About Veronza Bowers Jr.

A bio of sorts….

Veronza Bowers, Jr. is a veteran of the original Black Panther Party who spent over 51 years incarcerated in the federal prison system. During those decades of confinement, he became an author, musician, and student of African and Asian healing arts, developing “hands-on” healing techniques that he practiced in the prisons where he was held.

Drawing from his lived experience of maintaining agency and purpose while unjustly confined, he cultivated inner focus and discovered how to find peace amid chaos. He now teaches accessible mindful practices that help individuals build resilience, examine their emotions, and cultivate stillness in a society marked by constant stress and anxiety.

Creative self-expression has always been central to his life and work. His poetry and flute music model how trauma can be transformed into power, inviting others to reclaim their voices, tell their stories, and resist narratives distorted by dominant culture. This act of creative reclamation builds self-esteem and cultural pride, directly countering the dehumanizing effects of racism while fostering belonging and collective identity.

As a community elder and mentor, Veronza bridges generations. His presence opens space for younger people to connect with historical struggles and wisdom, while elders find renewed purpose in sharing their experiences. Whether guiding large groups in meditation or leading creative workshops, he creates spaces of vulnerability, mutual support, and community cohesion. Strengthened by shared healing and self-determination, these communities are better equipped to confront systemic challenges such as food insecurity and economic stress.

His own journey—including surviving cancer and pneumonia while incarcerated—stands as a testament to resilience forged in the crucible of injustice. His engagement with community is a natural outpouring of a lifetime committed to self-determination and collective liberation. He leverages his story and artistic gifts to form authentic connections, bypassing typical barriers and fostering trust that opens the way for genuine dialogue and learning.

When he teaches, his workshops are never lectures but interactive community sessions disguised as creative and mindful practice. A meditation is not just instruction—it is an invitation to collective stillness, shared peace, and psychological safety. Poetry and music are not mere performances but doorways for participants to articulate their struggles and recognize their strengths. Each session evolves through dialogue: he actively solicits feedback, asking what resonates, what challenges persist, and what support would be most helpful. This adaptive loop allows him to tailor practices to the unique needs of each community.

As an elder, he also mentors informally, offering guidance, presence, and story. Both youth and adults gravitate toward his wisdom, seeking insight on navigating systemic obstacles and cultivating resilience. These organic relationships strengthen intergenerational bonds and nurture shared responsibility for liberation.

Looking ahead, he envisions expanding his work while staying rooted in community. Advisory circles of workshop participants will help shape curricula, and collective performances will showcase community-generated poetry and music.

Ultimately, every interaction with Veronza is designed to empower individuals to discover their own self-determination, ensuring the work grows organically from the heart of the communities he serves.