Kwame Teague "Dutch"
Assistant Director of Literary Empowerment
Pioneer of Urban Literature
Biography
Kwame Teague, best known by his pen name Dutch, is a pioneer of Urban Lit whose groundbreaking work not only sparked a literary revolution but also made history in independent publishing. Alongside J.M. Benjamin, Kwame helped inspire a generation of authors-turned-publishers by proving that powerful voices could thrive outside of the mainstream.
While Kwame created classics like the Dutch trilogy from behind the wall, J.M. Benjamin—freshly released from incarceration—was building his own publishing empire. Together, they became living proof that ex-offenders could transform their pain into purpose and their stories into best-selling cultural movements.
Literary Achievements
Published Works
- Over 20 books published, including the groundbreaking Dutch trilogy
- Collaborations including "Death Around the Corner" with C-Murder
- Created cultural movements that influenced an entire generation of urban literature
Film & Television Adaptations
- Dutch 1, 2, and 3 on BET
- Dynasty/Legacy film adaptations
- Sin on Tubi starring the late Louis Gossett Jr.
- Continues to shape both literary and cinematic landscapes
Community Leadership & Advocacy
Beyond his literary success, Kwame serves on the boards of multiple nonprofits dedicated to uplifting justice-impacted communities:
- Barred Business: Supporting entrepreneurship for formerly incarcerated individuals
- Lotus Village: Providing resources and support for justice-impacted communities
- Grow It Foundation: Empowering through literary arts and storytelling
Role at Grow It Foundation
At the Grow It Foundation, Kwame serves as Assistant Director of Literary Empowerment under J.M. Benjamin. Together, as two of the most influential ex-offender voices in modern literature, they channel their legacy as best-selling authors, literary activists, and advocates into building new opportunities for others.
Program Focus Areas:
- Guiding participants in the art of storytelling and narrative development
- Teaching book publishing and independent publishing strategies
- Scriptwriting and adaptation for film and television
- Transforming personal journals into profitable books and cultural legacies
- Mentoring emerging authors from justice-impacted backgrounds
The Power of Partnership
The combined presence of Kwame Teague and J.M. Benjamin within Grow It strengthens the Foundation's mission in unprecedented ways. Their partnership represents:
Literary Legacy
- Decades of publishing success
- Cultural movement creation
- Independent publishing mastery
Transformation Advocacy
- Lived experience wisdom
- Second chance success stories
- Community building expertise
Mission & Impact
Their combined presence within Grow It strengthens the Foundation's mission: to plant seeds of opportunity, grow leaders from underserved communities, and prove that even those once labeled as weeds can grow into towering examples of resilience, creativity, and leadership. Through their literary empowerment programs, they transform personal pain into published power, ensuring that every story becomes a stepping stone to success.
From Cell to Shelf Initiative
Under Kwame's guidance, the "From Cell to Shelf" program represents the pinnacle of literary transformation. Participants learn not just to write their stories, but to build sustainable publishing careers, create multimedia content, and establish themselves as voices of change in their communities. This initiative embodies the Foundation's core belief that with the right tools and mentorship, anyone can transform their darkest chapters into their brightest opportunities.
Literary Empowerment Programs
Discover our writing, publishing, and storytelling programs designed to transform personal experiences into powerful narratives.