The No Limits Dance Crew pumped up the crowd with their Gangnam Style performance in San Quentin’s H-unit Chapel. Left to Right: Steven Minor, prisoner dancer, Jonathan Terry, Britton Schutte and Salvador Hernandez The seven-person dance crew garnered cheers from the crowd as they danced to the song “Gangnam Style.” “We’re so good its criminal!” one dancer yelled right before the first of four showings began. The No Limits Dance Crew with San Quentin staff performing a dance in front of an audience Ms. Bridges, a clinician … [Read more...] about Bringing dance to the Big House: Gangnam Style
Connecticut brings new rehabilitation model to prison
Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy has employed a groundbreaking rehabilitation model in one correctional institution which may influence incarceration throughout the country. The idea for the program called T.R.U.E was developed during several research trips to German prisons be- tween 2013 and 2015, when government officials, including Governor Malloy, witnessed inmates performing tasks such as cooking their own meals, locking their own doors, and wearing civilian clothing. “When you first come into the American prison, your dignity is left … [Read more...] about Connecticut brings new rehabilitation model to prison
Shifting the way we count incarcerated persons
A new law will give California prisoners political power by counting them as residents of their home communities rather than in the communities where they are incarcerated, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. The practice, which will be implemented after the 2020 census and subsequent redistricting process, is expected to shift political power from conservative rural areas toward more liberal cities. “It’s going to make a big difference, especially in the viability of our African-American state Senate seats,” said former state … [Read more...] about Shifting the way we count incarcerated persons
Elderly prisoners in India granted early parole
Some elderly prisoners in India may be granted early parole because of major overcrowding, according to an article in Hindustan Times. Prisons in the state of Uttar Pradesh currently hold 60,504 prisoners, compared to against a designed capacity of 35,870, the article reported. The state government is implementing measures to evaluate whether certain elderly inmates serving life sentences should be released on the grounds that they no longer pose a threat to society. “May God grant me release from the world,” said a 92-year-old … [Read more...] about Elderly prisoners in India granted early parole
Gang violence in El Salvador often cited as reason for asylum
Rampant gang violence in El Salvador is forcing many people to flee the country, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Two gangs, MS-13 and Barrio 18, regularly murder and extort people in their own neighborhoods, the Nov. 2 story reported. This is one explanation for the waves of migrants seeking to enter the U.S. either by petitioning for asylum or by entering illegally, the newspaper stated. “As a worker and as a human being you can’t live in this country in peace,” explains El Salvadoran Jose … [Read more...] about Gang violence in El Salvador often cited as reason for asylum
President Trump’s federal appointments lack diversity
President Donald J. Trump has secured lifetime appointments for dozens of federal judges who do not represent the diversity of the American public, according to an article by NPR. The Republican-controlled Senate has confirmed President Trump’s nominations for a group of judges that consists mostly of White men. “Of his 48 appellate nominations, none are African- American,” said Vanita Gupta of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “None are Latino. Only nine are women. Our nation’s great diversity should be … [Read more...] about President Trump’s federal appointments lack diversity
Magick helps man to survive the row
An Arkansas inmate performed ceremonial “ magick” to help him survive Death Row, reported an article in The Guardian. Damien Echols said he summoned an angel through magick (which he believes is a mixture of gnostic Christianity, esoteric Judaism, and Taoist energy practices) to protect himself. “It had no discernible facial features. But I knew it was an angel,” Echols said, “and I got why angels in the Bible say ‘be not afraid’ when they show up, because this thing was terrifying.” Echols and two friends were convicted of … [Read more...] about Magick helps man to survive the row
Immigrants face challenges after they are released by the US government
Immigrants face challenges long after they are released by the U.S. government. Tens of thousands of migrant adults, including most asylum-seekers, are required to wear electronic tracking bracelets around their ankles at all times. One asylum-seeker, whose lawyer asked to have his name withheld, has been required to wear an ankle monitor for more than a year. The monitor needed to be charged three times a day to prevent a loud “low battery” warning. He was fired from his job at a construction site after his boss heard his monitor go off … [Read more...] about Immigrants face challenges after they are released by the US government
Viral image fundraising campaign for 2-year-old asylum seeker
A heart-rending viral image of a 2-year-old girl crying as she and her mother are detained at the U.S.- Mexico border inspired two people to begin a fund-raising campaign. Their project also went viral, raising $4,000 a minute, reported The Verge. Charlotte and Dave Wilner originally started the campaign to raise $1,500, enough to help pay the bond fees for the 2-year-old girl’s mother, who is an asylum- seeker from Honduras. Under the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, people caught crossing the U.S.- Mexico border illegally … [Read more...] about Viral image fundraising campaign for 2-year-old asylum seeker