Rising Stars: Meet Jaffee Judah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaffee Judah. 

Hi Jaffee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Currently, I am the Executive Director of Recycle and Reinvest. Aside from running an organization, I am also a music Artist, Author, Poet, and youth mentor for Big Brother Big Sister of Middle Tennessee. 

I like to start my journey from prison because that’s where the greatest contribution to my character was during my stay in prison at Northwest Correctional Complex 2007 to 2014. 

At the age of 15, I was convicted for Attempted Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and Aggravated Burglary. 

During my time in prison, I found knowledge of self, leadership skills, a love for writing, and purpose to sustain my future with tools to equip me as I navigate through life. I volunteer with a few organizations after my release before I was inspired to start my own. 

We first came together as a movement Bang4Liberation. and hosted block parties in the old community we once lived in, and for some committed crime. 

Bang4Liberation’s mission is to fight for freedom without violence. They connect people to resources, skill-building leaders, and artistic opportunities to empower one’s journey through life. 

My passion for sustainability grew from noticing the perpetual environmental burdens placed on marginalized communities in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Low-Income areas had a lack of healthier options. Such as whole food grocery stores with organic food options, drop-off Centers for recycled litter, leadership presence, litter, and trash on streets, alleys, sidewalks, and neighborhood yards. 

And a Lack of green spaces such as parks, more trees, or gardens to cultivate enrichment and promote clean air systems. 

All of that was enough for me to become inspired to learn more about the environment and committed to creating the life I want. No regular 9-5 forever. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Nooooooooooo. If I had a penny for every time, I said this is too hard I might be a millionaire. Lol. 

But seriously the challenges I face vary from coming out of prison and trying to find a job that is conducive to my mental health to Reliable transportation. 

Finding housing is very difficult for a felon especially after the pandemic in 2020. 

It’s very hard to do 6 years 8 months in prison and come home to family members or friends who expect you to be fully prepared to get back into society with normalcy isn’t reality. 

It takes a minute for a person to wrap their head around everything going on. And the more time a person lives in prison the longer the healing process will take. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist, I make hip-hop and Reggae music. I specialize in connecting the streets and the earth. I’m most known for a project called “Eco-Drip”. 

The homies and I remixed Cardi B’s song “Drip” to talk about the earth and the benefits of a plant-based diet. The song is available everywhere. 

The thing I am proud of most is I live what I rap about. My music is created from my imagination not so much my memory. Eco-Drip was a PSA 

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The biggest risk I’ve taken in life has to be the ability to LOVE. Opening up to people can be dangerous. 

We are living in some Scary but Fun Times right now and not knowing what I think I should know put me in a place of curiosity with caution. 

I’m a big risk taker it gives me a rush honestly, I get a kick out of living responsible and looking at the Brightside of life. 

Pricing:

• $12.00 – Blkblood: From Prison To Prayer Through Poetry

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://recyclereinvest.org/
• Instagram: RecycleReinvestChallenge
• Facebook: RecycleReinvest
• Twitter: RecycleReinvest
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/TaGkxhtcS5w
• Yelp: https://www.amazon.com/Blkblood-Prison-Prayer-through-Poetry-ebook/dp/B08H49KH6V
• SoundCloud: RecycleReinvest
• Other: https://unitedmasters.com/jaffee-judah

Image Credits:
Jaffee Judah
YOMIRA ARRESE
Quan Cole Recycle
Ashira Wilson
Kamita Wilson
Deja Lytle
Jaffee Judah Recycle
Keith Benion