Bryonn Bain

Bryonn Bain is a Professor at UCLA in African American Studies, World Arts and Cultures/Dance, and Law. He is a renowned hip hop theater innovator, spoken word poet, prison reform advocate, and educator. His work bridges artistic expression with social justice, focusing on systemic racism and criminal justice reform. Bain co-leads UCLA’s Prison Education Program and advises the Justice Work Group developing UCLA’s Center for Justice. He founded the Blackout Arts Collective and the Lyrical Minded project, impacting over 50 artists and schools globally.

• Educations: Harvard Law School (interrupted by wrongful imprisonment), Brooklyn College (undergraduate)

His research interests include hip hop culture’s role in education, prison abolition strategies, and critical literacy. Bain’s work has been showcased at major venues like Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, and his multimedia production Lyrics From Lockdown explores his wrongful imprisonment and activism. He has received grants from the Open Society, Ford, Mellon, and Bertha Foundations.

• Awards: Multiple poetry slam titles, NAACP recognition, and international acclaim for Lyrics From Lockdown

Bain advises UCLA’s International Human Rights Law Clinic and collaborates with correctional facilities nationwide. His books The Prophet Returns, The Ugly Side of Beautiful, and Fish & Bread/Pescado y Pan further his advocacy. He has lectured globally, integrating arts into education and justice reform initiatives.