Article by Phoenix writer Griffin Strauss ’25:
Photo credit: Mary O’Brien
The Renaissance gathered together to view the 2015 documentary “I Come From,” a film displaying the Voices Inside prison program in Kentucky.
In room 238, the Renaissance gathered with movie snacks and watched the documentary on Friday afternoon, the regular meeting date for the literary arts magazine club. The film focused on inmate Andrew Phillips, a prisoner spending time writing his own plays. Through the Voices Inside program, Phillips developed his play which was produced and premiered in New York. Another inmate used poetry through rap to express his grief in regards to his past mistakes. Each of the inmates featured in the documentary explored his identity through the redemptive power of creative writing and expression.
After watching the film, the Renaissance members discussed “I Come From,” expressing how they were inspired by the inmates’ ability to embrace the arts and find their spirit in such a seemingly hopeless situation. The students were also fascinated by the ability for the prison system to reform through endeavors like Voices Inside, which allow prisoners to grow in healthy and productive ways.
Sophomore Mary O’Brien, who watched the documentary, said, “I was inspired to see these men in difficult situations using art and poetry as an outlet. It sparked my desire to write my own stories and hopefully contribute to the Renaissance one day.”
“Renaissance” publishes regularly on the Kellenberg website and features student literary and artistic works and also publishes an annual print magazine. In addition, club members meet regularly for discussions, readings, and workshops. Any students interested in joining The Renaissance can use this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h2vzBcnL_S3ua0iTmaPBoY2pYvQl8gEPdfhYT0LFSk/edit?usp=sharing
