Press Clippings

Socialist Worker
December 3, 2004
Artist and activist Anthony Papa speaks out:
"Art can be a weapon of the oppressed"
Interview with Anthony Papa.

Newsday, NY
October 24, 2004
Portrait Of The Artist As Free Man
Article on Anthony Papa and the Whitney Museum book release party and art exhibit.

NY Post
October 21, 2004
Page Six article on Anthony Papa and the Whitney Museum book release party and art exhibit.



What people are saying:

A powerful memoir of one man's struggle for freedom, 15 To Life tells in vivid prose the story of Anthony Papa, a painter and a casualty of the War on Drugs. This journey of a soul shows the power of art to transcend the violence of prison, and all that is possible when the human spirit refuses to be contained. Papa's account should be required reading for New York lawmakers and all Americans who care about civil liberties."
— Sister Helen Prejean - Author of Dead Man Walking

 "Papa's story gives me the chills.  He's been through so much you won't believe it 'till you read it." 
— Jack Black, Actor

"Anthony Papa's 15 To Life tells of a heroic escape from a brutal system by a man who refused to give up.  A thrilling, unforgettable read! "
— Tim Robbins, Actor

"Anthony Papa's 15 To Life is a must read for the hip-hop community.  Over 94% of the 18,000 people locked up under New York's drug laws, the harshest drug laws  in the country, are black or Hispanic.  Like Papa, I am trying to end these racist laws.  We need your voice.  You can start by reading this book"
— Russell Simmons, Chairman Hip-Hop Summit Action Network

 "Papa is a true American hero whose ingenuity and never-say-die attitude conquered frightful adversity."
— Jason Flom, President Atlantic/Lava Records

"Anthony Papa's 15 To Life is a gripping story of justice gone wrong and an inspiring tale of personal triumph.  It is a scathing indictment of the antiquated Rockefeller drug laws that have imprisoned thousands of nonviolent offenders and wasted billions of dollars of taxpayer money"
— Andrew Cuomo, former US HUD Secretary, author of Crossroads

"There have been a lot of books over the years about men in prison, but Anthony Papa's 15 To Life is unique.  This is a wrenching, compelling, and darkly ironic story of a man discovering his artistic soul behind bars and using his talent to gain his freedom.  It will provoke you, it might enrage you, and it could even inspire you.  But it won't easily let you forget it." 
— Peter Blauner, Author, Intruder and The Last Good Day 

 "The Rockefeller Drug Laws must change and Papa's 15 To Life is a good reason why!" 
— Frank Serpico, Legionary Former NYC Police Officer 

"15 To Life  is an unbelievable story about one man's journey through a living  hell and how he survived and now is fighting to change the most racist drug laws in America. Read this book - learn something!"
— Al "Grandpa Munster" Lewis, Actor and Activist