JELLY ROLL ON THE YARD: LIFE EXPERIENCE WOVEN INTO ART
BY STRESSLA LYNN JOHNSON
Physical concepts are free creations of the human mind, and are not however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world.
ALBERT EINSTEIN
Reading the song lyrics of Jelly Roll’s song Creature, coupled with his physical presence during the September 2, 2024 concert at Oregon State Penitentiary was truly remarkable. The power in the spoken work, even without music, has a real healing vibration that can penetrate the brain and mind of all human beings. Every brain present at the live show integrated this experience into a meaningful sensation. This collective experience builds upon the positive community of adults in custody already here. In this case, the importance of how to integrate these profound sensations (andempirical evidence that spaces can be created in this prison) will produce positive actions and behavior that are inclusive for everybody. I believe it was Ayn Rand who wrote about integration of new or different ideas is a key component to building understanding. This concert is an amazing steppingstone for individual healing to take place, as well as a framework for the collective healing of our AIC community.
There are a lot of meaningful phrases, sentences and words in the lyrics of Creature.
I can psychologically and emotionally attach my living experiences to the experiences of Jelly Roll. His ability to name and identify how easy it is for childhood trauma, during the developmental stage can have devastating effects as we grow older. "The Monster Outside My Window Is Like Family to Me Now." For me, this is the cornerstone of the conscious and intentional actions Jelly Roll used for his healing. This to me is one of the energy vibrations that provided the connections for the AlCs in attendance.
I watched as most (if not all) of the prison politics were relegated to a different place.
The music, the words from all the performers, actually transformed the space into a community gathering. It was truly remarkable. There is a life force in music and other art forms. I, along with hundreds of other AICs, experienced this phenomenon. It was real. It was here. And it has put an experience in the brains and minds of the AlCs at OSP. It will remain a knowledge point for future events that are structured to feed the spirit and soul of the AIC community. There is a strong need for OSP/DOC to actively build upon the theme of community.
Jaquie Roar. Huntley. Jelly Roll. Each one of these individuals was amazing and added to the creation of the community space.
Jacquie acknowledges the LGBTQ AIC community, with a direct shout out to our transgender AlCs who were in attendance. She also took time to acknowledge the Spanish speaking AIC community, by singing a song in Spanish. The show of inclusion was reinforced by all the people in attendance.
Huntley made it an intentional action to acknowledge the AICs who worship God. I thought it was very thoughtful for Huntley to ask all of us if it was okay for him to do a song of worship. Each one of these amazing human beings were so humble and appreciative of having this opportunity to come into OSP and perform for us.
Each one of them displayed unselfish acts of kindness to each other as well. I am appreciative to Ms. Lane and her team for having the concern and energy to create this space. It is good to be able to have these kinds of community events.
There are so many wonderful pieces of this experience to build on.
The community beyond these walls should get the opportunity to understand how lives can be changed by the slightest show of kindness and compassion. Jelly Roll mentioned it several times to the OSP staff that were in attendance. He stressed to staff, to understand that we as AlCs are human beings, and should be treated with respect and dignity. He told his story about serving time and being subjected to Tennessee's prison system. Any prison system can destroy or build a person's hope. He mentioned that there may be another Jelly Roll here at OSP.
The event was a success on several levels that could go unnoticed. However, I want to just share the fact that: days after the event individuals were still seen feeling the affect. A clear sign that this one event has AICs creating new neuro-networks in their brains. I am currently enrolled in Portland State University's Black Studies course. The concert was discussed in class for two weeks. Talking about how the space was all inclusive. It is truly a wonderful opportunity to grow.
Ayn Rand, one of my favorite minds wrote: Validation is in a broad sense includes any process of relating mental content to the facts of reality.
The Jelly Roll concert on the yard is a wonderful expression of Life's Experiences Woven into Art. | SLJ
Powerful insights. Keep on being the change.