Start Here.
Before the paintings there was this book of poetry. Liberation was the first time I wrote myself free — line by line, truth by truth. The book found a home at the New Orleans African American Museum where its become one of their most cherished and best selling collectibles in the gift shop. This still humbles me.
I’m forever grateful to NOAAM, not just for carrying my book, but for protecting the voices of so many that came before me. People pick Liberation up there, and when they connect deeply with it, they often come looking for art. If something in my work has moved you — this is where the story begins.
Proudly carried by the New Orleans African American Museum — where Liberation became one of their most loved and best-selling titles.
“I wrote Liberation in the space between not wanting to live and finally believing God saw me. Writing this book saved my life and started everything that came after.”
— Jerome Bailey Jr.
Natasha Alford, VP TheGrio“Jerome. I needed time to sit and look through the book and THANK YOU! This is so phenomenal - the message, the words, the power, the whole aesthetic looks great too.”
Najet Islam Miah This is what having courage and vulnerability to speak your truth looks like. An easy read but a heavy one nonetheless. You can feel the author's pain and hope at the same time. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as I read the book. Although I am a proud and practicing Muslim, I can feel the power that exudes Jerome's reliance on his faith. The words are moving and raw. The book is inspiring and a powerful challenge against toxic masculinity that belittles men for publicly expressing their pain. The collection of poetry is all this and so much more. A true powerhouse.
Touré (Culture Fries)“Jerome is a true master of the spoken word.”