WHO IS MARK SPRINGER??

DJC Family,                                                                                        

I want to formally introduce you to someone who has been pivotal in Die Jim Crow’s sound over the course of our first decade, Mark Springer. Some of you may know him from his stand-out on the Die Jim Crow EP, ”A215-162.” He is the voice of Jim Crow on ”My Name Be Jim CroW,” the opening track of the project, and the maestro of the epic ”Headed to the StreetS,” written by me, featuring longtime collaborator Anthony “Big Ant” McKinney.

💔🙏🏾❤️‍🩹

"‘Headed’ felt ill-omened, but its creation was nothing short of brilliant. The lyrics were alive, inscribed with the flow of water, able to mold in shape with its vessel. At the mouth of the river was Anthony McKinney and Mark Springer who composed this virtuoso piece in Warren Correctional Institution in Ohio. They composed the record with the energy of lifers who didn't have the chance I had. The push and pull between freedom and confinement was palpable, the thin line almost invisible, the parallel universes clashing in epic fashion. In the end, the art won. As it always will. Fury and I peaced it up and decided to finish what we started. Despite our differences which were many, they still didn't begin to cover the ground of what united us. Which further reinforced why this mission had to be completed. If not for us, for Mark… for Ant… for their voices to be heard.” - ✍🏾 BL, DJCX 🤫

I technically met Mark Springer in 2015 in one of the most unorthodox ways possible. I didn’t meet him in person, nor did I speak or communicate with him via letter. I met him through music. I had written “Headed” and Mark Springer was gracious enough to compose the music for my work. I left that collaboration admiring his talent and genuinely appreciating the opportunity to work with him creatively.

Slowly and organically over the past eight years I have started to get to know Mark better and he has been such an asset to my life. He is incredibly positive, humble, contrite, honest, and wise. It’s so many adjectives I could use to describe his energy, but if I had to sum it up with one phrase, it would be GENUINE. I have never been in his physical presence, but from afar his tutelage has been vital in me maturing as a woman and becoming a productive member of society. I have been able to trust him, trust his word, and learn from his experiences. I’m currently working through trauma that’s been harbored in my body and he has been assisting me in fighting for my life in a very literal way just by being who he is. I have never heard him complain, or be negative. He gives and naturally gets respect based on having integrity and high moral character.

I humbly, sincerely request that you sign his petition to be released. I do not state this lightly, I understand the gravity of this request. I’m willing to put my name on the line for him. He has served over thirty years for his crimes and I truly believe his impact on the world could be felt in the most positive way if he were to be given a chance. We need Black men out here in society who lead with love and light like he does more than ever before. 

Get to know Mark Springer in his own words….