On June 17, Lyrical Opposition was honored to participate in the release celebration of Manifestation, the inaugural issue of Not Like the Rest, a literary magazine created by and featuring incarcerated Bay Area artists.
Hosted at Medicine for Nightmares in San Francisco, the event brought together artists, writers, advocates, and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, creativity, and collective connection. The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the voices of incarcerated creators while fostering meaningful dialogue between artists inside and outside prison walls.
Lyrical Opposition's Fego Navarro joined the evening's program alongside members of the Forced N2 Greatness Collective—Jus' B, Pharaoh Elisha, and Trey Xavier—sharing poetry, reflections, and stories that highlighted the transformative power of art and self-expression. Fego also performed live music, helping to create an atmosphere of healing, inspiration, and community throughout the evening.
Guests participated in letter-writing activities to connect directly with incarcerated contributors featured in the magazine, reinforcing the event's commitment to building relationships and amplifying voices that are too often overlooked. The celebration served as a powerful reminder that creative expression can transcend barriers and create pathways for understanding, dignity, and change.
We extend our gratitude to Not Like the Rest, Medicine for Nightmares, the Forced N2 Greatness Collective, and everyone who attended and supported this important gathering. Lyrical Opposition remains committed to uplifting marginalized voices through the arts and creating spaces where storytelling can inspire connection, justice, and transformation.
We look forward to continuing this work and supporting future opportunities that honor the creativity and humanity of incarcerated artists.
Not Like the Rest Presents: Manifestation: An Inaugural Literal Magazine by and for Bay Area Incarceration Artists
Join us on June 17 at 7 PM at @medicinefornightmares for the release celebration of the inaugural issue of Not Like the Rest — a literary magazine designed by and featuring the work of incarcerated Bay Area artists.
The evening will feature readings by Fego Navarro of Lyrical Opposition and the Forced N2 Greatness Collective @artofficialgiraffe, @pharaoh_elisha, and Trey Xavier along with opportunities to write letters to the incarcerated artists featured in the zine.
Come through for an evening of storytelling, community, food, creative inspiration, and connection as we celebrate the voices and artistry of incarcerated creators.
Free and open to the community. See you there.
This event was made possible by the Stanford University, Jail and Prison Education Project.