John “Divine G” Whitfield is an Oscar-nominated adapted screenplay writer, executive producer, and the compelling inspiration behind the critically acclaimed, multiple Oscar-nominated film, Sing Sing. Divine G’s remarkable true story is the heart of the feature film, where his character is portrayed by Colman Domingo, who earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his performance. Divine G also made a powerful cameo appearance in this groundbreaking movie. After being wrongfully imprisoned for 25 years for a crime he didn’t commit—despite the discovery of overwhelming evidence proving his actual innocence—Divine G transformed his incarceration into a period of profound advocacy and creation. While incarcerated, he co-founded Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), a pioneering organization that helps individuals heal and find self-worth through creative expression. A celebrated writer, he has published eight novels, all converted into audiobooks, and is the recipient of numerous international writing awards. Since his release in 2012, Divine G has continued to dedicate his life to creativity and justice. He founded Divine G Entertainment and has engaged in diverse professional roles: He served as a stage supervisor for Lil Wayne’s 2013 AMW tour, worked as a Youth Counselor with at-risk youth in New York City, mentoring and guiding vulnerable young people, inter alia. Divine G remains a passionate advocate against all forms of injustice and continues to fight relentlessly for his official exoneration. To help end the grave miscarriage of justice Divine G is still grappling with, supporters are urged to sign the petition at www.FreeDivineG.org.
A maximum-security prison may not seem like the natural setting for a homegrown theater program. But at Sing Sing Prison in New York, just such a project has inspired scores of incarcerated...
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