derek r. ford
I’m a teacher, organizer, and educational theorist living in Indianapolis.
recent projects
new documentary: “Across Enemy Lines: Shaka A. Shakur“
Working closely with New Afrikan Political Prisoner Shaka A. Shakur, I co-directed and narrated this documentary, which The People’s Forum debuted worldwide on December 4 2025.
Why is Shaka A. Shakur is still imprisoned, given that he has already served the entirety of the sentence for his 2002 conviction? Why is he incarcerated in Virginia—hundreds of miles away from his family—even though he was not convicted of a federal crime? “Across Enemy Lines” investigates and answers these questions, recounting the story of this New Afrikan Political Prisoner, revolutionary organizer, author, and theorist.
Told through the words of Shaka, his wife Akili Shakur, and various friends and supporters, this documentary is more than a story of one man and the communities most directly-impacted by his unjust incarceration; it is a snapshot of the mass incarceration system, the evolution of the Black/New Afrikan nation and resistance, and most of all, it is a call to do everything we can to return this grandfather, community leader, and human rights advocate back home where he belongs.
To learn more, book a screening, and get involved in the fight for the freedom of Shaka and all of us, visit ShakaShakur.org.
weekly podcast: “Naptown People’s Radio”
In addition to organizing with the groups below, I co-host a weekly podcast, “Naptown People’s Radio,” with my comrade Dani Abdullah. You can check out our first season here and on all streaming platforms.
Naptown People’s Radio covers pressing issues facing people in Indianapolis, spotlights stories that go untold by dominant media, and uplifts the voices of workers, organizers, artists, and all people changing our city on a daily basis. At Naptown People’s Radio, we don’t just talk about the news; we make it happen.
Regular segments include Naptown Breakdown, Circle City Shout Outs, and Dispatches from Behind the Wire by New Afrikan Political Prisoner Shaka A. Shakur.
Brought to you by PSL Indianapolis and our studio in the Indianapolis Liberation Center.
If you value this work, share and make a contribution!
To support Naptown’s liberated organizing space, make a one-time donation or become a Sustainer!
