The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) will provide grant funding to the Prison University Project (PUP) and Ear Hustle, an award-winning podcast. Both organizations are based at San Quentin State Prison. PUP offers more than 350 inmates the opportunity to earn their Associate of Arts degree inside prison. Ear Hustle allows inmates to share their stories about what it’s like to live in prison on a daily basis. “We are thrilled to support Ear Hustle’s efforts to connect with more listeners, and the Prison University Project’s plan to … [Read more...] about Chan Zuckerberg Initiative aids programs
Queeny King performs at SQ
At age 8, singer-song writer Queeny King sang in a Soviet Union prison. In March, she performed at San Quentin State Prison. Dressed in black bell-bottom pants with buttons along the side and wearing a black blazer with a shiny brown blouse, King put on a look that, on its face, could have been interpreted as belonging to rock, goth, punk or the pop genre of music. It became obvious none of that was her once the music played and she started singing. King’s song Run for the Hills opened the early evening performance with DJ Kraig (Frank Tyler) … [Read more...] about Queeny King performs at SQ
New containment system to combat illegal prison cellphones
The use of contraband cellphones by inmates in prison shows an increase in crime and violence across the country, according to a press release in Digital Journal. Because of the alleged increase in crime, Securus Technologies is selling its Wireless Containment Solution (WCS) for operation inside of jails and prisons around the nation, the Journal reported. The private cellphone network operates inside jails and prisons to specifically stop unauthorized communication from contraband cellphones. “This controlled network denies all … [Read more...] about New containment system to combat illegal prison cellphones
50 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of peace
"King’s Dream was to end class divisions and racism" The message of peace and racial justice from Martin Luther King Jr. 50 years ago is still being echoed in 2018 America. Nonviolent protests around the country are seen in recent Occupy Movements, Black Lives Matter, #METOO, Time’s Up, and March for our lives movements. King was assassinated April 4, 1968. And every year Americans remember him on his birthday, now a national holiday. We’re reminded that King was a civil rights pioneer in places such as Alabama and at the historic March on … [Read more...] about 50 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of peace
2011 Realignment had modest impact
California’s 2011 Realignment plan reduced the state’s prison population, increased county jail population and had a modest impact on recidivism, according to a study seven years later. “One goal of Realignment was to reduce California’s persistently high recidivism rates,” the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) report states. “Overall, we find Realignment had modest effects on recidivism, with considerable variation across offender groups and counties.” “Tennessee is 17.1 percent Black, but Blacks make up 69 percent of all … [Read more...] about 2011 Realignment had modest impact
Singer/songwriter Neda Boin brings inspiration to SQ
There is a way to change anger and fear to love, singer-songwriter Neda Boin told an audience of San Quentin prisoners and outside guests. For her, it came after completing A Course in Miracles. Boin came from the Netherlands to release songs from her new album, The Light Has Come, at San Quentin State Prison. About 100 guests attended the February concert held in the Catholic chapel. Boin told the audience that A Course in Miracles: Mastering the Journey from Fear to Love changed her life and inspired her music. “It’s been about feeding … [Read more...] about Singer/songwriter Neda Boin brings inspiration to SQ
FBI report reflects historical similarities
The FBI in 1956 created its secret Counterintelligence Program—COINTELPRO—to take action against Black organizations viewed as subversive. Sixty-one years later, on Aug. 3, 2017, the FBI published an intelligence assessment titled Black Identity Extremists Likely Motivated to Target Law Enforcement Officers. The two FBI approaches had striking similarities, despite the passage of 50 years. The “official use only” Black Identity Extremists report follows the November 2014 Grand Jury decision to exonerate the police officers involved in the … [Read more...] about FBI report reflects historical similarities
Finishing a good deed
A group of California prison inmates serving life sentences has raised more than $1,300 for victims of last year’s Hurricane Harvey. These inmates stand convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances and are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. They’ve changed the meaning of the acronym LWOP that stands for “life without parole” to Lifers With Optimistic Progress (LWOP), an activity group inside the California State Prison - Solano. “This check is being donated on behalf of the LWOP Activity Group at … [Read more...] about Finishing a good deed
San Francisco Opera debuts at San Quentin
Add the San Francisco Opera (SFO) to the list of historic performances and celebrities that have passed through the infamous Bastille by the Bay – San Quentin State Prison. “Your facility has a rich musical history,” said Community Programs Manager Alyssa Stone, who introduced the SFO singers. She noted performances at San Quentin by B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Metallica. “We’re really excited to join that illustrious list of artists today.” Outside guests, medical staff, teachers, associate wardens and at least one captain joined more than 50 … [Read more...] about San Francisco Opera debuts at San Quentin
Shaka Senghor visits prison to speak about change
Shaka Senghor, 45, a consulting producer for Oprah Winfrey’s new program, Released, which debuted on the OWN cable television network, visited San Quentin State Prison in November 2017. Senghor said he wants to collaborate with men in prison. He knows about incarceration because he served time, 19 years in prison for second-degree murder in Michigan. Seven of those years were in solitary confinement. “I spent two decades with these men,” said Senghor. “Friends don’t leave friends behind.” He said there’s no turning back to that past life, … [Read more...] about Shaka Senghor visits prison to speak about change