By Arnulfo Garcia and Charles David Henry San Quentin News Staff The doors of the Catholic Chapel were swung open to approximately 250 invited guests on Sunday, April 3. They came to dine, fellowship and listen to the smooth sounds of jazz pianist Matthew Lee Jaspar, a quartet of Spanish musicians and songs by Michael […]
Read MoreBy Marcus Henderson Sports Editor In the midst of mass incarceration, Black Lives Matter and an election year, San Quentin prisoners celebrated their Second Annual Black History Month program. “It was a success,” said Shai Alkebu-lan, the inmate program coordinator. “I wish more people would have come, but those who did, I think, would go […]
Read MoreBy Wesley Eisiminger Staff Writer Eighteen students have graduated from the First Step Bible class, a 10-week program of Holy Scripture study at the San Quentin Protestant Chapel. It was the first phase of a 12-month program aimed at preparing the students to become ministers. The initial classes cover introductions to the Old Testament and […]
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By Charles David Henry Journalism Guild Writer Not long ago, they terrorized inner cities across California on a mission of criminal destruction, intimidation, mayhem and death, targeting other gang rivals with malicious intent. On many occasions, there was more gun play and rapid exchange of gunfire from semi- and automatic weapons than on a shooting […]
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By Juan Haines Managing Editor “I never thought I’d be trying to get into prison,” said Titan Gilroy, speaking to an audience of inmates at San Quentin State Prison on Nov. 19, 2015. “I know what it’s like to be in a lockdown cell for six months,” Gilroy continued. “I know what it feels like […]
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By Juan Haines Managing Editor Robert Dunbar’s suicide in 2005 affected the entire San Quentin State Prison community. Patrick Mims, a close friend of Dunbar, said he had no idea or clues that the well-liked Dunbar would take his own life. “When Robert hanged himself, I took a deep breath,” said Mims. “I had just had […]
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By Charles David Henry Journalism Guild Writer San Quentin’s Life of the Law event on Dec. 5 featured inmates and visitors for an evening of delightful storytelling in the Catholic chapel. MCs Rahsaan Thomas and Professor Nigel Poor amused the audience of approximately 200 people as they introduced a combination of lighthearted and tear-jerking stories. […]
Read MoreBy Kevin D. Sawyer Journalism Guild Chairman A November visit from members of Microsoft’s information technology team prompted a dialogue about helping incarcerated Americans overcome one of their biggest obstacles upon returning to society: learning how to use a computer after decades of confinement. San Quentin State Prison teaches a course in vocational computer literacy […]
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By Charles David Henry Journalism Guild Writer The “Brothers in Pen” methodically disappear from the Main Line every Wednesday night. They leave to attend a workshop at San Quentin where they pursue creativity and enhance their imaginations. It’s like going to an artist retreat where the writers hone their craft. After a year of creative effort, […]
Read MoreBy Rahsaan Thomas Staff Writer “I pledge to accompany any victim of crime on their healing journey,” the men in blue recite at every Restorative Justice meeting in San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel. True commitment to that pledge was demonstrated when two transgender people were welcomed as guest speakers at the Saturday, Nov. 21, Restorative Justice […]
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