Sixteen San Quentin inmates have earned Certificates of Accomplishment from the Alliance for CHANGE social justice program. They were presented in front of co-leaders, facilitators, mentors, outside volunteers and guests.
It was the seventh class to complete the 16-week grueling and intense social justice program facilitated by professors from the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University.
During the July 9 ceremonies held in the Arc Building, Dr. Kim Richman and Dr. Karen Lovaas sat in the audience as they watched another group of San Quentin inmates walk to the podium, receive their certificates and share a personal comment about other class participants. For Dr. Lovaas, “It’s a labor of love.”
It was from these personal comments that the audience came to appreciate the hard work and personal development of these individuals. They undertook and completed a very challenging social justice curriculum taught by the Alliance for Change’s Education Department.
Their personal relationships were shared by short stories on how men of different ethnicities and backgrounds experienced something special in the class together. Charlie Spence, co-education leader, said, “Diversification is the platform of the Alliance for Change.”
“Our emphasis is to empower the participant to engage with others and his community. We believe a diverse background bonds relationships,” the co-leader said.
Another co-education leader spoke about one participant who was having difficulty with the study materials. He told the audience, “I am proud of them because they were the first group of guys who worked together outside of the class. This attitude resonated throughout this class,” Chris Deragon said.
To show appreciation for their commitment, dedication and hard work, the Alliance for Change leadership selected four individuals for special awards. They were:
Special Award recipients – Sonny Nguyen and Jose Vieyra
High Honor Award recipient – Cedrick Walter
Accommodation High Excellent recipient – Michael Lane
In her closing remarks to the class, Richman told them to, “Go into the world and do well.”
