Voices of Virginia Consensus: Quadaire Patterson’s Journey of Advocacy and Education
Quadaire Patterson
For many justice-impacted individuals, higher education offers a pathway to hope, purpose and a brighter future. Quadaire Patterson’s journey is a strong testament to this truth. Throughout his time in Virginia’s prison system, Patterson witnessed firsthand the lack of access to quality education behind bars. Refusing to accept this reality, he became an advocate for change, using his experience to push for equitable access to higher education in prison.
Brilliance Behind Bars
While incarcerated, Patterson was determined to challenge the systemic injustices of the prison system in a meaningful, organized way. By showcasing the intellectual community behind bars who were working hard to rehabilitate themselves, he aimed to prove that incarceration does not define a person’s potential. However, with limited access to the internet, he knew this would be no easy task.
In 2020, Brilliance Behind Bars was born, bringing Patterson’s vision to fruition. The initiative aimed to create a platform that would help humanize individuals within the prison system by sharing their stories, talents and experiences through their writing. This work includes:
Publishing and sharing literary and artistic works created by incarcerated individuals, fostering greater understanding and compassion in society.
Providing consulting services to community organizations to develop and improve reentry strategies.
Advocating for fairer policies that eliminate systemic barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals and improve rehabilitation systems.
By incarcerated individuals sharing their work with the outside world, he hoped to challenge stereotypes about justice-impacted individuals and spark impactful conversations about reform.
Learning Against the Odds
Despite limited educational opportunities in prison, Patterson was determined to keep learning. After doing some digging, he enrolled in correspondence courses through Ohio University. However, he recognized that not everyone had the means or knowledge to access such programs.
“If you really want an education, you have to be self-propelled for that,” said Patterson. “For most people in prison, collegiate education isn’t something that’s ever been a reality for them before.”
Transforming Lives Through Education
Six months after his July 2024 early release, Patterson continues to advocate for collegiate-level education in prison as a means of rehabilitation, empowerment and reducing recidivism. Through his continued work with both Brilliance Behind Bars and the Virginia Consensus for Higher Education in Prison, he’s helping bring voices like his to the table.
“Hope dictates how a person develops while you’re inside a place that is stagnant,” said Patterson. “Accessing an education and the opportunities that come with it gives individuals hope and a second chance.”
Higher education within the prison system creates genuine opportunities for successful reintegration into society. Patterson’s story serves as a powerful reminder that education is a fundamental human right—one that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their past or current situation. Through his advocacy, he continues to prove that brilliance exists behind bars and that, when given the chance, every person has the potential to thrive.