VISIONS AFTER VIOLENCE

FELLOWSHIP

With support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and The Mellon Foundation, the Visions After Violence Community Fellowship Program is a nine-month fellowship that exemplifies our commitment to centering the experiences, perspectives, and visions of people directly impacted by state violence. Community Fellows work with our team, the Community Advisory Council, Writers and Artists in Residence, and other collaborators to design and carry out a community-based oral history and archival project. In the first half of the fellowship, each fellow conducts 5 to 10 oral history interviews and then utilizes the remaining time to collaborate with the team and each other to activate those stories for the public, culminating in an event.

2024 VISIONS AFTER VIOLENCE FELLOWS

CYRUS L. GRAY III

My name is Cyrus L Gray III. I’m a 29 year old black man from Houston, TX. In 2018, I was wrongfully arrested and accused of a capital murder that occurred in San Marcos, Texas, in 2015. Since my arrest in March of 2018, I’ve advocated as much as possible for myself and others in Hays County Jail and have been able to work alongside MANO AMIGA in such advocacy. I’ve worked with the Austin Justice Coalition, The Fair Defense Project, VERA Institute for Justice, The Innocence Project and Professor Mathew Clair of Stanford University. I have published pieces with the Inquest forum of Harvard Law School, TAVP, and the Innocence Project, as well as in local news platforms. My advocacy has included but is not limited to the creation of multiple zines outlining the disparities in justice within our criminal legal system and communities at large.

ROBERT LILLY

Rob Lilly is a true student of life, dedicated to making the world a more just place. Having overcome significant obstacles in his 53 years, he now uses his experience to push for criminal justice reform. Rob’s work is grounded in the abolition framework, as taught by Angela Davis. He earned his degree from Abilene Christian University in 2015 and currently serves as a Criminal Justice/Participatory Defense Organizer at Grassroots Leadership.

MANDY JAI ZAPATA

Mandi Jai Zapata, a resilient 33-year-old, has over a challenging seven-year period of incarceration. Despite the hardships, Mandi is a devoted mother of two, fueled by an unwavering hope and a compassionate heart for people. With a profound belief in the power of shared stories, Mandi aspires to empower others to express their narratives, fostering wisdom and personal growth within the community.

2023

MARCI MARIE SIMMONS

2022

JUANIA SUEÑOS