The SQUAD
About the Author(s)
Donshá “Aqil” Crump hails from Fort Worth, Texas. Though he has spent the past three decades incarcerated, he has remained committed to growth, discipline, and the right use of his God-given talents. Aqil has dedicated himself to uplifting others on their own journeys, using his experience to guide, mentor, and inspire. He is the founder of OnDaverge.org, a nonprofit, solutions-focused organization designed to address real-world issues through practical guidance and community empowerment. His life’s mission—shared deeply with his wife, Malisha—centers on youth mentorship, transformation, and creating pathways that help individuals rise above challenges and reach their fullest potential.
Destiny Henderson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was raised by her grandparents in the 85th and Superior neighborhood. Overcoming early trauma and hardship, she found herself drawn to the streets as a teen, seeking belonging. After a life-altering event at seventeen led to her incarceration, Destiny used her time in isolation to reflect, read, and reconnect with her faith. Her transformation inspired her upcoming memoir-inspired novel, 17 Facing 25: Moment of Clarity—a raw story of pain, redemption, and spiritual growth. Today, Destiny is a proud mother to her daughter, Royalty, and uses her voice to advocate for healing, self-forgiveness, and second chances.
Damien “Jah Soul” Huckaby was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and has been serving a life sentence in the Texas prison system since 2000. He has found his purpose in writing literary works and serves to empower, encourage, and invigorate others. He has created Original Mindz Publications with his beautiful wife in hopes of giving others the same opportunity to create empowering works of art, as well. He believes that the human mind is one of the greatest wonders of our existence, and this is why he has chosen to fight to take the “A” out of AI (artificial intelligence).
Born and raised in Shreveport, LA, Gregory "B.I.S.H.U.P. Greg" Plater began his prison journey in 2008. After losing his son in 2015 to the same lifestyle he had once lived, he became trapped in a darkness that almost cost him his life. After experiencing a "Divine Intervention", he discovered God's purpose for his life and now spends his time serving, helping, and uplifting people.
Emani Nickerson-Skanes was raised in a small city on the outskirts of Cleveland, Ohio. A natural creative, she enjoys writing, dancing, and baking, and she absolutely loves all things art—from music and poetry to décor, design, and even doing hair. Her journey hasn’t been easy. After making mistakes and getting caught up in trouble behind someone she thought she could trust, Emani found herself incarcerated. But prison wasn’t the end of her story—it was the turning point. Through faith, reflection, and a renewed relationship with God, she is walking a path of redemption and becoming the best version of herself.
If she had to describe herself in one word, it would be “LIT.”
Jarod “Kareem tha J.R.E.A.M.” Wesenberg Sr., born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, is an artist, author, and true example of reformation. Featured in several of Jah Soul's works—including Dear Society—he also published his debut book, Reflections Of A King, now available on Amazon. Kareem’s vision reaches beyond his art; he aspires to create an organization that supports children with incarcerated parents, offering guidance, stability, and hope.
About the Artists
Hailing out of Tyler, Tx, Mr. Patrick "G Dubb" Corney has become wiser and has surrendered his life wholeheartedly to God, despite his incarceration. He works the sound board in the Michael Unit's chapel and is a part of the unit's choir quartet and M.I. City Music Group. He's also featured in Jah Soul's recent book Dear Society, penning the chapter, "It Just Got Real." Be looking for more from G Dubb with books and music. #FreeGDubb.
Raised in Texarkana, AR, Stedmon " Big J.R.I.P. Bambino" Dewberry, has been incarcerated since 2012. After going through a phase of not understanding who he was and Whose he was, he eventually fell into a malignant mindset. Consequently, that caused him to experience a painful process of trial and error. With God's guidance, he eventually came back to his original self and his original mind. He now feels blessed to be a father, an inspiring artist, and a beacon of Light who brings motivation and inspiration to the people. He wants everyone to know that, "Our past does not define us. It only reminds us."
Kelvin T. Johnson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. A former gang member, he found a passion for painting after giving his life to God and overcoming his addictions. He finds solace through his faith and purpose through his art.
William "Chill" McClenon is currently serving a life sentence in TDCJ for a crime he committed when he was nineteen years old. He ultimately learned that he truly found his life when he lost it. A believer and follower of Jesus Christ, he now serves the Lord by spreading the Good News, giving hope, and encouraging all who face imprisonment mentally and physically. "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)
Christopher “Monster” Payton is from Dallas, TX and has been imprisoned for nearly three decades. He has been drawing ever since he was a child and has looked at art as a form of therapy for him during his imprisonment. He says, "I've learned that I have an ability that could be used to impact people with positivity and inspiration." In his perspective, art is an expression of life. Christopher states that he wants to "continue to use art as a platform because art has the power to heal hearts and can be the brightness within the darkness."
Derrick "Bear" Posey was born and raised in Waco, TX and has been imprisoned for thirty two calendar years. Becoming a gang member at the age of fifteen, he got lost off in the culture of the streets. After spending decades of running from God's purpose for his life, he now walks with God and looks to serve and help people in any way that he can. He also now uses his gifts to create beautiful art pieces through metal work in the craft shop on his unit.
Isaiah Roberts is a native of Tyler, TX. He is a God fearing prayer warrior who, while during his eleven years of incarceration, has become a faithful member of Original Mindz Ministries. He operates in his God given gifts by teaching multiple classes such as Four Fields and Character of a Man. By learning how to navigate in the darkness of TDCJ, he has become a light to others to help them navigate through the darkness of their own lives.
Jewel Rodriguez, author of 31 Daily Jewels, is a God-fearing man who made a regrettable mistake that consequently led to years of his life being spent in a Texas prison. Since his imprisonment, he has used that time learning to become a better person and rebuilding his legacy. Along his journey, he found his calling and now serves God as a member of Original Mindz Ministries. Through music and personal testimonies, he boldly shares the story of how God taught him humility and gave him the purpose of his name Jewel Jesus Enters When Ego Leaves.
Jesus "Chuy" Salinas was raised in Houston, Texas. During his imprisonment, he once traversed a path that eventually led him to being segregated and receiving more time added to his sentence. Realizing his destructive behavior was destroying his future, he gave his life to God and began renewing his mind. Now a Konscious King and a member of Original Mindz Ministries, he works tirelessly alongside Jah Soul to bring hope to the men abiding in those same places he once was.
Marcus “THUKU” Scott was born in Houston, Texas, and raised by his single mother. His prison journey started at the tender age of 14, and he used his art to turn what was built to destroy him into his own personal power. Describing himself as a wondrous mind no one knows exists, he states that his artistic ability to create comes from being suppressed. “I can be sentenced, hidden, lied about, or lied to, but I won’t be denied.”
Raised in San Marcos, TX, Fernando "Free" Segura is a father of five. In 2016, two years into his prison sentence, he discovered that he had a passion for drawing and used his art as an outlet to avoid the many negative traps that prison harbors. His wish is to one day have people enjoy his artwork within their homes. He has learned that, through the gifts God gives us, we can have a second chance at life. After turning his prison experience into a positive one, he wants others to know this: "No matter what life throws at you, you can push through it and find a blessing on the other side of it."
Update: Free is FREE!!! We continue to pray for his success everyday. Look for big things from him in the future!
Royce Thompson Jr. was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Easily shaped and groomed into an obscure version of himself, he thus became a product of his environment. Facing a thirty- year sentence, he finally answered the call from God on his life and now is proudly being used as a servant leader in order to reach back to the very bottom from which he was found. As a member of Original Mindz Ministries, he has a passion to motivate and encourage misguided youth, those battling drug addictions, and those who may have lost their will to live.
Jeremias "Mitey Whit" Whitfield hails from the South side of Houston. He has been imprisoned for twenty-three years, but has dedicated the last nine years to being the music director/praise and worship leader in the chapel. He has been a musician since the tender age of three, learning to play multiple instruments, but has now found his voice in penning inspirational Southern Soul music. He enjoys uplifting the spirits of others through his musical and vocal gifts. He looks forward to introducing the world to his unique version of Southern Soul music, which is why he is aptly named "The Future King of Southern Soul."