NLA CHAPTER 1013 CONTINUES THEIR EFFORTS TO CHANGE MINDS AND INSPIRE HOPE AT COLDWATER'S LAKELAND CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
by BOBBY X (Robert Green #210296)
November 20, 2025
As the crowd entered the recreation area at the Lakeland Correctional Facility, they were greeted by registered members of the Natioanl Lifer's of America, Inc. Chapter 1013. There was an electric buzz in the room as word had spread throughout the prison facility that some of the popular rappers and singers would be performing.
At the front of the room, Mr. Terrance Davis Bey (#390077), the current Vice-President of Chapter 1013 began the event by reciting the MISSION STATEMENT of NLA Chapter 1013. He was followed by the current President of Chapter 1013, Bro. Edward Hicks El (#731875), who served as the Master of Ceremony for the day's event. After introducing himself, he requested that all in attendance, regardless of religious background, stand as a sign of respect as he led everyone in prayer.
In a somber moment, Bro. Hicks El asked all in attendance to participate in a moment of silence for Bro. Randy Thompson, who unfortunately gave up his fight for liberation by committing suicide on November 17, 2025. May he rest in peace and may his family find peace and comfort in this difficult time.
After leading the men in this show of respect, the Master of Ceremony called upon the first performer of the day. A young brother named "Louie" (Lewis #803634) grabbed the microphone and announced that he would be performing an original song entitled"Ready for You. The small physical stature of this young brother hid a strong, somewhat gravely voice reminiscent of R&B singer Lyfe Jennings. His soulfulness captured the attendees, and heads could be seen bobbing to the rhythmic melody. The conclusion of his performance was met with a standing ovation from the attendees.
Master of Ceremony, Bro. E. Hicks El next took some time to acknowledge members of the Lakeland Correctional Facility community who participated in NLA Chapter 1013 youth program. Focusing on four (4) pillars for positive change: Introspection, Responsibility, Commitment, and Self Worth, the youth program's objective is to teach young men how to view the world and themselves in a more positive and productive way, to enable them to become a benefit for themselves, their families, as well as the communities that they will return to. This cycle graduates are: Bro. Darnell Felton (#808003), Bro. Javonte Walker (#968076), Bro. Browner (#809983), Bro. Martell Briscoe (#742506), Bro. Cody Kleitz (#806869), and Bro. Sean Rutledge (#716960).
Two of the graduates, Bro. Darnell Felton and Bro. Javonte Walker were called upon to read letters that they were required to write as part of participation in the program, expounding on what they learned from the experience. Bro. Darnell Felton spoke of how the youth program taught him how to more effectively think, as well as how to love. Bro. Javonte Walker spoke about learning the importance of introspection, so that he can better understand himself. He reflected on how the lessons of the program has enabled him to better deal with life stresses in a way that is positive and productive. He also spoke about the importance of financial literacy, which he also learned during the class.
The crowd was then treated to an outstanding rapper who goes by the name of Six 8 (#965498) He performed an original rap entitled: Outta My Mind, which contained strong and vivid lyrics which allowed the audience to journey with him into his story. Six 8 displayed confidence and an impressive story telling ability. Lyrically, this brother has something to say blanketing the crowd with inspirational lyrics focused on the transition from where he used to be into a man with conviction, maturity and life skills that will enable him to succeed in life going forward.
The next performer to bless the mic was the brother F.C. Brown (#464263), who goes by the name Brown Boi. This brother gave a moving speech about changing the enslaved mind state that we often function within; the mind state that not only led us to, but also keeps us confined within, prison (mentally and physically). After his brief, yet powerful, speech Brown Boi gave a hip hop performance of his original rap entitled: Words Full of Blank Pages, featuring TJ (#696923), a talented singer from among the youth. His stage presence was rousing, and the audience was engaged, with some even standing and cheering as he engaged the crowd with his performance.
Liberation Fest was not all about the music, however, and the next speaker called upon was Bro. Kurt Rillema (#), NLA Chapter 1013 Secretary. Speaking to those in attendance about the Legal Committee, which he is also a member of, he introduced the other members of this committee: Bro. Tameez, Bro. Rick Kilbourne, Bro. Jon Good (#197972), and Bro. Ebrahim.
Bro. Rillema spoke about the direction that the committee would be focusing on to aid in the liberation of the men, to include: how to get an, or lower one's, ERD (Earliest release Date), Legislative Change in Law; and the unconstitutionality of Michigan's "No Good Time" law. Bro. Kurt concluded his speech by encouraging those in attendance to approach any of the committee members with any questions, suggestions, and/or help that they may have or need.
The preparedness of all those who were called upon to speak and/or perform made the job of the Master of Ceremony easy, yet his passion for the cause of physical and mental liberation of the men was unquestionable. He kept the crowd engaged in between speakers with a mixture of stern, impassioned dialogue meant to stress the importance of the fight for liberation, as well as humor.
Next up to entertain those in attendance was a rock band who performed a cover of the Nirvana hit song: Pennyroyal Tea. Led by Bro. "Dutch" (Overbeek (#406905) on guitar, who is one of the LCF music program clerks, along with Bro. J. DOWE BEY (#250183) on drums and Bro. Jonathan Mathey (#511455) on bass. The crowd gave recognition to the talents of these musicians with applause which were more than perfunctory.
Further showcasing his talent as well as his musical inspiration, Bro. Louie performed another song for the audience, an a cappella cover of the Lyfe Jennings song: Made Up My Mind. This young brother is clearly a fan of Mr. Jennings, and did the song much justice. I hope he sticks with singing going forward in life.
Co-Chairman of the Legal Committee, Bro. Jon Good (#197972) came to talk about the criminal code and how judge's are erroneously applying it. Also how there was a contract between the counties of Michigan and the State government to sentence people under @Truth in Sentencing and how that contract has been broken, therefore, truth in sentencing should be repealed. Bro. Good was prepared, and it was obvious that he'd done his due diligence and research before broaching such important legal topics. The conviction from which he spoke captured the audience, and some of the men sought to engage him further after the event ended.
Bro. Kenneh Cooper (#239147), the NLA Chapter 1013 Membership Committee Chair, came across the podium to encourage member attendance and involvement. He spoke of how in the past he never wanted to involve himself to the NLA because he didn't want to attach himself to the word "Lifer." He recognized that he had to change his mind state to realize that it's about collective efforts to overcome life sentences and not being locked into a sentence or frame of mind. He told the men of how glad he was that he'd become a member of NLA Chapter 1013, and how committed he is to help push forward the program of progressive change and liberation.
The Master of Ceremony next took a few moments to let the men know the affects that the "Streets Ain't Cool" events have had in the various communities that they've been sponsored in.
In Jackson, Michigan, the Streets Ain't Cool event gained us the support of the Jackson City Council, as well as the Jackson's Chief of Police.
In Detroit, Michigan, the Streets Ain't Cool event gained us the support of the current mayor of Detroit, Mayor Mary Sheffield
Bro. Edward Hicks El: "we've experienced great success and community support with our Streets Ain't Cool events," he beamed, "and I'm confident that future across Michigan are unlimited in what they will accomplish."
Gracing the stage again, the rapper Six 8 (Waters #965498) performed a track filled with regrets for the actions of past that one has to live with and fight incessantly to overcome. After his performance, he addressed the crowd, speaking about his experience and growth after taking the NLA offered class of Houses of Healing, Aces, and Atlas of the Heart.
Bro. Charles Jackson Bey (#600271), the NLA Chapter 1013 Internal Administrator, came up to acknowledge and give special recognition to faithful members of NLA Chapter 1013: Bro. David Deanrussell Baldwin (#274716), Bro. Rudolfo Rodriguez (#231553), Bro. Marco Ried El (#222213), Bro. Clary Doss Bey (#136835), Bro. Darryl Artes Dulin Bey (#197483), Bro. John Tyrone Green (#196584), Bro. Leland Draper Jr. (#196718), Bro. Damien D. Draper Bey (#259501), Bro. John Frederick Dorris (#169159), Bro. Joseph Anthony McGruther (#842260), Bro. Dominic Seanryan Luebbert (#958127) and Bro. Dennis J. Berkey (#191620).
Next, Bro. Rich (Davis #406614), came across the microphone with a rap about the relationships between himself and his children, their mothers, as well as his current relationships with those whom he loves. He titled the track: I'm Coming Home. His lyrics touched the crowd as he revealed real life issues like not being there to properly raise his seeds. He received an appreciative standing ovation from the crowd when he concluded.
Bro. Malcolm X (Malcolm Graham #608660) spoke next. His message was about time, what time dictates, and how serious the time that we have is. Time is wasted that we can't afford to waste. Also, how we still are divided, though we profess to be for righteous, uplifting efforts. Diversity and collaboration is what is necessary for success to be realized. It's time to unity for a common purpose and goal.
MC: get your people to follow the five steps necessary to "vote" for you so that we can get the representation.
Combining a natural stage presence, a torrid flow, and conscious lyrics designed to get the crowd thinking, Brown Boi (F.C. Brown #) ripped the mic again to close out NLA Chapter 1013's First Annual Liberation Fest with an original track entitled: Blueprint of a Lost Chapter. If this performance was an indication of what is to come from this brother, he is destined for greatness.
This event was a great success with the passion, determination, selflessness, and camaraderie being the consensus mind state of all in attendance. Several of the men told me afterwards that they look forward to future NLA Chapter 1013 events, and that they were looking to be more involved. From their comments, it appears that the quest for liberation (both mental and physical) has begun.
