Bryan Simmons 6/10/26 Bryan Simmons 6/10/26

JJ’88

California
JJ’88 is a singer, rapper, and songwriter raised in North Long Beach, and shaped by the streets, the church, and 18 years of incarceration he began as a child. His passion for music ignited in prison, where freestyle sessions became a lifeline.

Bryan Simmons 6/10/26 Bryan Simmons 6/10/26

Thaisan Nguon

California
Thaisan and his family are survivors of the Cambodian genocide (1975-79) that saw over 3 million lives lost. He grew up in Long Beach, CA and is the second oldest of 10 siblings. He was serving Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) until his sentence was commuted in December 2018 and subsequently found suitable for parole in 2021.

Bryan Simmons 6/10/26 Bryan Simmons 6/10/26

Kent Mendoza

California
Kent Mendoza was born in Mexico and came to the US at six years old. He grew up in Los Angeles where at an early age he was exposed to gangs, drugs, and violence. He joined a gang at 14 and was incarcerated at 15 and served time in a probation camp.

Gary Ricke 10/4/25 Gary Ricke 10/4/25

Michelle West

California
During more than 30 years of incarceration, Michelle West never stopped organizing for her freedom with the #FREEMICHELLEWEST campaign. In January 2025, President Biden commuted Michelle's sentence, citing her overwhelming support from the civil rights community, women’s rights advocates and lawmakers. In the short time since her release, Michelle has been honored by the Black Music Action Coalition, advocated for federal prison reform on Capitol Hill, was a guest speaker at Kim Kardashian’s graduation, and served as a keynote speaker at JustUs Ideas Week.