About Empowerment Avenue

Empowerment Avenue’s (EA) mission is to normalize the inclusion of incarcerated writers and artists in mainstream venues by bridging the gap between them and harnessing this creative proximity as a path to decarceration and public safety. Founded by Rahsaan “New York” Thomas, who was incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, and freelance writer Emily Nonko. Empowerment Avenue advocates for talented writers and artists in prisons across the country by providing them the resources they need to get their creative work outside prison walls and be fairly compensated for it. Nonko oversees EA’s program for writers, and Christine Lashaw, a senior museum professional, oversees EA’s program for visual artists.

Portraits of the writers were created by Empowerment Avenue (EA) artists. Most artist’s portfolios are available on EA’s website (empowermentave.com). To learn more about each artist or connect with them, email empowermentaveartists@gmail.com. 

Empowerment Avenue Artists

Mark A. Cádiz
Artist for Derek Trumbo’s Portrait (PEN America Author)

Lamavis Comundoiwilla 
Artist for Zhi Kai’s Portrait (PEN America Author)

Jeffrey Allen Isom
Artist for Daniel Pirkel’s Portrait (PEN America Author)

Elizabeth Lozano
Artist for Kwaneta Harris’ Portrait (PEN America Author)

Sarah Montoya
Artist for Elizabeth Hawes’ Portrait (PEN America Author)

Mark Stanley-Bey (Stan-Bey)
Artist for Arthur Longworth’s Portrait (PEN America Author)

Visual Description: Main wall, from right to left:

(Right) A framed portrait of Daniel Pirkel on the left wearing a blue and yellow shirt with a solid brown background, accompanied by their framed statement. Framed underneath is Prikel’s censored text. 

(Middle) A framed black and white pencil on paper portrait of Elizabeth Hawes with a scale in the background, accompanied by their framed statement. Framed underneath is Hawes’s censored text. 

(Left) A framed colored pencil on paper portrait of Derek Trumbo with a yellow background, accompanied by their framed statement. Framed underneath is Trumbo’s censored text. 

Near cell wall:

On the right is a framed photograph of Kwaneta Harris, accompanied by their framed statement. Framed underneath is Harris’s censored text. 

On the left is a framed photograph of Zhi Kai in their graduation gown and cap, accompanied by their framed statement. Framed underneath is Kai’s censored text.