The Bread of Angels: Wisdom and Music Behind Bars

B Alexis

Set to make history as the first woman to release an album from an American prison, B. Alexis’ music is her lifeline. Full of hard-won wisdom beyond her years, her lyrics come from the most raw and vulnerable corners of her being. In her testimony, she’s unafraid to confront it all, including being incarcerated since the age of seventeen on a thirty year sentence. On her album “9th & Gasoline,” she exposes her darkest moments and attempts to build herself from the debris of self destruction. Is her story her own? Or is it many young Black girls in this country? It’s the story of the kid who’s so bitter and resentful of life that in turn, they reject the idea of living. It’s also the story of the young woman who looks to the light in those darkest days; who’s willing to reveal the ugly scars in hopes to heal someone else.

BL Shirelle is an accomplished musician, producer, and songwriter. In addition, Shirelle serves as deputy director of Die Jim Crow, the first non-profit record label in United States history for currently and formerly incarcerated artists. After serving ten years in prison herself, Shirelle is now dedicated to social change and activism through her music through her work with Die Jim Crow Records. She has been a guest speaker at colleges across America, educating youth on mass incarceration and she also continues to work with artists still in prison to produce and share their music on high-quality platforms. Shirelle’s work has been featured in, the LA Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, PBS/Whyy, Ms. Magazine, Bushwick Daily, Aesthetics For Birds, We Want The Airwaves, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, among others.

Debra L. Taylor is a woman who loves God and God’s people. She has been recovering through a 12 step fellowship for 18 years and was ordained by Christian Leaders Institute in October of 2023. She freshly entered her ministry role as an Evangelist at Evangelistic Newborn Holiness Church and Outreach Ministries. Debra continues to be a beacon of hope to all who encounter her loving spirit. She mentors 10 women on their recovery journey. She has a heightened awareness for the need of inner change and spiritual maturity. Debra has been working as a supervisor for the marketing research firm M. Davis and Company Inc. since December 2007. She also holds a position as an Insurance Referral Specialist at Einstein Hospital since September of 2019. She has 4 children ages 29, 32, 34, and 37. Debra continues to be “REAL” and not perfect. Her favorite scripture is Isaiah 54:17 “No weapons formed against me shall prosper” She finds strength in living her life from the Inside Out. As she continues to live vicariously through God, she is unafraid to take the next step, wherever that may lead….she’s willing to go.