A local entertainment group has come together to produce a song it hopes will give voice to a movement for former inmates looking to reintegrate into society.
Robert Davis, owner of Iahweh Entertainment, has gotten together with a number of local hip-hop artists to write the song "Re-Entry," which he says is a musical representation of the state's new re-entry program in the works.
In an attempt to cut down the number of repeat offenders, the program will provide those released from incarceration with boarding, clothes and help finding employment, something Davis said the song addresses.
"The song asks for a second chance for these guys, and talks about the change many inmates go through during their incarceration," Davis said. "So, like when guys are filling out applications and they have to check the felony box, it kind of speaks to that and what it feels like."
Davis said the song was introduced to Arkansas's CARE group, which said it would like to use the song as the program's anthem tune. Along with CARE, Davis said the song has sparked interest with Gov. Mike Beebe and Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton, and is even getting some national attention.
The song's popularity is expected to skyrocket once it hits the airwaves, according to Davis.
"The average major artist gets five spins a day on any one radio station, and they're talking about playing this every hour on the hour, and two to five stations playing it. So yeah, it's going to be big," said Davis.
Above all, Davis said he hopes the song spreads a message of hope for those recently released, currently incarcerated or those with family members behind bars, especially here in Arkansas which has a higher than normal return rate for offenders.
"This program is valuable because incarceration affects almost everyone some how," Davis said.
cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com