Kid CAT celebrated the “forgotten voices” of youth at its 2018 annual banquet. “Tonight’s Banquet was about bringing awareness to the youths, who think that their voices are not being heard and are afraid to express how they feel to their parents or caretakers,” said Si Dang, Kid CAT chairman. Kid CAT is a group of men who committed their crimes as juveniles and are serving adult sentences. Capturing the night’s theme of “forgotten voices” was a series of speakers, actors and musicians who dug into the topics of foster care, … [Read more...] about Kid CAT banquet honors the forgotten voices of youth
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21st century solutions to 20th century problems
They came from all over the prison and the nation. Scholars dressed in standard blue prison uniforms walked down a staircase that leads from the cellblocks, while a group of civilians hiked down a ramp that leads from a courtyard just inside the entrance to the prison to meet on the San Quentin Lower Yard for the Prison University Project’s first ever academic conference. The conference, called Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reform: 21st Century Solutions to 20th Century Problems, was organized by Amy Jamgochian and consisted of nine … [Read more...] about 21st century solutions to 20th century problems
Senator and author share challenge of passing SB 1437
It’s hard to get laws changed, even harder to make any revisions applicable to people already serving their time, nevertheless Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) retroactively transformed California’s felony-murder law with the help of the Re:store Justice organization and others. “Retroactivity was the hardest part, yet it was essential because how can we fix the law, how can we tell people convicted under the unfair rule, sorry stay in prison,” Senator Skinner said. “It’s not right.” Re:store Justice Policy Director Professor Kate … [Read more...] about Senator and author share challenge of passing SB 1437
CA leads nation in women on Death Row
California leads the nation with 23 women on Death Row, but the condemned women are largely invisible and forgotten behind bars, and their stories rarely see the light of day. California has more than three times the number of condemned women in Texas (six on condemn) and in Alabama (five on condemn), according a Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) report. The women on California’s Death Row are housed in Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla. Until 1933, they were housed in San Quentin in the Women’s Ward. They … [Read more...] about CA leads nation in women on Death Row
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
Formerly incarcerated author, Donna Hylton
Donna Hylton, who was abused as a child, spent 27 years in prison and wrote a book about how she turned her life around. She said her mission today is to be “a voice for the silenced” women still in prison. At age 20, Hylton was sentenced to 25 years to life for her role as a nonviolent accessory to kidnapping and second-degree murder. She is finally freed. Hylton’s childhood was a living hell. She was abandoned by her mother in Jamaica, N.Y., at age 8, according to the article by The Glow Up. At that time, she was subjected to … [Read more...] about Formerly incarcerated author, Donna Hylton
Last RISE inmate graduation for Dante Callegari
Dante Callegari has announced his retirement after training hundreds of San Quentin inmates in modern construction technology (MCT). The announcement came Aug. 28 at the graduation for the first class of the job-readiness program called RISE. “We do a lot here at San Quentin to teach job skills,” Warden Ron Davis said at the event. “There’s Dante’s program, coding and the machine shop. There’s a lot we do here to give you guys the skills to get a job and stay out.” RISE aims to prepare incarcerated people how to interview for … [Read more...] about Last RISE inmate graduation for Dante Callegari
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
29 years in prison is enough for Mike Webb
After six parole hearings and 29 years in prison, Mike Webb, a beloved Kid CAT member, was found suitable for parole. “Mike Webb is one of the most compassionate and committed persons that I know,” said Charlie Spence, Kid CAT Chairman. “We will all miss him very much, because he has been such a positive impact in our group and in this community.” The youngest of three children, Webb was born and raised in Los Angeles by his single mother. “Growing up without a father was tough,” he says. “I didn’t have anyone I could turn to, to learn … [Read more...] about 29 years in prison is enough for Mike Webb
High Desert Prison warden sets the record straight
By some accounts, High Desert State Prison is one of California’s most notorious penitentiaries. Warden Marion E. Spearman wants to clear up that impression. He argues that the prison, its staff and inmates have undergone change. It’s no longer a prison that just houses young men with youth management problems. “There’s a new vision and mission for High Desert State Prison,” Spearman said. “The staff lives up to that (challenge).” According to Spearman, High Desert is now about rehabilitation, a safe environment, healthcare, teaching skill … [Read more...] about High Desert Prison warden sets the record straight