J. S. Russell is a returning citizen, mentor, entrepreneur, poet and self-published author who
has written numerous books of poetry and children’s books while incarcerated. He has been
published by NYU’s Review of Law and Social Change’s digital publication The Harbinger and
PEN America. His work shines a light on the reality of the struggles he experienced while
fighting for his freedom and humanity. J. S. Russell is a firm believer that words have power
and uses his writing to obtain freedom.