San Quentin mourns the passing of one of its volunteers, Dr. Davida Coady, whose humanitarian work with Cesar Chavez, Mother Teresa and third-world countries has impacted disadvantaged children, refugees, addicts and lifers. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Coady,” said Tith Ton, an inmate at San Quentin and addiction counselor trained by Dr. Coady. “Forty years ago she provided medical aid to my mom in a refugee camp in Thailand. Forty years later, she taught me how to become an addiction counselor to provide treatment for others … [Read more...] about San Quentin mourns the loss of a long time friend and volunteer
Profiles
Legendary song writer’s history
It’s been 40 years since Glen Sherley, the legendary song writer who created the song “Greystone Chapel,” took his own life at age 42, according to For The Californian. Sherley wrote the song about the chapel in Folsom State Prison, where he was serving time for armed robbery when Johnny Cash came to perform there in 1968. “Inside the walls of prison, my body may be. But my lord has set my heart free,” Sherley wrote. Cash heard those words on Sherley’s demo tape and learned them in time to perform “Greystone Chapel” at the prison on Jan. 11, … [Read more...] about Legendary song writer’s history
SQ parolee serves up more than just coffee in Antioch
Coffee entrepreneur John Krause can relate to the slim employment prospects most ex-cons face upon parole. As a former San Quentin inmate himself, Krause spent over a decade in and out of prison before opening Big House Beans (BHB). Based in Antioch, BHB’s production facility now roasts thousands of pounds of premium gourmet coffee beans per month—supplying restaurants, coffee shops, and tech companies throughout California. But Krause’s business plan goes far beyond simply turning a profit. “I really want to embrace the community to create … [Read more...] about SQ parolee serves up more than just coffee in Antioch
Taking on the task to teach a new way of thinking in coding
In spite of the monumental challenges, Jon Gripshover, a supervising instructor, without fail, walks to a classroom in prison industries four times a week to teach incarcerated men computer coding. “This was one of the first times in my life that I saw hard work and determination not get the results sought after, even after 110 percent effort,” Gripshover said. “That was one of my profound moments in teaching” Gripshover notes that in coding, “you’re wrong 90 percent of the time. You have to get used to it. You have to see mistakes as … [Read more...] about Taking on the task to teach a new way of thinking in coding
Running from the prison cell to public office
‘Should we bear the burden of our past when our present has been involved in fixing the future?’ Lewis Conway Jr., a formerly incarcerated man, is challenging disenfranchisement by running for public office in Austin, Texas. “We want people with arrests and convictions to engage in the democratic process,” Bill Cobb, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Campaign for Smart Justice, said in an article by Jordan Smith for theintercept.com “Lewis has dedicated his life not only to serving his community, but specifically to … [Read more...] about Running from the prison cell to public office
A path of criminal justice takes an educational turn
Corporate executives and administration officials have a high turnover rate, but secretaries tend to stick around, and some have interesting stories. Ms. Garcia, the office technician for Robert E. Burton Adult School at San Quentin, almost became a parole officer. She studied criminal justice in college because something in society caught her attention. “I wanted to work with parolees because most of them have more motivation in bettering themselves after being incarcerated for so long,” Garcia said. “According to a RAND analysis, every $1 … [Read more...] about A path of criminal justice takes an educational turn
Architect dedicating career to improve prison living conditions
Architect Ken Ricci has dedicated his career to improving the environment for the incarcerated. He has been designing safer and more humane jails (not prisons) for the past 40 years. Ricci wrote in The Crime Report that “modern jails are being asked to do too much,” such as addressing the failure of the courts, the mental health regime, the education regime and civil society, as well. This in turn creates a stream of young, disturbed, addicted and disabled citizens flowing into jails that fall short of recognized standards and needs. Ricci … [Read more...] about Architect dedicating career to improve prison living conditions
Reflections of a veteran: Davis Bennett
Davis Bennett, 75, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961. He is one of the many combat veterans serving time at San Quentin State Prison. Bennett served in Vietnam in October 1967 and December 1970. “I was assigned to the 1st Armored Division and was a machine gunner on an APC (Armored Personnel Carrier),” Bennett said. His unit consisted of three tanks, three APCs, a company of about 150 infantry men and a mortar squad of about 12 men. “I was wounded three times while in an APC. Once a VC (Viet Cong) rocket-propelled grenade, better known as an … [Read more...] about Reflections of a veteran: Davis Bennett
Protestant banquet honors Chaplain Mardi Jackson
The sounds of gospel shook San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel as it hosted more than 250 inmates and 60 guests at its Annual Christian Banquet to close out 2017. Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson and 30 Christian volunteers were honored at the Dec. 9 event for their service within the institution. Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to multiple churches and organizations for their contributions. Derrick Holloway, representing the prison congregation, surprised Jackson with a wooden plaque for her tireless work, sacrifices, and for … [Read more...] about Protestant banquet honors Chaplain Mardi Jackson
Formerly incarcerated helps reduces violence in Richmond
James Houston used what he learned in San Quentin Prison to help reduce the murder rate and mentor young men in Richmond, the city across the bay. After paroling in 2013, he took on the job of program coordinator for the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS). “According to a RAND analysis, every $1 invested in such [inmate] education generates at least $4 in economic return,” reports Fast Company. “The state typically spends $71,000 a year to house an inmate. It costs about $5,000 total to help put one [incarcerated] student through community … [Read more...] about Formerly incarcerated helps reduces violence in Richmond