Ex prisoner working on renovation Parolees leaving New York’s prisons were having trouble finding housing, so they took matters into their own hands, with help from the New Beginnings program, which bought a vacant dilapidated dwelling for the formerly incarcerated men renovate. New Beginnings is a transitional housing program in New York and was created by Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison to deal with the reentry issue. “It was a huge leap...a magnificent leap of faith,” Damian Rossney, project manager for New … [Read more...] about New York parolees renovated transition house
Editorial: Marcus Henderson
Marcus Henderson I am proud to have worked and walked the journey of prison journalism with a remarkable group of men for the past five years. These dedicated men have produced the award winning San Quentin News while also balancing college and rehabilitative programs. That hard work has paid off for some of those in the newsroom: Six of our fellow staff members received commutations from former Gov. Jerry Brown, while other staff members have been “found suitable” by the parole board and are home now. I am honored to have my name … [Read more...] about Editorial: Marcus Henderson
America struggles with racial identity 50 years after Malcolm X
Malcolm X adressing the crowd When an icon dies in a hail of bullets for his ideas, beliefs and works, the community forever mourns the loss of potential progress. More than 50 years after the death of Malcolm X [El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz] America is still struggling with the rise of White nationalism, Black on Black crime and police brutality. In the 1960s, Malcolm X represented the hope of Black manhood. His intelligence and uncompromising speeches made him a people’s champion, plus he was formerly incarcerated. “White folks do not … [Read more...] about America struggles with racial identity 50 years after Malcolm X
RISE founder helps returning citizens rebuild their lives
Tracy Brumfield After incarceration Tracy Brumfield did not sit back with her arms crossed when it came to her recovery and reentry: She founded RISE, a newspaper and resource guide to help Cincinnati’s returning citizens get the services they need to rebuild their lives, reported on RISE website. Brumfield overcame drug addiction, homelessness and unemployment before running her own business. She launched RISE (Reenter Into Society Empowered) in 2017. The first edition was called the Recovery issue. “Five years ago, I was downstairs … [Read more...] about RISE founder helps returning citizens rebuild their lives
A Mother’s Day never forgotten for Ayoola Mitchell
Ayoola Mitchell On Mother’s Day in 2010, Ayoola Mitchell’s middle son, D.V., was murdered in Oakland. His killer was never found. Fifteen months before that incident, in January 2009, Mitchell’s oldest son survived 17 gunshot wounds. Again, the assailants were never prosecuted. “After experiencing trauma and/or tragedy, you either become bitter or you become better. One thing for sure, you will not be the same,” said Mitchell, a long-time San Quentin volunteer. Ayoola shares her experiences in various prison forums and … [Read more...] about A Mother’s Day never forgotten for Ayoola Mitchell
San Quentin’s 52nd annual Native American Pow Wow
Healing sister, Mike “Lil Voice” Powell & Gregory “White Eagle” Coates dancing to bless the ceremony Native American spiritual leaders from across California and the na- tion brought the spirit of family and the traditional healing dances to San Quentin’s 52nd annual Pow Wow. Colorful dancers from Oklahoma and elders from Oregon mixed with the local Native American prisoners to celebrate the sacred circle of life. “We came to let the men know that they are warriors and not gang members. A warrior takes care of his family,” said … [Read more...] about San Quentin’s 52nd annual Native American Pow Wow
Celebrating the contributions of athletic programs
Mike Kramer and Anthony Redwood got an award The triumphs, defeats and the power of fellowship were on full display at San Quentin’s Inaugural Athletics Assn. Banquet. Kevin Rumon, volunteer track coach for the 1000 Mile Club and cancer survivor was honored. He was recognized for his resilience. While battling cancer and going through chemo, Rumon defied the odds and returned every Friday for the club races. “I believed I had to surround myself with positive people,” said Rumon. “I get a hundred times more out of this than I give and … [Read more...] about Celebrating the contributions of athletic programs
Ida B. Wells: early Black journalist and activist
Ida B. Wells Before Black Lives Matter, and before former San Francisco 49er Colin Kaepernick took a knee, there was Ida B. Wells. She was a pioneering journalist with a social conscience who laid the foundations of resistance to racial injustice and violence against Black people. “Out of their own mouths, murderers shall be condemned,” wrote Wells in A Red Record, referring to murder by lynching. Beyond her journalism, Wells, who died in 1931, devoted her life to social justice and activism. Her special cause was to open the … [Read more...] about Ida B. Wells: early Black journalist and activist
Storytelling: bridging the divide between prison and the free world
Performance of Women Theater Work at LA Trade-Tech Center The “right road lost/FOUND” is a play based on the memories, life stories and experiences of five formerly incarcerated men and women who navigate their personal paths through reentry into the free world. The production had its debut at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC), a community college in South Los Angeles. It was also performed at the Los Angeles County Probation Department. The performance piece is based on the writing of Antoineeta Phillips, Pam Torrence, … [Read more...] about Storytelling: bridging the divide between prison and the free world
Rap music offered a fresh new voice for the Black community
Public Enemy In the 1980s, rap music became a powerful expression of Black youth. Public Enemy led the way in establishing a Black social consciousness in contrast to the prevailing narratives of violence and materialism. The group consisted of Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Terminator X, Professor Griff and the S1Ws, which stands for Security of the First World. The group produced studio albums, “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” and “A Fear of a Black Planet,” which raised the political awareness for … [Read more...] about Rap music offered a fresh new voice for the Black community