James Benson on drums and Darryl Farris on bass The San Quentin Music Program kicked off its summer concert series with a socially conscious Juneteenth Celebration on the prison’s Lower Yard. The June 15 jamboree provided funk, soul, oldies but goodies and rap music to a yard that was full of activities, from basketball to exercising. Even the smoke from the Native Americans’ sweat lodge didn’t distract the crowd of more than 60 people from surrounding the stage for a musical interlude. Kevin D. Sawyer on background vocals and … [Read more...] about San Quentin kicks off its summer concert series
Grammy-nominated Nipsey Hussle remembered
Nipsey Hussle Happy Birthday and rest in peace, Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom. On March 31, the late rapper was gunned down in front of The Marathon Clothing store, his place of business in the Crenshaw District of South Los Angeles. Nipsey Hussle would have been 34 years old on August 15. I didn’t know you as person- ally, but I bought your 2019 Grammy-nominated debut al- bum “Victory Lap” and a couple of your mix tapes “Slauson Boy Volume 1” and “Bullets Got No Names Volume 1-3.” Your tragic murder made me reflect on my own … [Read more...] about Grammy-nominated Nipsey Hussle remembered
A walk on the yard sends youth to camp
Visitors and inmates making the circle of peace at the Lower Yard “We march in solidarity, we all are behind bars,” were the lyrics of a rap song that blared through a massive speaker on San Quentin’s Lower Yard. The song captured the voices and themes of SQ Project Avary’s 3rd Annual “March for the Next Generation.” The June 22 event had inmate Philippe “Kells” Kelly and Eric McCanty of Project Avary rapping those powerful words in front of a host of prisoners and guests. Cesar of Project Avary peroforming “Incarceration carries … [Read more...] about A walk on the yard sends youth to camp
New York parolees renovated transition house
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