con," a collection of his writings, we seek to show the humanity and hope of individuals like himself who are incarcerated.

Read a transcript of this piece and more poems by Wardlow:
https://proseofacon.com/2021/04/04/feet-dont-fail-me-now/

Feet Don't Fail Me Now by Russell Wardlow

"Schizo", as its name suggests, pictures the encounter of two voices within the same mind. The poem highlights the conflict belonging to an individual, to either express their feelings to the fullest extent, or to suppress them in order to satisfy the external forces which appear to have instigated the internal debate. It seems to the reader there is no clear path of action; the opinion of each voice guarantee certain dissatisfaction in their predicted result.

The full written poem can be found using this link: https://proseofacon.com/?s=schizo

Schizo

"If You're Searching for Signs to see that God is just like You" maps the trail of God in our lives.

"God is all around you
and if you so happen to find God
keep what you find to yourself
history reflects that lesson."

The full written text of this poem can be found by following this link: https://proseofacon.com/?s=If+Your+Searching+For+Signs+To+See+That+God+Is+Just+Like+You

If You're Searching for Signs to see that God is just like You

On June 16th, in partnership with DANCEGRUV RADIO and DJ Times, Give a Beat launched the Prose of a Con radio series with a Father's Day Special. In this episode we introduce poet, writer, and incarcerated artist Russell Wardlow and Katie Andrews - best friends who started this collaboration.  

Pontchartain, a Detroit social worker, DJ and producer, is interviewed by Jim Tremayne of Dj Times. He reads two powerful pieces of Russell's work related to Father's Day. 

Special thanks to Mick Jacobs who interviews Katie, Myxzlpix for the graphics,  to Julia and Cody for artist coordination and social media promotion and to Michelle and Marshall from DanceGruv Radio for everything!

If you would like to support Russell, you can donate to his re-entry fund:
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NDIxMjM=

Prose of a Con - The Russell Wardlow Story

Prose of a Con - The Russell Wardlow Story (Father's Day Special)

Give a Beat partners with DanceGruv Radio and DJ Times for a new radio series called Prose of a Con, featuring the work of Russell Wardlow. Wardlow is a father, poet, activist and resident at Omaha Correctional Center, where he composes all his pieces. His poignant and insightful prose speaks to the destructive nature of the prison system and the healing power of artistic expression.

This first episode features an intro by Russell himself, his friend Katie, followed by a reading and interview by Oscar P.

Each episode will showcase Wardlow’s prose and poetry spoken aloud by DJs from across the electronic music community including Briddy, Blackliquid, DJ E-Clyps, Eli (Soul Clap), Mr. V, Myxzlplix, Nickodemus, Oscar P, Pontchartrain, and Stacey Hotwaxx Hale. The episodes will be airing every other Sunday at 5pm EST until December 22nd.

If you would like to support Russell, you can donate to his re-entry fund:
www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NDIxMjM=

Special thank you to Keith Kohn for sound editing!

Prose of a Con - Episode 1 - Oscar P

Give a Beat partners with DanceGruv Radio and DJ Times for a special radio series called Prose of a Con, featuring the work of Russell Wardlow. Wardlow is a father, poet, activist and resident at Omaha Correctional Center, where he composes all his pieces. His poignant and insightful prose speaks to the destructive nature of the prison system and the healing power of artistic expression.

Episode 2 features an intro by Russell in which he discusses the two featured pieces, "Politics" and "Mother's Day 2015," read by Nickodemus and Briddy, respectively. The pieces are followed by a short interview with Briddy, in which she discusses her views on mass incarceration and involvement with the Prose of a Con series. 

Each episode will showcase Wardlow’s prose and poetry spoken aloud by DJs from across the electronic music community including Briddy, Blackliquid, DJ E-Clyps, Eli (Soul Clap), Mr. V, Myxzlplix, Nickodemus, Oscar P, Pontchartrain, and Stacey Hotwaxx Hale. The episodes will be airing every other Sunday at 5pm EST until December 22nd.

If you would like to support Russell, you can donate to his re-entry fund:
www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NDIxMjM=

Special thank you to Keith Kohn for sound editing!

Prose of a Con - Episode 2 - Nickodemus & Briddy

Prose of a Con is a collection of Russell Wardlow’s prose and poetry written entirely behind bars. Through writings on family, spirituality, freedom, love, justice, redemption, and vulnerability, Russell seeks to show the humanity and hope of individuals like himself who are incarcerated.

Read "Evolving Dream" on at https://proseofacon.com/2021/01/15/evolving-dream/

"Evolving Dream" by Russell Wardlow

Prose of a Con is a collection of Russell Wardlow’s prose and poetry written entirely behind bars. Through writings on family, spirituality, freedom, love, justice, redemption, and vulnerability, Russell seeks to show the humanity and hope of individuals like himself who are incarcerated.

If You're Searching for Signs to see that God is just like You

Russell Wardlow

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