Kendrick Simpson was a poet, a friend, a father, a grandfather, a son, and a loving community member. On February 12, 2026, Kendrick was executed by the state of Oklahoma. You can learn more about Kendrick here.

Kendrick’s life was marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to education and the arts. He was the first person in Oklahoma to earn his GED while on Death Row, and he excelled in several college courses, demonstrating his dedication to learning even in the most challenging circumstances.

During his time at Rose State, Kendrick published poetry in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the school’s literary journal, Pegasus. In 2024, he was a finalist for the James Axley Fiction and Poetry award for his poem, “Who Am I.” Kendrick also published a book of poetry, essays, and short stories written from Death Row, titled Sentenced to Speak: Ruminations of a Triggered Mind. He dedicated the sales of his book and any other donations to the creation of a writing award for a Department of Corrections student at Rose State, hoping to inspire others to find their voice through writing.

Please join us in honoring Kendrick’s memory by supporting this award. Your donation will go directly to the creation of the writing award, helping to keep his legacy alive and inspire future writers from the Department of Corrections. Thank you for your support.