Reentry Advocate, Speaker, And Lobbyist
CurrentSince the release of her documentary recounting her journey from drug addiction and incarceration to becoming a licensed mentor teacher and successful recordings artist, Briana Calhoun has worked with statewide reentry initiatives such as Dress for Success, Clean Slate Campaign, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission, by serving as an active lobbyist to senators and representatives on both state and federal levels. As of late, Calhoun has begun sharing her story and her music in Women’scorrectional facilities. Her personal experiences give her a keen insight into the mentality one must maintain to overcome the obstacles and stigmas inmates face upon release.“I feel as though what I went through happened for a reason and I want to bring hope to these women. Music brings a certain emotional connection that words just can’t replace, but also, I think hearing it from someone who’s actually been where they’ve been will make an incredible difference. I want them to understand they have every reason to believe in themselves and are just as deserving of happiness as anyone else.” In the meantime, Calhoun said she will continue to write and record in Nashville, that is when she’s not teaching, being a mother, or visiting prisons. Calhoun’s full bio, links to her documentary, and footage from her speaking engagements can be accessed below.
