Power of The Pen
By Kareemah Hanifa
There’s Power in Manifestation
Power of the Pen is a story about the power of manifestation and art to liberate individuals beyond confinement.
Kareemah Hanifa is a Muslim native of Charleston, South Carolina who has spent the majority of her life in the State of Georgia. As a youth and justice reform advocate and reentry consultant, Kareemah has spoken in countless spaces about the rights of incarcerated people and trains other impacted people to build political power.
About the Issue
Access to writing programs in prisons can provide valuable opportunities for self-expression, literacy development, and personal growth, often through creative writing, journaling, or poetry. These programs, typically run by nonprofit organizations or volunteers, aim to improve mental well-being, foster rehabilitation, and reduce recidivism. However, access is often limited by factors such as institutional resources, funding, and administrative priorities, meaning not all incarcerated individuals have equal opportunities to participate.
Alongside Power of the Pen, we’re advocating for more access to writing materials and programming inside. For those who are incarcerated, writing in a journal can serve as an outlet for processing emotions, reflecting on past experiences, and envisioning a better future.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
Kareemah used her film to create spaces for self-expression and connection as acts of resistance against state violence and isolation. Through her storytelling, she challenges societal perceptions of incarceration and offers a message of hope to those envisioning a better future.
She used her film to create journaling workshops and programs in schools, youth centers, and correctional facilities to help individuals process trauma and build resilience.
Campaign highlights:
The film was selected by the African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities and the Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival; won a Silver Telly Award.
Power of the Pen screened at AJFO’s national conference for 400 attendees; leading a vision board and dialogue session.
GirlTREK will host a screening and healing circle at Breakthru House, a transitional housing program for women.
Kareemah’s film and story reached over 735,000 people nationwide.
Special thanks to the following partner organizations:
Atlanta Public Schools System
Chillon Project
State of the People Tour
GirlTREK
Life University
'Pulling Focus' African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities
Benjamin E Mays High School