Lyricist Ashanti The 2019 Day of Peace Celebration was a festival of music and healing featuring dynamic outsider performers and San Quentin talent. “This music brings tears to my eyes. It’s touching my soul, lowering my anxiety and depression,” said inmate J.O. Chisom. “It’s saving me from my inner thoughts as we speak.” “I feel blessed every time I come here” The celebration on July 13th opened with prayers from Native American chaplain Hector Heredia, Christian Chaplain Mardi Jackson, and Islamic Community member Roosevelt … [Read more...] about Celebrating a community led by peaceful intention
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Skid Row Club returns to the Lower Yard for “OneHour Fun Run”
Judge Craig Mitchell with Coach Frank Ruona (back) An award winning coach, a humanitarian judge, and two former San Quentin residents came together at The Q July 20, 2019 to participate in the 2nd Annual Skid Row Running Club One Hour San Quentin Fun Run. The Skid Row Running Club was founded by Los An- geles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell, whose mission is empowering the most marginalized. Mitchell believes that by giving people more opportunities, they make better decisions. The Skid Row Running Club seeks to elevate the human … [Read more...] about Skid Row Club returns to the Lower Yard for “OneHour Fun Run”
Original play offers intimate look at doing time in prison
Instructors and the performers of Theatre Workers Project’s More Than A Number Behind miles of razor wire and an electric fence, 23 prisoners housed in California State Prison – Los Angeles County (Lancaster) performed an original theater piece titled “More than a Number.” For 10 weeks, the men gathered in the same place, at the same time, in preparation for their performances for the Theatre Workers Project led by Susie Tanner. “I am touched by the humanity and willingness of the men and women to share” Like clockwork, … [Read more...] about Original play offers intimate look at doing time in prison
Concert showcases Mad Mama, the Bona Fide Few, and the Bangers
Mad Mama Lopez (right) with the Mad Mama The sounds of guitar riffs being shredded and vintage rock ’n’ roll rang throughout San Quentin’s Lower Yard for the prison’s annual Rock Concert. The July 27 event showcased Mad Mama and the Bona Fide Few and punk rock band the Bangers. Mad Mama’s band hails from San Francisco and the Bangers made the trip from Sacramento. The lively personality of Mad Mama Lopez set the stage ablaze with her bubbly demeanor and sharp wit. Mad Mama’s airy high-pitched vocals, similar to Minnie Mouse, the … [Read more...] about Concert showcases Mad Mama, the Bona Fide Few, and the Bangers
Oakland Police Chief delivers apology at SQ Barbershop Forum
Oakland Police Department’s Police Chief Jane Kirkpatrick with KTVU Fox 2’s Paul Chambers Oakland Police Chief Jane Kirkpatrick delivered an encouraging message of respect, hope and an apology for law enforcement misdeeds to more than 200 San Quentin prisoners looking forward to freedom. “We have a future and hope together,” Kirkpatrick said. “You will be given an opportunity for restoration and you will be welcomed home. “When you come home, you will be home and you will have a police department that, as long as I am their … [Read more...] about Oakland Police Chief delivers apology at SQ Barbershop Forum
Demonstrating great achievement under difficult circumstances
By David Ditto and Michael Johnson, Staff Writers. Graduating class of Robert E. Burton and Coastline, Feather River and Lassen Community College Tasseled caps and gowns flowed as diplomas, degrees and certificates were conferred in San Quentin’s visiting room during Robert E. Burton Adult School’s 2019 Commencement. College, high school, and vocational program graduates celebrated their accomplishments with family, friends, teachers, and administrators at the annual ceremony on July 26. “We’re so proud of all the incredibly hard … [Read more...] about Demonstrating great achievement under difficult circumstances
Power Source group commemorates first-ever YOP graduation
San Quentin youth offenders came together on their own—in a grassroots ceremony on June 23, to commemorate the first-ever graduating cycle of the Power Source curriculum. Institutional glitches delayed the officially scheduled graduation in May. But, the incarcerated members of BE-IT (Benefitting Each Individual Together) wanted to make sure this group of dedicated young men got the chance to fully celebrate their accomplishments. San Quentin’s first-ever YOP graduate class of Power Source “Here’s to rehabilitation!” Brian Holliday … [Read more...] about Power Source group commemorates first-ever YOP graduation
Town Hall addresses the arrival of deaf prisoners
The hearing-impaired soon to arrive at San Quentin San Quentin State Prison will begin housing deaf prisoners, state officials report. “They just want to be a part of the education and self-help pro- grams you enjoy here,” said Kelly Mitchell, assistant deputy director for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The transfers to San Quentin are the result of years of litigation between the deaf community and CDCR for their equal access to educational and self-help programs, said Prison Legal Office … [Read more...] about Town Hall addresses the arrival of deaf prisoners
Robert E. Burton receives first ever Distinguished School award
Robert E. Burton Principal Michael Wheeless, receiving the Distinguished School award from OCE Superintendent Shannon Swain with Warden Ron Davis (Center) The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Office of Correctional Education (OCE) presented its first ever Distinguished School award to the Robert E. Burton Adult School at San Quentin State Prison in July. An award ceremony was held at the prison to acknowledge “exemplary achievements” the school has made above all 34 other accredited schools within … [Read more...] about Robert E. Burton receives first ever Distinguished School award
Ken Burns brings Country Music to SQ
Ken Burns, Julie Dunfey and Dayton Duncan hosting a Q&A for their PBS documentary Country Music Ken Burns came to the San Quentin chapel and delivered an exclusive prison screening of his latest American gospel, Country Music. The July 24 visit brought prisoners up close and personal with the legendary filmmaker and two of his Florentine Films teammates, writer and co-producers Julie Dunfey and Dayton Duncan. “I feel like I’ve met almost everyone here in this room,” said Burns to the roughly 150 inmates and staff. “This has been … [Read more...] about Ken Burns brings Country Music to SQ