ASIA JOHNSON: A POWERFUL VOICE FOR LIBERATION AND REDEMPTION

Asia Johnson: A Powerful Voice for Liberation and Redemption

By: Eric Reid

In the vast canvas of human experiences, stories of resilience, redemption, and rebirth are often the most compelling. These are stories that challenge our perceptions, compel us to question our preconceived notions, and inspire us to strive for a more empathetic society. One such story that stands out is that of Asia Johnson, a remarkable woman whose journey from incarceration to empowerment serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit. As a writer, storyteller, and filmmaker, Asia has transformed her pain into purpose, her struggles into strength, and her story into an inspiration for many. I recently had the privilege of interviewing Asia Johnson, to delve into her extraordinary journey, and explore how she has used her experiences to advocate for the rights of those who have been incarcerated. Join me as we embark on this incredible journey of resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Asia faced numerous hardships from an early age. The loss of her father by suicide and the burden of childhood and young adult traumas weighed heavily on her. Yet, amidst the darkness, Asia discovered solace in writing. She believed that through her words, she could find her way to a happier existence, one where she could not only seek happiness but also embody it. Writing became her means of reclaiming her voice and finding resilience in the face of adversity.

At the tender age of twenty-three, Asia Johnson found herself sentenced to nine long years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. This life-altering event marked the beginning of a deeply personal and challenging part of her journey, which she shared with me during our interview. 

The reasons behind her incarceration stemmed from a tragic incident: the death of her beloved grandmother. Ensnared in a toxic and abusive relationship, Asia was struggling with the emotional trauma of a recent abortion with the same man. She was self-medicating with Ambien, a desperate attempt to escape the suffocating reality of her circumstances. The tension escalated into a regrettable physical altercation with her grandmother, ultimately resulting in her untimely passing. Throughout this harrowing period, Asia found solace in her family’s unwavering support. They stood by her side, offering strength and encouragement when she needed it the most. Despite the gravity of the situation, they reinforced the importance of familial bonds and forgiveness, for which Asia expressed profound gratitude.

Having experienced the dehumanizing effects of incarceration firsthand, Asia carries with her the stories and voices of the women she left behind. Since regaining her freedom, she has made it her life’s mission to amplify these voices and fight for the rights of those who have been incarcerated. Asia’s work as a 2019 Right of Return Fellow, 2019 Room Project Fellow, and 2021 Brennan Center for Justice Fellow demonstrates her dedication to creating change within the criminal justice system.

Asia’s creative talents extend beyond the written word. Her debut film, “Out of Place,” has been screened at private events across the country, including prestigious venues such as The University of Michigan, The Springhill Arts Gathering, and The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Through her filmmaking, Asia continues to shed light on the issues faced by incarcerated individuals and challenges society’s perception of those who have served time. She uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between the free world and the incarcerated, encouraging empathy and understanding.

Through the potent medium of poetry, Asia channeled her raw pain and distilled it onto the page. This introspective journey culminated in her powerful debut chapbook, “An Exorcism,” a testament to her resilience and a beacon of hope for others navigating their own dark tunnels of trauma.

It is through sharing these personal experiences that Asia seeks to shed light on the complexities of human lives and the factors that contribute to individuals’ actions. Her story serves as a reminder that understanding and empathy are essential in navigating the path toward healing and rehabilitation.

Here’s part of my conversation with Asia:

Eric: Can you tell us about your journey from incarceration to becoming a prominent storyteller, writer, and filmmaker? What motivated you to pursue writing as your creative outlet?

Asia: My journey to becoming a writer has been a transformative one. Prior to my incarceration, I was a journalism major at the University of Michigan with a passion for fashion. However, my focus shifted when I found myself in the prison system. Writing became my beacon of light, my way of reclaiming my voice and finding freedom within the confines of my situation. During my time behind bars, I had the opportunity to participate in a writing program provided by Eastern Michigan University. It was there that I was introduced to inspiring female poets who ignited my passion for writing. My mentor at the prison recognized my talent and encouraged me to pursue it further. Writing helped me break out of the box that society had placed me in. It became a source of empowerment and a means of reclaiming my identity. As a young girl, I had dreams of becoming a music video director. However, the media often portrayed individuals like me, who had been incarcerated, in a negative light. I wanted to challenge those perceptions and reclaim what it meant to be me. 

When I was released in October 2018, I made my first film for just $10,000, and it was a pivotal moment in my journey. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling and inspired me to continue using my creative outlets to shed light on the issues faced by the incarcerated.

Eric: How has writing played a role in your personal healing process? How did you discover the power of writing to transform your pain into art?

Asia: Writing has been instrumental in my personal healing process. Through writing, I have been able to address the injustices I’ve experienced and explore the absence of love and other elements in my life. Rather than focusing solely on the problems themselves, I delve into the “why” behind them, exploring the root causes of trauma.

Writing has allowed me to express my pain and transform it into something meaningful and impactful. It has been a cathartic process that has helped me reclaim my voice and find healing. While my family has moved past the harm I’ve caused, society still holds onto those judgments. Writing has been a way for me to confront those societal perceptions and advocate for understanding and empathy.

Eric: What specific topics or themes do you explore in your work? How do these topics contribute to the larger conversation about incarceration and the criminal justice system?

Asia: In my work, I explore themes that shed light on the experiences of incarcerated individuals. One theme I often delve into is mental health issues, as they are prevalent within the prison system and are often overlooked or stigmatized. I also address personal experiences, such as the fight I had with my grandmother, who unfortunately passed away. This particular experience left me feeling like a shell of a person, but my family stood by my side throughout my journey.

I also explore the impact of familial secrets. For instance, my father was imprisoned for taking his father’s life, and he ultimately died by suicide after that incident. Had I been armed with this information, it could have changed the trajectory of my life. These themes contribute to the larger conversation about incarceration and the criminal justice system by highlighting the complexities and ripple effects of these experiences. They emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of incarceration rather than perpetuating stereotypes or judgments.

Eric: As a former inmate, what are some of the key challenges faced by incarcerated individuals? How can society better support those who are reentering society after serving time?

Asia: Incarcerated individuals face numerous challenges when reentering society, and one of the biggest hurdles is the unforgiving nature of the outside world. It is essential for society to experience a person before dismissing them, to give them a chance to prove themselves beyond their past mistakes. No one should be thrown away or judged solely based on their history of incarceration.

Housing, employment, and even simple things like renting an Airbnb become significant challenges for individuals with a criminal record. Society needs to find ways to provide support and create opportunities for those reentering society. Building trust is crucial. When people trust individuals who have been incarcerated, it feels empowering and reinforces their motivation to succeed.

Creating a society that offers housing options, job opportunities, and a chance for individuals to showcase their talents is essential. It is important to recognize the collateral consequences that come with having a criminal record and work towards minimizing those barriers. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society that values the potential of every person, regardless of their past mistakes.

Asia Johnson’s journey from a place of darkness to one of empowerment showcases the transformative power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. As a formerly incarcerated woman, she has emerged as a powerful advocate for justice and redemption. Through her writing, filmmaking, and unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of the incarcerated, Asia inspires others to challenge preconceived notions and work towards a more compassionate and equitable society. Her story reminds us that no matter the circumstances,  it is possible to find strength, healing, and purpose, and that everyone deserves a chance at redemption.

Today, Asia resides in Los Angeles, California, where she embraces the freedom she once only dreamed of. Despite the physical distance from her roots in Detroit, Asia remains deeply connected to the voices she left behind. She is committed to sparking a movement that advocates for the freedom of every person who has ever been caged. Through her artistic endeavors and unwavering determination, Asia aims to break down the barriers that perpetuate mass incarceration and champion the cause of redemption and rehabilitation.

Asia will be the featured panelist at the live podcast of Pay The Tab at Greenway Court Theater on July 22, 2023, at 7 pm. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from Asia herself. Get your tickets HERE.