Gene Downing

Gene Downing is Free Minds’ new Congressman John Lewis Fellow. Gene joined Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop in 2018. Since then, he has been an avid reader and writer. He was released just two months ago and has already made a big impact. As the Congressman John Lewis Fellow, Gene participates in numerous outreach events and shares his inspiring story with individuals nationwide. Gene’s poetry has been published in our latest book, "When You Hear Me (You Hear Us): Voices on Youth Incarceration" (Shout Mouse Press, 2021). His goals are helping fellow returning citizens and advocating to reduce gun violence in the District of Columbia. Learn more about Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop at their website.