Imprint Author

Jose Perez

Jose A. Perez, MPS, is a poet, actor, and advocate who grew up in New York City’s foster care system, group homes, juvenile institutions, and adult prison. Entering prison at 16, Perez emerged three years ago at 35, having transformed his life behind bars. While incarcerated, he became an actor and poet, earning an associate's degree from Bard College, a bachelor's degree from Nyack College through HudsonLink, and a master’s degree in professional studies from the New York Theological Seminary. Perez’s artistic journey included over 15 prison productions with the Art Tree theater group and poetry workshops with the Harvest Moon Collective and Beat poet Janine Pommy Vega. He collaborated with notable poets such as Bob Holman, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Amiri Baraka. He also contributed to various prisoner-run organizations and was later accepted into the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, performing in "Cyrano" at Fishkill and then later "1776" in Sing Sing. Now a program strategist for the Children’s Defense Fund-NY, Perez uses his experiences to advocate for housing, economic mobility, and self-determination for system-involved youth. He is a sought-after speaker, presenting at venues like the New York State Capitol, Howard University, Columbia University, and the White House. He also serves on the District Attorney of New York City’s Reentry Council Board. As a spoken word artist and actor, Perez has performed at various theaters and showcases, including the Public Theater, We Are Here, Lincoln Center, the Bushwick Starr Theater, The Shed, and the Shrine in West Harlem. His poetry collection, “‘Till Ink Meets Paper,” recounts his reconnection with his mother during their incarceration and is set for release in fall 2024.