The founder and executive director of Barrios Unido, Daniel “Nane” Alejandrez, came to San Quentin on July 19 to discuss his commitment to the community, prison and county jail reform, and the California criminal justice system.
Alejandrez’s life story is no different from that than many men of color who grew up in low-income communities.
He said that he struggled as a youth; at age 13, he stabbed a young man, and at 17 he shot someone. He later became addicted to heroin and used drugs while serving in the Army in Vietnam. Heroin also affected other family members. He suffered from addiction until 1986 at age 37.
His life turned around after he was exposed to the words of peace and human rights from Cesar Chavez while harvesting melons.
“In 1977, I had 11 family members in prison,” Alejandrez said. “Over the years, 35 members of my family went to prison, and today, 20 of them are still in prison, including my grandson.”
“Prisons are not the answer,” Alejandrez said. He said he wants to break the cycle of perpetual incarceration.
“We had a prison cell on display for an art exhibit by inmates from Pelican Bay Prison Security Housing Unit that received much attention,” Alejandrez said. “In constructing an interactive prison cell, we hope to bring insight and awareness of the realities of incarceration. It will provide an opportunity for individuals to step into the environment and get a sense of what it’s like to be incarcerated.”
Barrio Unidos plans to take the prison model to schools, universities, courthouses and other educational events.
Barrios Unidos, formed in 1977, is a multi-cultural nonprofit organization based in Santa Cruz. Its aim is to stop acts of youth violence by promoting self-worth and value. The organization addresses conflict resolution in the community through education and awareness as techniques to unite people.
“We hope to encourage people to support alternatives to incarceration policy and legislation,” Alejandrez said. “It’s a major undertaking, I know, but I’m pushing to rebuild my community. There are so many things wrong in our community today. I travel all over the world to promote the work of Barrios Unidos.”
Alejandrez has been going into jails and prisons like Tracy, Vacaville, Soledad and Salinas Valley “to educate those who think that they are forgotten.”
“When I go into those prisons, I wear Pachuco clothes, like Stacy Adams shoes and Pendleton shirts, so that those who still struggle can relate to me,” Alejandrez said.
Once while walking out of Soledad, a captain told him, “I don’t understand why those guys listen to you, but they won’t listen to me.”
Alejandrez believes safer and stronger communities can happen only through leaders who will face today’s challenges, such as gang activities and violence.
“Advocates and leaders of these troubled communities must build coalitions to overcome these acts of disruption,” he said.
Alejandrez’s cultural, spiritual and non-violent principles come from César Chavez’s fundamental tenets and dedication to social justice and economic equity. He says the voice and words of César Chavez still echo with him today.
“Barrios Unidos is devoted to non-violence,” Alejandrez said. “We are connected all over the United States, despite the fact that we are small. We must teach the youth to face their challenges every day.
“My organization will not accept contributions or any support from beer companies because their values and beliefs destroy the moral fiber of a healthy community,” Alejandrez said.
Recently, Danny Glover’s Profiles Series and Stone Soup for the World featured stories that brought national attention to the Barrios Unidos program.
“We have established silk-screening businesses that put money back into the community to stop the violence,” Alejandrez said. “We are helping the young kids turn their lives around. We are building positive self-esteem and cultural pride through meaningful activities.”
Alejandrez is a graduate from University of California, Santa Cruz, with a degree in communication and media.
For information about Barrios Unidos, write to: Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos, 1817 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
