Meet Dontez.

Jamel Dontez Hatcher, also known by his pen name, BlaCc Iz Jesus, is a co-creator of Liberation Aloud, an initiative of ISAIAH. Dontez grew up in Cleveland, Ohio but he has been incarcerated for over 19 years. During his incarceration he has re-discovered his passion for spoken word poetry and he has written, produced and directed a film about the necessity of cherishing, defending and respecting women. 

In the last eight years, Dontez has taught a program about the power of communication in interpersonal relationships to over 200 incarcerated men, started the prison debate team also named Liberation Aloud, is working on his second and third degrees in Communications and Business Administration, starred in a play of incarcerated people and manages an incarcerated step team. He now shares his testimony through spoken word, speeches, and his upcoming audiobook and podcast with his wife. 


Although still incarcerated, he is an activist for social justice, ending domestic violence and criminal justice reform. He’s a proud father to 19 year old Chyanne and husband to co-creator of Liberation Aloud, Minister JaNaé Bates.

Read More by Dontez:

Visit the Blacc iz Jesus Website for more information on this contributor and co-creator.

Disclaimer: Incarcerated contributors directly provide content to the Liberation Aloud unincarcerated team. Incarcerated contributors do not own, operate or manage the website directly.