Akuyoe (A-coo-yo) Graham has committed herself to teaching incarcerated youth – who feel unheard and unworthy – to have a life of purpose and dignity through her foundation called Spirit Awakening. In this powerful interview, originally webcast on February 19, 2015, she describes how, one child at a time, she teaches these children creative writing, meditation and using the spoken word to help build character and ultimately self-esteem.Akuyoe Graham’s personal encounter with her transcendent inner beauty was the culmination of a long journey, which she re-enacts in her highly acclaimed one-woman play, Spirit Awakening. She is the author of the best-selling book, The Little Book of Transformation/7 Days to a Brand New You, and can be seen in the independent films Switchboard, Faith and Dreams, and The Good Wifey; and the soon to be released Ben and Ara.