Willie Kearse was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is the co-founder of the Archive-Based Creative Arts Program, as well as a Bard Prison Initiative (BPI) graduate and mentor with a commitment to rebuilding communities. The effects of urban renewal, the crack era, and being wrongfully convicted compelled him to study law and use an ink pen to fight for freedom. He has organized and facilitated numerous anti-violence and mentoring programs. Willie is a published author as well as a public health and criminal justice reform advocate.