Knowledge B, also known as Abdul-Hakim Works and CEO Hood Square, is a justice-impacted author, journalist, blogger, entrepreneur, mentor, and aspiring motivational speaker. He is the CEO of Hood Square and the founder of the blog A Real Hood Square's Perspective--a national platform amplifying raw, unfiltered stories from incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals who are both streetwise and booksmart. > > >Connect with him across platforms: Dot com website/ tharealhoodsquare LinkedIn: Abdul-Hakim Works Instagram / TikTok / X: @ceohoodsquare Facebook: ceohoodsquare12 Shaun C. Mills is a storyteller and social justice advocate whose work delves into the generational cycles of crime and punishment. His chapter, Unsavory Legacy, explores the deeply rooted impact of family dynamics and street life on one's trajectory. Through his writing, Shaun hopes to break the cycle by encouraging younger generations to choose a different path. He is currently incarcerated in Arizona and continues to use his voice to inspire change. Lamont Ellickson is a writer and mental health advocate currently incarcerated in Arizona. His chapter, Duress, takes readers through the challenges of navigating the prison system while battling inner demons. Through his writing, Lamont seeks to raise awareness about mental health struggles in prison and the urgent need for support and resources. His story is one of survival, self-acceptance, and resilience in the face of adversity. Kwaneta Harris is a dedicated writer and thinker whose chapter, Love Behind Bars, sheds light on the complex emotional landscapes of incarcerated women. A strong advocate for justice reform, Kwaneta's work challenges societal perceptions of incarcerated individuals and emphasizes the humanity often overlooked behind prison walls. Her writing is both deeply personal and universally relevant, reflecting on the strength of love and connection in the harshest conditions. Nikki K. Hail is a passionate advocate for personal growth and self-reinvention. Her chapter, Unmasked: The Awakening, delves into the moment she confronted her past and took control of her future. As an incarcerated woman, Nikki strives to uplift others through her writing, encouraging them to break free from the mental and emotional chains that bind them. She believes that true transformation begins with honesty and accountability. Stanley Watson, also known by his pen name Terreal Blacc, is a poet, writer, and mentor currently incarcerated in Oklahoma. His chapter, Fading Shadows, is a powerful exploration of identity, regret, and redemption. Through poetry and prose, Stanley seeks to illuminate the struggles of those society has cast aside, offering a message of hope to others on the path of self-discovery and change. Sean Hinton is a writer and mentor dedicated to guiding others toward self-improvement. His chapter, Coach, reflects his role as both a leader and a student of life, using his experiences to uplift and educate others behind bars. His passion for mentorship and personal development shines through his writing, making his chapter an inspiring read for those seeking motivation and change. Cedric Rue is a writer and advocate for second chances. His chapter, Desolation of Hope, delves into the emotional weight of incarceration and the struggle to maintain faith in the possibility of change. His story is a deeply personal account of loss, resilience, and the pursuit of redemption, shedding light on the mental and emotional battles that incarcerated individuals face daily. Kaelin Usey is a storyteller and deep thinker whose writing explores the psychological toll of incarceration. His chapter, Inside Out, provides an unfiltered look at the emotional and mental challenges that come with prison life. Through his words, Kaelin aims to bridge the gap between the incarcerated and the free world, offering a perspective that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Erik S. Maloney is an incarcerated writer, poet, and advocate for criminal justice reform. His chapter, President Obama Impacted My Life, details his journey of self-discovery and transformation, inspired by the leadership and legacy of President Barack Obama. Erik's work explores the power of empathy, accountability, and education as tools for rehabilitation and systemic change. Originally from California, he is also the co-author of Imprisoned Minds: Lost Boys, Trapped Men, and Solutions from Within the Prison, a powerful examination of the root causes of mass incarceration and pathways to true reform. Erik is committed to reshaping the public narrative around incarcerated individuals by sharing his lived experiences and offering meaningful solutions from within. Alexzander Fugate is a writer and thinker whose chapter, Perfection, examines the pressure to maintain an image of strength and control, both in the streets and behind bars. He challenges the notion of perfection and instead embraces growth, learning from his past mistakes and using them as stepping stones to a better future. His work is a testament to the power of self-reflection and evolution. $lick, also known as Mark Charging, is a full-blooded Native American writer, mentor, entrepreneur, and co-author of A Real Hood Square's Perspective: Stories From Da Pen. His chapter, The Nature of The Comeback, details a powerful story of resilience, relapse, and rising again after years of incarceration and addiction. A board-certified Peer Support Specialist and Life Coach, $lick is the founder of Native Spirit Healing and Wellness and a former Reentry Specialist with the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association. Drawing from decades of lived experience, he now advocates for recovery, healing, and cultural reconnection within prison and tribal communities alike. His voice in this anthology offers a deeply personal look at transformation, identity, and indigenous empowerment through storytelling. Edited by USC PEP Readers' Circle >The USC PEP Readers' Circle is a volunteer-powered editing network within USC's Prison Education Project, providing free typing, proofreading, copy-editing, and feedback to incarcerated writers across the U.S. Composed of USC students, faculty, and alumni, the program bridges academic rigor and correctional education--helping justice-impacted authors refine their manuscripts and amplify underrepresented voices. Since its founding in 2021, the Readers' Circle has processed thousands of submissions, reinforcing the belief that education is a fundamental human right and ensuring stories written behind bars reach wider audiences. DeeRu20 is a justice-impacted music artist, author, and visionary whose creative voice helped shape A Real Hood Square's Perspective: Stories From Da Pen. His chapter, Mary's Baby, delivers a heartfelt reflection on loss, resilience, and artistic rebirth through incarceration. As the creator of the album Stories From Da Pen, which inspired the title of this book, DeeRu20 bridges music and storytelling to highlight the emotional depth of life behind bars. His work blends hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and raw life experience into a powerful platform for healing and expression. Through both sound and story, DeeRu20 continues to inspire others with his unwavering authenticity and dedication to transformation.
