Our Mission

Human Writes Music Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Oakland, California, dedicated to reducing recidivism through the power of music.
We believe that creativity is a fundamental human right — and that for formerly incarcerated individuals, access to artistic expression isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

Founded in December 2021 by hip-hop artist and community advocate Aaron Mirmalek (DJ Free Leonard), Human Writes Music Group partners with reentry programs and economic development organizations to sponsor participants in our artist development. Every participant leaves the program with a professionally produced song, publishing credits in their name, and the tools to keep creating long after the program ends.

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Our Values

Vulnerability Resiliance — Every artist in our program is seen as a whole person with a story worth telling and a future worth building. Instead of using shame or blame as a defense mechanism, we use empathy and assertiveness to reclaim our narrative.  

Craft — We hold our work to professional standards. The songs we make aren’t therapy exercises — they’re real music for real audiences.  With content and subject matter about overcoming obstacles by observing it through a social economic lens focused on the bigger picture. 

Community — We build bridges between the music industry, reentry organizations, and the people who need them both.  Individualism is taking over but we remain steadfast that we are all related and interconnected. 

Accountability — To our participants, our sponsors, and the communities we serve.  By taking action in the right direction along with some positive reinforcement the results can last a lifetime.