Hearing the Voices of Justice-Impacted People
On June 21, 2025, Listener Poet Latasha Daneille Drax of Cohort 6, debuted her listening poetry table at The Power of Your Voice: Connections and Change event held in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The community-centered event aimed to raise awareness of the importance of hearing the voices of justice-impacted people. Latasha’s Listening Project Practicum focused on holding space for formerly incarcerated persons to share their stories and give voice to their experiences since their return home from prison.
An all-day event, Latasha was able to share information about The Good Listening Project, and the practice of listener poetry with local residents and community members, legislative allies, advocates and justice-impacted individuals. She was able to proudly register 8 potential poemees. Those who visited the table left with Listener Poetry brochures, a poetry chapbook and a custom bracelet symbolizing Latasha’s community outreach Love Beyond the Wall, and last but not least a huge smile.
The event was hosted by WMMT Radio and The Humanization Project, in partnership with the ACLU, Legal Aid Justice Center, The Fountain Fund, The Life Unit, and the VA Coalition on Solitary Confinement.