Author, Kwame Teague, has created a productive, creative lifestyle within the parameters of prison – through pure initiative and tenacity. He wasn’t provided writing classes and tools within his cell, but rather, took it upon himself to establish a positive and productive way of life with access to only a pen and paper. THAT – is inspirational, and also why I wanted to talk to him.
While WITS is not the platform to share fiction writing, it IS the platform to share and encourage writing in all forms. Fiction writing is equally as important as non-fiction, and in many ways can be an even greater therapy. The book clubs WITS sponsor primarily read fiction, a much needed doorway to another life and time.
Kwame has taken fiction and run with it. In 2021, Dutch, the movie, was released based on a series of books he authored by the same name. While I enjoyed the movie, and felt a connection to it in more ways than one, as I grew up in New Jersey, what was even more overwhelming to experience was watching what Kwame had inspired and seen to fruition from within a prison cell.
I don’t know Kwame’s history. But that kind of dedication to one’s craft, focus, and determination centered on productivity – screams of being well prepared to successfully go home. While he has been busy over the years writing, he has positioned himself as a positive role model, taking time to encourage other writers. For that reason, I wanted to talk to him. I will share his work in our library, and I hope he keeps us posted on any future projects he is a part of. Below is a list of links to some of his existing projects, although it is clear from our conversation, this list is far from complete.
Dutch, the movie
Thug Politics (2009)
Dynasty, Book 1 (2009)
Dynasty, Book 2 (2013)
Dynasty, Book 3 (2014)
Dutch Confidential: Brown Skin (2014)
TO CONTACT KWAME TEAGUE:
Kwame Teague #0401897
Nash Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
You can also reach Kwame through textbehind.com and gettingout.com
I grew up with this incredibly talented brother He was wrongfully convicted of murder of two individuals that was done by another man that is currently deceased!
Big bro, greetings fellow comrade….i just seen the movie Dutch for the first time (02/02/24)that you originally putted together with just the heart & soul of your pen and vision from behind the same g walls that I stood for over 20 years ,stood on yards with you on, and I just want too say king you a true inspiration too the guys like I that come from the same clothe and struggle that you come from . You motivated me far beyond words bro and it’s real stand up guys as you that guys like me look up too ,and know I respect the path of positive productivity that you are leading for us brothers too stand on. In the words of uncle SPIKE LEE , keep doing the right thing big homie cause it’s our time now!!!!!
Peace,love & blessings my dude
“L.S.” therealstevenebron85@gmail.com
Big bro, greetings fellow comrade….i just seen the movie Dutch for the first time (02/02/24)that you originally putted together with just the heart & soul of your pen and vision from behind the same g walls that I stood for over 20 years ,stood on yards with you on, and I just want too say king you a true inspiration too the guys like I that come from the same clothe and struggle that you come from . You motivated me far beyond words bro and it’s real stand up guys as you that guys like me look up too ,and know I respect the path of positive productivity that you are leading for us brothers too stand on. In the words of uncle SPIKE LEE , keep doing the right thing big homie cause it’s our time now!!!!!
Peace,love & blessings my dude
“L.S.” therealstevenebron85@gmail.com
Great interview
I really enjoyed this interview. I would love to write with Kwame as I began to get back into writing. His writing style is so descriptive. I’m going to reach out to him after listening to this interview I feel drawn to do so. Thank you for providing this platform.