Nearly two dozen volunteers from the Amala Foundation ventured inside San Quentin on May 31 for an all-day walk, sponsored by Kid CAT, that raised nearly $1,000 from inmate donations.
Amala Foundation is a youth empowerment organization founded by Vanessa Stone. Amala Foundation holds youth summits around the world designed to help youngsters develop communication and community-building skills.
A summit was held in Foresthill June 15 to 20. One is scheduled in Austin, Tex., Aug. 10 to 16 and one in Africa, Meru Kenya, Dec. 29 to Jan. 5 of next year.
“Many of the inmates make as little as 24 cents an hour,” said inmate Stephen Pascascio, one of the originators of the fundraiser. “So, a thousand dollars is a lot to us.”
“This is a day to restore our humanity,” Stone told inmates. “Everyone needs a day like this. Do not underestimate that every step you take gives the youth the opportunity to heal.”
Various religious organizations gave prayers prior to the walk, including the Jewish and Islamic communities, Native Americans and, for the first time at this event, the Protestant and Catholic prayer was performed together.
After the prayers, several children took to the stage to tell stories of their struggle to overcome adversities while growing up. Many concluded by pointing out how coming inside San Quentin and sharing stories brought them a feeling of connection with the inmates they meet.
The first lap on the prison’s Lower Yard was led by Stone and walked in silence. Among the walkers were nearly 250 community volunteers, children from the Amala Foundation and inmates.
One walker, Evelyn Apoko, had been abducted and held captive and survived a bombing raid in war-torn Uganda. Apoko eventually made her way to the United States where she now travels and speaks at schools as a board member of Amala Foundation.
“I’m so honored that you guys gave me the motivation to believe in myself,” Apoko told the crowd. “I witnessed the worst in humanity. Amala Foundation helped me find my voice and see peace and forgiveness. All of you, my brothers, you are helping children in the world who are suffering. Because of you, you allow me to touch many children who are suffering.”
While the walk went on, Amala Foundation volunteers, along with inmates, took to the stage for inspirational speeches and music.
As Texan Cranston “Breez” Smith and inmate Antwan “Banks” Williams performed Heart of a Champion, a crowd gathered around the stage.
“This is the happiest day of my life,” Breez told the walkers. “I look forward to this day 364 days out of the year.”
“I been knocked down but not defeated,” went the lyrics of Heart of a Champion. “You can never count out the heart of a champion.”
During the performance, inmate Robert “Belize” Villafranco entertained the crowd with dance.
Gino Sevacos, Dwight Krizman and Darryl Farris performed a song with one of the Amala Foundation volunteers. “I feel like I’m at a family reunion,” the volunteer said.
“I do a lot of work with Amala, but this is my favorite because it’s shaping my place in this world, Amala volunteer Nanny said. “I’m so inspired by coming in here. I’m so grateful for you guys helping me shine. There have been so many impacts because of it. One of my biggest prayers is to find a way to support men to cry, to have emotions, to be liberated.”
Inmate John Windham, whose son went to a summit sponsored by Amala last year, said the experience was transforming for his son. “After my son saw that his problems weren’t as big as other kids’, it changed him,” Windham said.
The walk concluded with more than 300 men and women forming a circle on the Lower Yard.
“If we can circle up in San Quentin, we can circle everywhere,” Stone said. “This is a reflection of your life. You have been part of a movement that goes beyond your identity. Today you have affirmed your existence. You have aligned with God and grace and humility. This is time to let yourself be seen in the work that you are doing. One village. No separation. There are no walls.” Before breaking the circle, Stone asked all the participants to chant: “Love, Respect, Honesty, Community, one Village.”
“I’m so happy because I feel like I’ve seen my humanity reflected in so many other people,” said Amala Foundation volunteer Savannah. “I’m reminded that there aren’t any barriers between my heart and others.
”Today you guys have provided us a way to find power and meaning in our lives,” Stone said. “You guys have provided something for us and for people you’ll never see. Without a doubt, this circle is tenfold out there.”
God Bless the Day You Were Born was sung as Villafranco danced on his birthday. Next year he goes before the parole board.
“Everything I looked for in life, I’ve found here,” Villafranco said. “Life is what you make it. If I’m living doing God’s work, it doesn’t matter where I am. My life is about service, about giving smiles and getting them back.”