Archives for September 2015

San Quentin State Prison was a place for fundraising and community building during the July 11-12 weekend—all in pursuit of finding a cure for a dreaded disease.
“This isn’t about us getting money,” said inmate Rodney Capell, emcee for the seventh Avon 39 Walk Against Breast Cancer, sponsored by San Quentin CARES. “It’s about taking an interest in what’s happening in our community.”
“Being a part of The Walk, The Amala Foundation, Shakespeare, Artistic Ensemble and The Drama Team helps make me a better person, which makes the community I’m involved with a better community,” Capell said. “When I walk away from this event, I feel empowered.”
The two-day event attracted a crowd of about 75 donors, including inmates, community members and prison staff.
The donors gathered around a makeshift stage on the prison’s Lower Yard to receive prayers on the first day from Protestant Chaplain Mardi Jackson, followed by inmate Kevin Valvardi for the Catholic Church and SQ staff member Hector Frank Heredia, the Native American spiritual leader at San Quentin.
Inmates Ronnie Cooper for Buddhists and Mike Loftin for Native Americans led prayers on the second day.
“What inspired me to do this is that I have a mother and six sisters who could be affected by breast cancer. And, I had an aunt who had cancer,” said San Quentin CARES co-founder and inmate Stephen Pascascio, who said, “It seems like the right thing to do. So far the inmates donated about $1,500 in two and a half weeks.”
Some of the inmate donors make as little as 18 cents an hour.
“They still help out by giving what they can,” Pascascio said. “Their hearts are so compassionate.”
“This event shows that San Quentin does care,” said Community Partnership Manager Steve Emrick. “It sheds a good light on the men to show that they support the community.”
Planning Committee volunteers Shannon Gordhamer and Berklee Donavan said they have been planning for this day since February.
“The biggest challenge was navigating the many, many layers and channels of the prison system to get things done,” Gordhamer said. She added that San Quentin State Prison walkers are registered as a single walker with Avon 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer fundraisers.
In the six years San Quentin CARES has sponsored the walk inside this prison, more than $42,000 has been raised, Gordhamer said.
“Many people find out that their loved one has cancer and it makes them feel powerless,” Gordhamer said. “So, involving themselves in the walk is something tangible they can do to show their support. It’s very inspiring—coming out to walk 39 miles in two days is a huge personal accomplishment.” She added, “Even though we’re in separate places we’re a part of something together.”
Gordhamer said the goal for outside donations is $10,000.
Outside donations may be made to San Quentin CARES by going to: http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/SQCARES7.
Donavan said the biggest challenge for her was getting outside volunteers to participate.
“I was asked to help and did not hesitate,” Donavan said.
“The walk brings out the humanity inside this place. People ask me whether I walk with the inmates and when I tell them that we walk together, they seem somewhat surprised. I tell them that the men inside here have families who are affected by cancer just like people on the outside,” she said.
As the walk went on, SQ staffer Kim Bailey took the stage, talking about her sisters and mom who did not survive cancer.
Before her mom passed away, Bailey experienced a walk at San Quentin while sitting in a chair with her mom, taking in the event. “Some of the guys came up to my mother and gave her support,” Bailey said, “Anybody who did that, I thank you, because it made her very happy.”
After hearing a couple of community members take to the stage and give support for the walk, Pascascio resumed the walking by playing music by local Marin County musician Audrey Auld, who, Pascascio said, is battling cancer. The first song, Hey Warden, was developed in a songwriting workshop Auld held at San Quentin last year.

INMATES SAY WHY THEY DONATE AND WALK:

San Quentin CARES co-founder, Sam Johnson: It gives me the opportunity to be a part of the community. My dad, Chris; sister-in-law, Pam; and brother-in law, Anthony, died of cancer. It’s good to see people supportive and contributing to defeating this disease. It affects millions of people. It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of this, so that the outside people can see what we do.
Darnell “Moe” Washington: I’m walking for my auntie, Me-Me, and my uncle Michael who died of cancer. In spite of being behind bars, I really like to be able to give back. It goes to show no matter where you’re at, you can be a part of helping others.
Jerome Boone: I believe in the cause. I know it affects people, almost all of us, in some kind of way. I just want to be a part of a greater thing.
Antwan “Banks” Williams: My grandmother is a survivor of breast cancer. It’s not about us. It’s about showing support. People need us. They need us in the right frame of mind.
Rodney Capell: Even though this negative thing brings us together, it is not a negative event. We are sharing a burden. We are finding comfort in each other.
Lamar “Maverick” Harrison: This is an opportunity for me to make amends and feel like I’m doing something.
Kevin Pryor: This is my third walk. I’m walking on behalf of my mother, Eunice Collins. I used to send her the pink wristband. My mom lost her battle to breast cancer last year on April 10. I shared this with a friend in Atlanta, Vanessa V. Love-Hundson. She shared that she is a breast cancer survivor. This year, I’ll send her the wristband.
Dennis Crookes: There’s been people in my family who had cancer. I’m walking for my mom. There was this kid who died of cancer when I was young. That affected me.
Habib Watkins: I’m walking for my sister, Thelma Thomas who passed away in 1987.
Lionel Bradley: I’m walking for my mother, Maggie and my daughters, Juannsha and Juanneka. They are women and I’m concerned about them having to face breast cancer as all women do.
Mark Tedeschi: I’m walking for my mom and all breast cancer survivors. My mom had breast cancer and died from complications following surgery at age 52.
Anthony Thomas: I’m walking to help find a cure for cancer, and to help people understand that there’s all kinds of cancer and it involves everyone. I’m just trying to give back.
Ronnie Cooper: My mother died from cancer, so this walk is personal. It makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.
Doug Ingham: I’m doing this to support the men I’m walking with. I lost my mom to lung cancer 10 years ago. When I called my daughter this weekend and told her what I’m doing she got excited and told me that she’s making a donation, too. There’s three of us who are walking as a team (myself, Ronnie Cooper, and Ted Potter) for San Quentin’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Elena Tootell, and we are the Moving Meditation Team, which is a program designed to help the diabetics.
James Metters: Coming from the perspective of a rehabilitated inmate, the walk gives me an opportunity to give back and makes me feel a part of the community.
Mesro: I’m walking for all the survivors everywhere. I want them to know that I’m fighting with them. When they survive, I survive, too.
Alliance For CHANGE, Pre-President, Isaiah (Abdur Raheem) Thompson-Bonilla: It’s time we stop talking about the problem and start doing something about it…walking for a cure. It’s time to change the narrative.
Alberto Mendez: I walk for my little nephew who was born with cancer. Where I come from in Mexico, there’s a lot of toxic waste. I also walk for all the women who will have to face breast cancer at some time in their life.
Tommy “Shakur” Ross: I’m walking because I think it’s a beautiful thing to do for breast cancer awareness. It’s a sense of community, and awareness. It’s a beautiful day with the music. It’s about honoring the women.
Brian Asey: I’m walking because it is the first time I’m able to donate. My mother expressed to me that she’s been going to the doctor, but she hasn’t told me that it might be breast cancer. It’s different when it affects you personally.
Morgan Tyson: My mother and brother had cancer. Not only that, I have a great deal of respect for women today, which is different from the person who I used to be. Our mothers are the rock of the house. They are the ones that teach us. I have to respect women as someone who walks beside us, not behind us.
Brian Shipp: My sister is fighting breast cancer as we speak. This is a disease that’s widespread, that needs funding and for people to understand that it hits all families. I have a long-time friend, Jamie, who has had a double mastectomy—she’s still living. It changed her life to the point where she doesn’t want to have boyfriends.
Richard Zorns: I’m walking because I care.
Joga Sandher: I lost four members to cancer. I walk to support the cause any way—to be a part of the breast cancer walk.

After being a drug addict, doing time in prison, then giving a valedictory speech, Rodney Goldson declared that getting a GED diploma made him feel like he was “standing on top of the world.”
“I found myself having self-worth as I achieved each educational goal,” Goldson told an audience of about 300 guests. “It helped me overcome low self-esteem. I hope that my achievement today would inspire others to work toward their education.”
The graduates’ family members were able to witness San Quentin State Prison Robert E. Burton Adult School’s annual graduation ceremony on July 24. Also in attendance were prison administrators, volunteer literacy educators, academic and vocational teachers and fellow inmates. The event was held in the prison’s Protestant Chapel.
“I am standing in one of the most forward-thinking prisons in the country,” said the keynote speaker, San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi.
Mirkarimi stressed to the audience the importance of “educating those who are in our custody without losing sight of the power of redemption.”
“I’m a big believer that the criminal justice system must be a more positive influence on those in custody,” Mirkarimi said, “but particularly on the children of those incarcerated so that there is a greater connection between families. If we’re concerned about the children of the incarcerated, we have to do more to mitigate the negative impact of the separation.”
There were 38 General Education Development (GED) graduates and 13 Career Technical Education certificates earned in Construction Technology. Four graduates from Coastline Community College earned Associate in Arts degrees. Two graduates earned Associate in Arts degrees from Lassen Community College.
Andrew M. Vance earned his GED and is now attending Patten College classes.
He is currently enrolled in a self-help program called GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) and is taking a program to certify him as a domestic violence prevention counselor. He intends to apply to apply for a new hearing before the parole board next year.
Shadeed A. Wallace-Stepter received a Business Certificate from Coastline Community College.
“It’s a payoff to taking these classes,” Wallace-Stepter said. “Now, I know how to develop a business plan, mainly for The Last Mile.”
The Last Mile is a training program at San Quentin that focuses on technology entrepreneurship.
“For my fiancée, [Bambi Williams,] this was a different setting than just the visiting room,” Wallace-Stepter added, “It showed her another aspect of who I am in this community.”
Tare N. Beltranchuc graduated from the Construction Technology program.
In addition to learning how to install solar and wind energy systems, solar thermal energy systems, refrigeration, fire alarms and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems using smart technology, the graduates are certified in various fields of construction such as masonry, roofing and pipe-fitting.
“Even though people make mistakes, this type of event reminds us of the humanity of us all,” said Miguel Salazar, who Beltranchuc describes as a father figure to him. “I’m proud of him. It’s good for everyone to spend time in harmony,” Salazar added.
Tare told his family in Mexico, “Me gustaría mandar un caluroso saludo a toda mi familia de Cancún y decirles que los extraño mucho y este Certificado se los dedico a todos ustedes, especialmente a mi hijo Tare Jr y America.”
“It’s important, once a person earns a degree or makes an accomplishment in here, that there is a tangible and useful purpose on the outside,” said CJ Patterson, who came to see Todd Williams graduate.
Williams earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies/Social Science from Lassen College.
“Don’t send the people through these tasks and not make whatever they learn useful,” Patterson said. “People need to be looked at differently when they leave these places. They have to stop being penalized after they leave these places.”
Williams’ fiancée, [Charlotte Walker,] said, “It was exciting. I’m proud of him. This is showing that they want to improve their lives and it is rehabilitation.”
“You have become the ambassadors of this educational system,” Mirkarimi told the graduates. “You are the definition of what this country is doing right toward prison reform.”
http://sanquentinnews.com/optionb-org-support-group-overcoming-effects-incarceration/

Borey Ai is out of prison, but he’s still not a free man

San Quentin News & Wall City Merchandise

Alliance for Change held a banquet honoring community volunteers and reaffirming its goal to change the narrative. The event featured guest speakers Niaz Kasravi, PhD, and co-founder Nathanial “Shahid” Rouse.
Alliance for Change is a Social Justice group.
“We are bridging worlds and learning from each other,” said Kim Richman, PhD, Alliance president. “It’s time to change the narratives; it can’t wait any longer.”
“We need your voices and determination. I want to thank you and honor you. Keep up the work,” said Kasravi.
She is deputy director of the Anti Recidivism Coalition and the lead researcher and associate for Domestic Human Rights Program of Amnesty International USA. Like Richman, her Ph.D. is in criminology. Kasravi is a former NAACP criminal justice director.
“Every department has a co-leader who is inside and outside (community volunteers). We don’t just talk it; we live it. We help guys not to recidivate and be community leaders,” said Karen Lovaas, a board member on the education team.
“We teach people the different theories of justice and how to achieve it in a pro-social manner. Also, we make sure when people leave prison, they have the resources they need to be successful,” said R. Malik Harris, the inside finance and development co-leader.
These resources include a Welcome Home backpack with a starter cell phone, a Clipper card (public transportation pass), toiletries and assistance in obtaining birth certificates and Social Security cards.
Alliance has campus organization at the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University, according to Nathanial Whitaker.
The event started with Kasravi. The Iranian native spoke of being surprised to find America’s criminal justice system broken. Kasravi said she takes comfort that you can advocate against injustices in American, while exercising dissent in Iran puts your life in danger.
Kasravi took the podium at San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel and said, “The Narrative (tough on crime) we knew was the course to self-destruction. It leads to the U.S. having five percent of the world population but 25 percent of prison population with African-Americans bearing the brunt.
“The new coalition wants to focus on non-violent and drug offenses, but they are missing the point… no one is talking about addressing the racial inequality, the dehumanization. I don’t think they go far enough to discuss why people ended up here in the first place. People need an opportunity for redemption. Do everything you can to never come back and don’t lend credibility to this narrative,” she said to the crowd of about 150 inmates and guests
Rouse spent 30 years incarcerated, but now he’s a registered voter and a married man.
“He’s a case worker, helping marginalized people find affordable housing and health care. He coordinates Alliance’s Bridge Project which offers a support group for newly paroled people in the Bay Area,” said Richman, introducing Rouse.
It was Rouse’s first time back inside after being one of the founders of the group, along with Erin O’Connor and Harris.
“I am looking at a bunch of men who have made the decision to be better men than who they were and the things around them,” said Rouse. “I never expected the crowd I see today, the many faces, the new members. Having a person stop me and say, ‘Thank you for starting this group for the changes it has made in my life is huge.”
A delicious meal was served and cooked by John “Yayah” Parratt, Karl Freelon and Jerry Williams.
Then Thompson-Bonilla spoke.
“Changing the narrative doesn’t mean changing the conversation; it means action,” said Thompson-Bonilla. “The problem with the negative perception is that it stains reality. I’m looking at the men in blue, and I know that it doesn’t fit.”
Afterward, the men in blue gave awards to Marisol Beaulac (case worker), Berklee Donavan (case worker), Lovaas, Nate Whitaker (SFSU Alliance president), Lily O’Neal (re-integration team), Nick Macker, Nathanie Moore (co-leader of education) and President-founding member Dr. Richman.
“It means so much to be recognized,” said Donavan.
“Thank you. This means a lot to all of us, but more than the piece of paper, we appreciate the space that makes this possible,” said Moore.
“We have access to the leaders of tomorrow and today. I think we should take advantage of that,” said Ricky Gaines, the inside event coordinator.
Also honored was Alliance’s chief sponsor. “Mana Jaundoo works an eight-hour day, then comes and sponsors our program. She’s not here because of a terrible family tragedy. We are with her in spirits,” said Richman.
Raphaele Casale was thanked for filling Jaundoo’s shoes, which kept the event from being canceled.
“She’s my sister from another mother with a heart of gold and no agenda. Her cause is my cause,” said Casale about why she answered Jaundoo’s call.
Richman also thanked the administration and Chaplain Mardi Jackson.
The graduates of Alliance for Change, cycle nine, were honored for completing the course on July 13. The Social Justice class is Monday through Thursday for two hours a day. It was the first group for many participants.
Charlie Spence completed the group and became a Pro Team co-leader. He spoke about Alliance’s concept of justice.
”Our relationship with justice is how we treat other people, how we feel about ourselves. Not as a single event in time but as a continual journey over the course of your life — a living and thriving concept in which we are all connected,” said Spence.
The other graduates were Alex Bracamonte, Anthony Clark, Anthony Denard, B. Raheem Ballard, Carlos Smith, Chuck Nicholson, Charles A. Ross, Conrai D. Jackson, Dan Kramer, Darryl Schilling, Gary Contreras, Gary Roberson, Jaime Sanchez, James Brady, Jason Samuel, Kenneth Donaghe, Kenneth J. Vernon, Ladelle Jackson, Ralph Brown, Ramon Watkins, Rodney Roberts, Salvador Zapien, Wayne A. Boatwright, and William Barnhard Jr.
Contreras was recently found suitable for parole.
“If I am lucky enough to get out, I want to thank everybody,” said Contreras.
Darnell “Moe” Washington’s 50th birthday and Donte Smith’s birthday two days later were celebrated by Richman who lead the singing of “Happy Birthday.”
Inmate Shadeed Wallace-Stepter, executive secretary/of public relations, was acknowledged for graduating from Coastline Community College earlier that day as was Travis Westly.
“Great day…a graduation, a proposal and a banquet…it’s as good as a day gets in prison,” Westly said.
He earned an AA degree in social and behavioral science from Coastline Community College, plus his girlfriend accepted his proposal.
Harris gave a speech about six degrees of separation.
“We need to expand this out. You may not think that you know people but you do. You are all connected to Obama through six people. Kim Richman knows Joan Peter-Cilia, who knows Condoleezza Rice, who worked for George Bush, who has been hanging out with Bill Clinton, who knows Obama,” said Harris.
Alliance member Anouthinh Pangthong closed with this comment: “Each and every one of us has a story, a song. How can the world know about us if we stay quiet?”
http://sanquentinnews.com/optionb-org-support-group-overcoming-effects-incarceration/

Restorative Justice’s role in the #metoo movement

Marijuana convictions can be erased

The founder and executive director of Barrios Unido, Daniel “Nane” Alejandrez, came to San Quentin on July 19 to discuss his commitment to the community, prison and county jail reform, and the California criminal justice system.
Alejandrez’s life story is no different from that than many men of color who grew up in low-income communities.
He said that he struggled as a youth; at age 13, he stabbed a young man, and at 17 he shot someone. He later became addicted to heroin and used drugs while serving in the Army in Vietnam. Heroin also affected other family members. He suffered from addiction until 1986 at age 37.
His life turned around after he was exposed to the words of peace and human rights from Cesar Chavez while harvesting melons.
“In 1977, I had 11 family members in prison,” Alejandrez said. “Over the years, 35 members of my family went to prison, and today, 20 of them are still in prison, including my grandson.”
“Prisons are not the answer,” Alejandrez said. He said he wants to break the cycle of perpetual incarceration.
“We had a prison cell on display for an art exhibit by inmates from Pelican Bay Prison Security Housing Unit that received much attention,” Alejandrez said. “In constructing an interactive prison cell, we hope to bring insight and awareness of the realities of incarceration. It will provide an opportunity for individuals to step into the environment and get a sense of what it’s like to be incarcerated.”
Barrio Unidos plans to take the prison model to schools, universities, courthouses and other educational events.
Barrios Unidos, formed in 1977, is a multi-cultural nonprofit organization based in Santa Cruz. Its aim is to stop acts of youth violence by promoting self-worth and value. The organization addresses conflict resolution in the community through education and awareness as techniques to unite people.
“We hope to encourage people to support alternatives to incarceration policy and legislation,” Alejandrez said. “It’s a major undertaking, I know, but I’m pushing to rebuild my community. There are so many things wrong in our community today. I travel all over the world to promote the work of Barrios Unidos.”
Alejandrez has been going into jails and prisons like Tracy, Vacaville, Soledad and Salinas Valley “to educate those who think that they are forgotten.”
“When I go into those prisons, I wear Pachuco clothes, like Stacy Adams shoes and Pendleton shirts, so that those who still struggle can relate to me,” Alejandrez said.
Once while walking out of Soledad, a captain told him, “I don’t understand why those guys listen to you, but they won’t listen to me.”
Alejandrez believes safer and stronger communities can happen only through leaders who will face today’s challenges, such as gang activities and violence.
“Advocates and leaders of these troubled communities must build coalitions to overcome these acts of disruption,” he said.
Alejandrez’s cultural, spiritual and non-violent principles come from César Chavez’s fundamental tenets and dedication to social justice and economic equity. He says the voice and words of César Chavez still echo with him today.
“Barrios Unidos is devoted to non-violence,” Alejandrez said. “We are connected all over the United States, despite the fact that we are small. We must teach the youth to face their challenges every day.
“My organization will not accept contributions or any support from beer companies because their values and beliefs destroy the moral fiber of a healthy community,” Alejandrez said.
Recently, Danny Glover’s Profiles Series and Stone Soup for the World featured stories that brought national attention to the Barrios Unidos program.
“We have established silk-screening businesses that put money back into the community to stop the violence,” Alejandrez said. “We are helping the young kids turn their lives around. We are building positive self-esteem and cultural pride through meaningful activities.”
Alejandrez is a graduate from University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in communication and media.
For information about Barrios Unidos, write to: Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos, 1817 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062.