The San Quentin library hosted poet Tshaka Campbell on the evening of Juneteenth with a showcase of his works.
Campbell kicked off the night by reciting six self-describing, deeply personal poems detailing the African-American experience with slavery and oppression. His reading received a standing ovation by the nearly 50 residents in attendance.
“I do not own this gift, so I must share it with the world,” said Campbell.
At the conclusion of Campbell’s recital, nine residents read poems, spoken word, and creative writing. Each performance received loud cheers and rounds of applause.
Campbell later said he found the residents’ works deeply moving, recognizing the talent at San Quentin.
This performance marked Campbell’s first appearance at San Quentin. Campbell said he chose to perform for incarcerated persons because he felt everyone stood just one bad decision from going to prison. He said he considered incarceration as a person’s situation — not a person’s definition.
Born in the UK, Tshaka Campbell grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. He has honed his poetic craft for over two decades, during which he has recited on stages in three continents. Campbell has read his poetry in a wide range of venues, from the world-famous Lincoln Center in NYC, to Rikers Island Correctional Facility; San Quentin was his first west coast institution.
Campbell said he came up with a unique way of presenting his poetry, performing his most personal poems while playing intense house music. He has dubbed such one-of-a-kind presentations “Spoken House.”
Campbell said he worked on a book of poems titled “Letters to my daughter,” which he referred to as his most difficult project to date. Campbell said he saw the book as a lasting legacy to his daughter. He said that once his life would end, he wanted these poems to mean something that his daughter and the world could enjoy.
Resident J. Lee Covarrubias said, “Campbell’s words sent my mind soaring and my heart reeling.”
Journalism Guild Writer Tyrone D. Jones contributed to this article.
