Kamal Hakim: Serving Time In Jail

Serving time in jail doesn 't mark the end of your career and life a reality that father, husband, rapper and slam poet: Kamal Hakim faced himself. From behind bars to spitting bars Kamal shares the trials and tribulations that confronted him as a young male in society.

The charismatic and relaxed attitude he presents with lowers your guard and just lets you be drawn in by his words every movement is powerful beginning by removing his name tag “ my name tag says that I am a rapper and slam poet which is kinda true but i 'm also a father i 'm a husband a film maker public speaker community activist and I recently started a podcast.” He plunges into his story writing raps in the seventh grade his favourite rapper will smith but his

“I was rapping about guns and drugs when I 've never held a gun in my life and the closest thing to drugs I 've touched is tylenol three.” There was no substance to what he was saying and he knew it needed to change but no immediate change was seen not until he tapped into poetry did his work have any real meaning.

The first poem Kamal wrote was in jail. Leaning forward he gives a little taste of who he is “This poem is for those who can 't speak for themselves choked by the long arm of the law only to fall deeper in hell this is for those in the struggle for those in the fight now...” he continued his poem as the audience before him was enthralled caught in his web only to be released at the last word.

While out on bail he didn 't know when he 'd be called back and for how long hed be in for. For three years on bail he decided to live his life to the fullest he got married and had a daughter when his wife was pregnant with their second daughter he was called back for his hearing. He dreaded the moment and it had

He now speaks to many high schools in order to educate on subjects such as islamophobia and racism. With four speaches scheduled just in the next week. He recently received a grant to continue his work in video production. he didn’t believe he would get the grant thinking it was “what white people got” so it was a surprise to receive the check in his mail. It shows how the world has affected the immigrant mindset making them believe they aren 't worthy and this is what he writes for, for awareness for growth and he won 't stop fighting for what he believes in no matter whats thrown in his path