“I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I’m changing the things I cannot accept.”

Angela Davis

Who is, ayoola mitchell, previously  known as ayoola talibah haqikah (ambitious seeker of truth and knowledge)?

Born and raised in San Francisco, California, I grew up the daughter of a police officer in a family of law enforcement. I was 13 years old, when I first heard of Angela Davis. I read everything I could get my hands on about her, then George Jackson and the Black Panther Party.  From an early age, I was aware there was something very wrong with this judicial system and I had to work to change it.  It was also during this time ayoola first learned of people renaming themselves to names reflective of our African roots and who they were as individuals; fifteen years later, kelli became ayoola.

I have spent nearly four decades working in the punishment system (shout out Dr. Cory Greene who I first heard reference what many call criminal justice in a way much more accurate and defining) as a fierce advocate, in many capacities. I have taught in youth and adult incarcerated settings, developed programs and supervised contractors and volunteers in both jails and prisons. Having worked on my first death penalty case nearly 35 years ago, I have had the opportunity to work with incredible legal minds as I have done trial, post-conviction and consulting throughout my professional career.

Today, my focus is on the healing and freedom of my people and communities. As I found myself navigating no less than 12 agencies and entities fighting back from a mental health crisis, I felt compelled to resurrect e2e as a resource for people who need support in advocacy as they navigate systems, including the punishment system. 

There is really no separation between what I do and who I am just as I am Black, Woman, Mother. I am a Healing Practitioner/Advocate/Organizer. I love to travel to places where my ancestors shed their blood and built their legacies. I love to spend time with my family. I love to write. I am a Storyteller. I am a Black woman who loves the power and complexity of being a Black woman. I am unapologetically me, no longer conforming to standards and norms set in place by people who owned my ancestors. I am healing and I am free.