Amy Guyger, the White former Texas officer who killed unarmed Botham Jean, a Black man in his home, was found guilty of murder last month. Race normally wouldn’t or shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to a tragedy, but with the inequalities in the U.S. criminal justice system it will most likely be a part of the conversation. As an incarcerated Black man, what surprised me were a few events that took place that shocked most people and sparked many debates from those incarcerated and those on the outside. First, a police officer was held … [Read more...] about Reflecting on the Texas murder of an unarmed Black man
Editorial
Wall City Volume 2 Issue 2: The Women’s Issue
These pages are written by women, about women. Here’s why. How powerful is a voice when no one will hear the cries? “Everyone has a voice, but not everybody has a platform,” said Tracy Brumfield. Brumfield is the founder of RISE Up News. She is one of the formerly incarcerated women featured in our “Over the Wall” section. Her statement made me imagine someone alone in the woods surrounded by mountain-high trees. The person starts to scream at the top of their lungs, look- ing for a way out, but no one hears them. Not a soul … [Read more...] about Wall City Volume 2 Issue 2: The Women’s Issue
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
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
Starting off 2019’s resolution by being their best self
I am motivated when people believe in me. I used to do things to please others Every year starts with so much promise. During the first quarter of the year, everyone believes in their full potential, especially me. New Year’s resolutions are a person’s desire to be different — better. Everyone starts the New Year with at least one resolution. Some want to lose weight, others want to exercise more, some want to spend less and others want to make more. I have noticed that most resolutions that involve weight control … [Read more...] about Starting off 2019’s resolution by being their best self
San Quentin News’ historical journey
It is a well-known fact among the San Quentin News staff that former Warden Clinton T. Duffy wanted inmates to voice their opinions about whatever subjects they felt comfortable addressing. Duffy’s creation, San Quentin News, was the beginning of inmate journalism at San Quentin and an opportunity given at the time to increase public safety and strive for social justice. It is a well-known fact among the San Quentin News staff that former Warden Clinton T. Duffy wanted inmates to voice their opinions about whatever subjects they felt … [Read more...] about San Quentin News’ historical journey
Remembering a great brother, father, son and friend
Arnulfo Timoteo Garcia was our mentor and best friend. He died in a car crash shortly after gaining parole, but I still feel his hand guiding everyone in the San Quentin News family to do the best for our community, including our advisers, volunteers and prison administrators. He’d always say: Moving forward! When we first met, I didn’t see myself working for a prison newspaper. But Arnulfo saw a reporter in me. He brought me into the San Quentin News family and it ended up being the most important job I’ve ever … [Read more...] about Remembering a great brother, father, son and friend
San Quentin’s big transition as non-designated facility
San Quentin State Prison’s transition from a General Population (GP) facility to a non-designated programming facility has uncovered old prejudices and uncommon collaborations. The inmate response to the new housing designation is as diverse as the prison population. Most inmates have been indifferent to the inflow of newcomers, while others have been cautious and alert. Some prisoners transferred out of San Quentin because they did not want to deal with the unknown. Few inmates, and administrators, could predict what was going to … [Read more...] about San Quentin’s big transition as non-designated facility
Reflexiones de un Hombre sobre mujeres
“Las mujeres maduran más pronto que los hombres” esto es algo que escuche con frecuencia al ir creciendo. Cuando reflexiono acerca de mi niñez y de los hombres con quien me he asociado, es fácil de darme cuenta de la veracidad de este comentario. Recuerdo a mujeres que han tenido que criar a sus hijos por si solas y me preguntaba dónde estaba el padre en ese momento. ¿Amaban estos padres a sus hijos? ¿Dejaron estas mujeres a sus esposos por abusadores así como mi madre dejo a mi padre? Quizás sus hijos terminarían como yo en prisión. Es … [Read more...] about Reflexiones de un Hombre sobre mujeres
A chance to change is always welcomed
At age 18, I was arrested and sent to Deuel Vocational Institution in 1992. Prisoners called it Tracy or “The Gladiator School.” It was my first time in prison. I didn’t know anyone there. I was scared. The established prisoners came up to me and asked, “Where you from? What’s your name? What gang you in?” Although I answered every question, I didn’t really fit in anywhere, and I felt like I had to. Since then, I’ve been to many prisons and hung out with different people. And, at every new prison, I was asked the same questions all over … [Read more...] about A chance to change is always welcomed