Rahsaan “New York” Thomas

Growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, I experienced trauma and witnessed gun violence committed against my little brother. Through my fears, shame, and insecurities, I chose to let the evil deeds of my enemies make my evil deeds seem fair and became a menace to society. Since then, I have completely turned my life around. I am a successful writer, podcaster, director, producer, advocate, and youth counselor formerly incarcerated at San Quentin Prison, using my voice for redemption.

Thomas, a co-host of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated podcast “Ear Hustle,” was released from San Quentin in February 2023.

Winner, 2022 PEN America Prison Writing Contest – 2nd Place in Fiction for “Silent Treatment“