EMANCIPATED STORIES
is a writing project bridging two populations: those inside the justice system and those outside it. Founded by Quiara Alegría Hudes and her cousin Sean Ortiz during his imprisonment, incarcerated authors nationwide share one page of their life story with the world and volunteers on the outside write them back, bearing witness. Emancipated Stories is created in collaboration with Yazmany Arboleda and The People’s Creative Institute. For a bit on what we’ve done in the past, check out this Playbill article.
WHO CAN SUBMIT? Those currently or previously incarcerated or held in detention.
HOW DO I SUBMIT? In one page, tell the world who you are: your concerns, your dreams, what’s on your mind right now. Submission info
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY EMANCIPATED STORY? It will be published in any way possible - onstage, at volunteer events, at community festivals, as an exhibit. We regularly dream up new ways to give the collection life. If you feel moved to emancipate your story, we will work to have your page read, heard, and seen by people across the nation. Past events include professional performances at Off Broadway’s Signature Theater, an art exhibit in collaboration with the Fortune Society, write-ins at The People’s Festival in NYC, volunteer gatherings at New Dramatists, a reading at the Kennedy Center, and workshops at nationwide college classrooms.