This year’s group of talented men are literally beating the odds everyday. They are beating the odds that say they should be dead or back behind bars. They are not only surviving, but thriving.

When I think of bitterness I think of roots. Roots are not fruit, sweet and attractive, but they are just as essential to plant health. They are patient but always moving forward, growing unapologetically. Some roots are impossible or even deadly to ingest if pulled straight out of the ground, but if you know your roots, you might find that you can turn them into medicine, and although you can almost bet that it will be bitter to the taste, they are healing.

We live in a diverse country, and understanding cultural and creative expression lends itself to a benevolent understanding that expels hate and promotes equality.