Spoken Word Showcase Uplifts Women at Cook County Jail

Bridge to Freedom reentry program uses creative expression to help incarcerated women process trauma and prepare for life after release.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Inside Cook County Jail, 75 incarcerated women participated in a Black History Month spoken word showcase through the Bridge to Freedom reentry program. The event blended poetry, counseling, and empowerment, with participants affirming their identity and resilience. Founded in 2009, Bridge to Freedom provides counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and structured reentry planning focused on housing, education, employment, and family reunification. Organizers say creative expression helps women process trauma, build confidence, and prepare for life after release.

Why it matters

Programs like Bridge to Freedom are critical to breaking cycles of incarceration by providing support and resources to help women successfully reenter their communities. The spoken word component gives participants a powerful outlet to confront past trauma, reflect on personal growth, and envision their futures, building essential skills for life beyond bars.

The details

The spoken word showcase was held in Division 3 Annex of Cook County Jail, where the sound of applause replaced the usual clank of metal doors. Participants performed poems that explored their experiences and identities, with one woman declaring, "I might be in jail, but I am somebody" - a phrase popularized by civil rights leader Jesse Jackson Sr. The event was part of Bridge to Freedom, a faith-based reentry program that provides counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and structured planning for housing, education, employment, and family reunification.

  • The spoken word showcase took place during Black History Month 2026.
  • Bridge to Freedom was founded in 2009.

The players

Bridge to Freedom

A faith-based reentry program that provides counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and structured planning to help incarcerated women prepare for life after release.

Dr. Keyuana Muhammad

The assistant executive director of programs at Bridge to Freedom, who says initiatives like this are critical to breaking cycles of incarceration.

Dominique

A program participant preparing for reentry, who feels optimistic about her future.

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What they’re saying

“Programs like this motivate women. A lot of times, people feel like they become victims of their circumstances. They become hopeless. Programs like this allow people to remain resilient and continue to persevere.”

— Dr. Keyuana Muhammad, Assistant Executive Director of Programs, Bridge to Freedom (fox32chicago.com)

“I have a lot to look forward to. Yes, I've been there, but look at where I've come. Look at how far I'm going. If I can do it, you can do it.”

— Dominique, Program Participant (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

The Bridge to Freedom program will continue to offer its reentry services and creative expression workshops to incarcerated women at Cook County Jail, helping them prepare for successful lives beyond bars.

The takeaway

Programs like Bridge to Freedom that provide support, resources, and opportunities for creative expression are essential in helping incarcerated women rebuild their lives and break the cycle of recidivism. By affirming their identity and resilience, these initiatives empower participants to envision a brighter future and take the necessary steps to achieve it.