Hasan has been a teaching artist, a touring artist, and a living history Chautauqua Actor/Scholar. He is a founding board member of Kentuckians for the Arts, former Chair and Executive Committee member for Alternate R.O.O.T.S. He has researched, written, and produced three Chautauqua Living History programs and has performed more than 700 shows in 37 states.
In 2016 Hasan wrote his first book, Written Off: How One Man’s Journey Through disability, delinquency, and poverty is transforming The Juvenile Justice System. In 2019 he completed his first children’s book, The Journey of York, Unsung Hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 2022 Hasan completed two book projects, his first full volume of collected poetry, Human Writes, and the long-awaited Epic Graphic Poem, The Race.
Hasan has been recognized for his professional and personal efforts in serving the needs of promising populations experiencing disconnection and disenfranchisement. Through his work in education, juvenile justice, and the arts, Hasan has worked hard to center Hope and relational health in service systems. He is a:
- Rockefeller Foundation, Next Generation Leadership Fellow,
- Council of State Governments, Henry Toll Fellow,
- Education Trust, Family Education fellow,
- South Arts Traditional Artist Fellow, and an
- Annie E. Casey Foundation, Children and Family Fellow.
In 2008 Hasan joined the executive leadership team of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice as Deputy Commissioner of Operation. In 2012 Hasan became Kentucky’s fifth Commissioner of Juvenile Justice. During his tenure, Hasan insured that youth in the system had access to creative outlets from Mural projects to Shakespeare Behind Bars. More importantly, he was instrumental in moving Juvenile Justice reform in Kentucky. Senate Bill 200, which enacted sweeping youth service systems reform, was signed into Law in April of 2014, and is now transforming Kentucky’s juvenile justice and other youth-serving systems.
For more than 30 years Hasan has inspired and motivated youth and adult audiences across the nation and around the world, weaving his personal journey of transformation from Hasan Davis, Juvenile Delinquent to Hasan Davis, Juris Doctor. He uses humor and honesty to show those like him, who have experienced adversity and challenges that they still have power and the ability to find their next success. Hasan is a passionate advocate for the infusion of H.O.P.E. (Humanity, Optimism, Perspective, and Empathy) into the work of building or rebuilding our communities.
Hasan is also in high demand as a keynote speaker, trainer, coach, and consultant to local, state, and national organizations. Hasan takes pride in his ability to get individuals and teams fired up and excited about the important work they do each day, as Hope Dealers, in the service of youth, adults and families. He currently lives in Paint Lick, Kentucky with his wife and two adult sons.
