Eric Calvin

Chapter Organizer | New Orleans

Eric was born in New Orleans but raised in Baton Rouge, LA. After serving 25 years of a 170-year prison sentence, Eric won his freedom through parole as a direct result of one of VOTE’s priority bills successfully becoming law (Act 122).

 Before officially joining staff as a Chapter Organizer, Eric advocated with VOTE on the inside. He was a Mission Possible member leader – organizing and empowering others to take action to address issues.  

While incarcerated, Eric educated himself and earned a BA in Christian Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He also served as a staff writer and reporter for “The Angolite” covering prison events and statewide, national and international issues, particularly related to criminal justice. Eric has a heart for people and on the inside, he served as a mentor for the Court Corrections Reentry Program for 8 years and co-founded programs to assist others struggling with addictions and behavior issues. This includes the Behavior Management Program in Angola for which he will be returning this year to serve as the keynote speaker for graduation.  

Eric has a creative side. He is an illustrator and painter who loves the process of creating art whether using acrylics or color pencils. His passion for art and the role it has played in his life encouraged him to co-create Art Tech Academy which uses art therapy to help youth tap into their hidden talents and find ways to make better decisions in life.  

Eric is passionate about empowering people impacted by incarceration and unjust laws. And when he has time, he loves to play video games, especially ones involving cars and driving.