Jelly Roll continues to inspire far beyond the music charts—this time with a major honor on the world stage. Over the weekend, he was awarded the Global Literacy Award at the 2025 World Literacy Summit held in Oxford, England.
The award recognized Jelly Roll for his “global influence on literacy,” a tribute to his advocacy work and the power of his personal story. He didn’t just receive the award—he also served as the keynote speaker, delivering a heartfelt address titled:
“The Journey of a Little Boy from Broken to ‘Beautifully Broken’.”
In his speech, Jelly Roll shared his journey from a troubled childhood and incarceration to becoming a beloved artist and advocate. He used the platform to call attention to a powerful cause: the urgent need to improve foundational literacy within the justice system, especially for youth offenders.
He spoke passionately about ensuring that incarcerated young people have access to educational programs and resources, giving them a fighting chance to rewrite their own stories—just as he did.
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