Head of the Class

Hotep,

The bitter taste of 2^nd place doesn’t sit well with “Coach Cam.” For the past several years, the Death Row b-ball tournament has been his stomping grounds.  As a head coach, he has coached the 2^nd best team on more than one occasion.  The valiancy in his efforts to teach and direct within an environment that personifies tension and misplaced aggression – has not gone unnoticed.  Na mean?

Coach Cam brings a vibrant outlook – each week – to our creative writing class.  He’d be the first to admit that he doesn’t have all the answers, but his perspective is a valued attribute to the configuration of our weekly writing sessions.  He has a clear understanding of the potential, behind our creative writing class.

His observation skills are second to none and he envisions himself as a freelance reporter.  So, if you would, please embrace a perspective coming from the head of the class.  The stage is yours, Coach Cam.

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

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Head of the Class

In July of this year, Dr. Kuhns established the first of several planned courses of instruction.  Offering those interested on the Death Row Unit, the opportunity to participate in a creative writing class.  This, the first of its kind, is not just your average remedial tune up.

The twenty men, who began the course, have demonstrated their commitment to its success and by all accounts, have more than exceeded the expectations of the administration and of the monthly guest speakers who volunteer their professional instruction.  It’s been a privilege welcoming the various academics from the prestigious Duke University, published authors and poets of local acclaim; individuals who’ve climbed the heights in the literary fields of their arts.  So, don’t get it twisted!

We’ve come to realize that there are many talented individuals within this group and of course there are others who have been able to rekindle fires and again find themselves passionate about writing.  Several men have books and compositions ready for publication and distribution.  Fiction and non-fictional works that many think rival some best selling works.  I am, of course, a bit biased in my praise of these brothers, some of whose works I’ve been privy to for over a decade.  As previously stated my research shows there has never known to be an endeavor attempted on this scale for prisoners affixed with the label of Death Row. 

Wardens consider such venues a waste of time and resources.  Here the outgoing and newly appointed warden feels strongly about the educational environment being fostered in this type of setting.  Warden Joyner, who obtained his current position by moving up through the ranks as a mid-level administrator from support services staff when the current Death Row held only a fourth of the men it has now, attended our first Poetry Slam.  He voiced his opinion regarding his support of the class, and assured the group other classes would follow.  It’s hard to imagine it now with how quickly things have changed. 

Our monthly Poetry Slams have caused members of the upper administration to shake their heads in amazement and guest shower our group with applause, because their intellects have been engaged, by a class of people buried on the backside of a multi-million dollar spread.  A people time almost forgot.  A people who have long ago created a legacy of silent sufferance. Now that these few have taken advantage of their voice created by the Writings from Captivity, maybe more will listen and those voices WILL BE HEARD.

This article contributed by Terrance Campbell (aka, Coach Cam) creative writing class member and freelance obsereporter.

Copyright © 2013 by Terrance Campbell