The idea behind the California Re-entry Institute (CRI) is to begin the re-integration process in prison and continue support services once released. The 18-24-month-to-the- gate program recently graduated more than 50 men in San Quentin State Prison’s Garden Chapel on Sept. 7 from its two programs of Crime Impact Awareness and Empowered Re-entry. “It’s amazing the work they’ve done,” CRI executive director Collette Carroll said. “They come every Saturday. They work hard. They share. They ask for case management. “They are always … [Read more...] about 50 men graduate from California Re-entry Institute
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Florida hosts prison reform conference – FICPFM
More than 50 social justice organizations led by formerly incarcerated people met in Orlando, Fla., last month. The occasion was the second national gathering of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement ( FICPFM ). The first national gathering took place in Oakland in 2016. By Andrew Beale Contributing Writer The conference’s theme this year was “A Quest for Democracy,” and its location allowed attendees to pursue that quest by getting out the vote for Amendment Four, a ballot item that Floridians will vote on … [Read more...] about Florida hosts prison reform conference – FICPFM
CCWP advocates mount a fight to end LWOP
Advocates are mounting a fight to end the other death penalty—life without the possibility of parole. These “hidden death sentences” mean prisoners must live the rest of their lives in “prisons with extraordinarily high suicide rates, with substandard medical, dental, and mental health care and with scant rehabilitative programs. Prisons rife with gang violence, racism, and despair,” said Kenneth Hartman in a Truthout article. Hartman was recently released from a life without possibility of parole sentence by the California Parole Board, … [Read more...] about CCWP advocates mount a fight to end LWOP
Law enforcement and prisoners come together in Barbershop Dialogue
Law enforcement personnel and incarcerated men met in San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel on Sept. 21 for a first-of-its-kind forum. The idea came from the 2009 New Year’s Eve killing of Oscar Grant by a BART police officer. Jack Bryson’s two sons were with Grant. “That incident made me become a community organizer,” Bryson said in an interview with San Quentin News. “But when I got into the community and met with the people call- ing themselves working to bring justice to Oscar’s death, I didn’t like what I was seeing. Everyone had their own … [Read more...] about Law enforcement and prisoners come together in Barbershop Dialogue
San Quentin holds 15th Annual Health Fair
Hundreds of prisoners formed long lines on San Quentin’s Lower Yard at the prison’s 15th Annual Health Fair on Aug. 24. Stations were set up throughout the prison where volunteers offered medical services and wellness information, ranging from blood pressure checks and chiropractic services to mental health seminars, diabetes tests and nutritional information. In total, 156 volunteers served more than 2,000 prisoners throughout the day. “It’s important for everyone to have the education to take care of themselves,” said Madeline … [Read more...] about San Quentin holds 15th Annual Health Fair
Project Avary march
When a parent winds up behind bars, the children suffer the stigma of that incarceration. That was the message from Project Avary attending San Quentin’s 2nd Annual “March for the Next Generation.” The Sept. 8 march brought together prisoners and young adults, who have been affected by having an incarcerated parent. Project Avary (Alternative Ventures for At-risk Youths) teamed up with San Quentin’s Kid CAT (Creating Awareness Together) youth offender program in organizing the march. “Growing up, the family tells you not to talk about … [Read more...] about Project Avary march
S.Q. Warriors take trophy back
The San Quentin Warriors won again! For the second straight year, the prison’s premiere basketball team beat the Golden State Warriors squad of staffers 93-85 in a community atmosphere that featured NBA-playoff intensity. The victory had particular significance for San Quentin power forward Harry “ATL” Smith, who paroled a few days after the game. “All praise is due to God,” Smith said. “It’s bigger than basketball. This program has really been my family. When I get out, I plan to continue repping the Warriors and Jesus … [Read more...] about S.Q. Warriors take trophy back
SQ’s 2018 graduating class thanked D. Searle
Families gathered to celebrate their loved ones’ accomplishments at the Robert E. Burton Adult School annual graduation ceremony, held on July 20 in San Quentin’s main visiting room. “This is the first time I’ve been able to complete any type of vocational program,” said Francisco Ortiz, a graduate from the Vocational Plumbing class. “I’m proud because I was able to participate in some- thing that will help improve my chances for success.” The students completed a vocational training course, passed a High School Equivalency … [Read more...] about SQ’s 2018 graduating class thanked D. Searle
Former prisoner honored for his achievements
John Valverde, 50, went from the prison cell to the executive suite, having an occupation listed as “convict,” to an occupation of “CEO.” Now chief executive officer of YouthBuild USA Inc., Val- verde was named winner of the 2018 Brian S. Fischer Achievement Award. “It was amazing to be in a room with so many people who guided me and mentored me during my incarceration and are now celebrating who I have become,” Valverde told SQN. “And to have my family there with me was extremely special and moving.”The award recognizes a formerly … [Read more...] about Former prisoner honored for his achievements
Common visits SQ music program
David Jassy playing music for Common and guests Hip-hop artist Rashid “Common” Lynn heard about the positive music being produced from prison by David Jassy, a Grammy-nominated Swedish rapper and producer, and came into San Quentin to meet about a collaborative project. “He has a genuine interest in prison reform,” Jassy said. “They heard about the YOP mixtape and they have ideas they want to discuss.” The YOP mixtape, produced by Jassy, showcases the raw voices of young incarcerated rappers rhyming about their truths, without glorifying … [Read more...] about Common visits SQ music program