San Quentin News

Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

Kairos Continues Its Remarkable Tradition

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Kairos is a Christian, spiritually-oriented program that sponsors a four-day retreat in San Quentin designed to enhance self-realization. Forty-two men from San Quentin recently joined the ranks of individuals who have completed Kairos, which conducts the retreat twice a year – usually on Presidents’ day weekend and Labor Day weekend. The most recent retreat, Kairos 54, took place February 14-17th in the San Quentin Garden Chapel.  

Sponsor David Takeuchi said, “It’s a great blessing to see how these men walk in their spiritual journey. These men help me more then I help them. I’ve been doing this for the last six years.”

Forty sponsors from the outside community spent Valentine’s Day weekend in order to be a part of Kairos 54.

Ben Henry, a Kairos 54 lead sponsor, explained, “The Angels (wives of the sponsors) help with cooking, organizing, and keeping the retreat on track through the weekend. I am involved in this (Kairos) to get a sense from the incarcerated that are ready to return as to how they are worthy to get involved and build community within the prison. This program is based on our faith and belief in Christ; however, it is welcome to all. We have had all religions attend Kairos. We are not here to convert anyone.”

“Honestly, Kairos has been an eye opener,” said San Quentin resident Anthony Davis. “ I’ve heard some things preached that I’ve never heard before in church. It is nice to talk with people with similar backgrounds. A sponsor that came in was locked up for 27 years. The prayer list is amazing. At one time there were 10 people praying for us, brothers from the outside. It has also been fun and every minute each day has been filled with exciting activities. Not only has this program restored my faith, but also it has restored my faith in people. I have just experienced more love in the last 24 hours then I have in a long time. Kairos taught me to make a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ,”

The candidates praised time spent  with Kairos.

“My experience with Kairos was excellent! My current role is a lead man, which entails organizing the candidates and servers for each Kairos event,” said inmate Luis Figueras.

Months of preparation go into the organizing of each Kairos event.

Lead sponsor Ben Henry said, “This is my first time as a lead man of Kairos, which only happens once. It is a lot of work we do. We do team member recruiting in our community to bring in new volunteers. We try to bring in new volunteers each cycle; we try to bring in a one-third of the people new. We have 16 meetings on Saturdays, preparing for this event and the environment of the prison. We try to create team building before we come in, that way we are bonded before, that way we know who we are as people and as a Kairos, and there is never one that is the same. Every one is the best one, especially for the candidates. We try to organize the talks and meditations in a sequence that makes sense and gives the candidates the best experience. It is always a different experience, but the same message: the message of Kairos is that the Holy Spirit always makes its way through and helps us make it happen for the men involved. It is about family.”

Sponsor Dick Tiff said, “Kairos is always good. I have been involved with Kairos for 20 years at different prisons. We find out through this experience that we are all ordinary men; we all have faults and we all should be forgiven for our sins. It’s great to come back and see all these transformed men.”

The responses of the participants reflect many different approaches to self-realization:

— “This has been very educational; it opens my mind to coping mechanisms that I’ll be able to use when I get out. I get out next summer and plan to use some of the tools that I have gained through this spiritual experience. The men that come in treat you like human beings. They do not push anything on you. However, they lead you to water and let you know it is good to be thirsty. The free coffee and cupcakes are great also,” said candidate Kenneth Wilkerson.  

–“The reason I’m attending Kairos is because many friends told me to attend; they wouldn’t tell me what was going to happen. However, they told me that I would experience the love of God. I have come to know that these people do care and they want us to know that we are worthy human beings, worthy of God’s love and that we can change for the better, that we do not have to stay within our previous mold. I ask God to take my addiction to drugs away from me, and so far I have been clean for a year. I’ve been in prison for seven years and I’ve never felt the love that I’ve felt this weekend,” said candidate Marc Radfcliffe.

 –“Kairos is a true blessing; these volunteers do not have to be here. The commitment that they give to us ­‑- four days with us, they eat the same food as us, stay away from their family and all for us. Coming to the Lord, that is what it is all about. We’re in here with no Correctional Officer. Something could pop off; however, it doesn’t because of our love for the Lord,” said San Quentin inmate Drake Walker.

Kairos is a family affair; one of the sponsors was introduced to Kairos as a youth and is still involved today.

“Been volunteering with Kairos since age 21,” said outside sponsor Joseph Hughes. “My stepfather brought me into helping with Kairos. My wife is Christian and supports my involvement with Kairos. However, it was a little harder this time since I have a 10-month-old. I do strength and conditioning at Pittsburg High School and one of the people in Kairos 54 is the father of a kid I coach. This is the first time I have given a talk at a Kairos event — the talk was called ‘You are not alone.’ The groups here at San Quentin are now more open to this experience since the prison has transitioned.”

 “To me it’s a gift that my husband is serving God; that’s the best Valentine’s Day gift. The love that my husband has for God is amazing,” said Marilyn Hughes, Joseph’s wife.

On the final night, the candidates passed between two lines of clapping supporters cheering them on, and they entered the chapel where the final remarks were made.

 “Go Light Your World” was sung to complete the program.

Archbishop Cordileone holds San Quentin Christmas mass

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God can use prison time to turn someone into the person He wants them to be, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone told a San Quentin audience during a special Christmas Mass.

“Christmas is a time to receive God’s gift of His Son while committing to give back more for Him,” the San Fran- cisco archbishop commented.

Cordileone compared the prison stays of Jesus and Paul to the incarcerated people at- tending. He said while in prison, “God has given us time to grow into what He wants us to be. Take advantage of it.”

Father George Williams, San Quentin’s Catholic chaplain, said, “This year’s celebration had a wonderful spirit that many outside parishes cannot emulate.”

Williams spent 26 years as a priest inside prisons during Christmas. He said the holiday Mass is usually conducted at midnight for Catholics. He gave thanks and appreciation for the archbishop’s assistance in the celebration and praised the work of his choir.

The Mass referred to the Bible’s book of Isaiah, chapter 9, verse one which states, “The people in darkness have seen a great light.”

Father Williams noted the chapel at Christmas was standing room only, which is a “good thing.”

After the Mass, choir member Michael Adams said, “What the light of Christ reveals to you about who you are in your life, and what you will do with this knowledge, will define you as a Christian.”

“In this time of war against the enemy, it is time for all Christians to unite,” added choir singer Adriele Jackson.

Lisa Strawn, who led the Transgender Remembrance Day at SQ in November, commented, “Without Father Williams’ inclusive policy, Remembrance Day for the transgender community does not work. Father Williams did not hesitate to support the community and we are grateful for him and his church’s support. He is a real person of God.”

Incarcerated choir member John Krueger added that Father Williams always includes Protestant Chaplain Mardi Jackson’s congregation next door “in our church’s prayer. We hope and pray our choir can unite with the tremendous Protestant Chapel Choir next year to carol.”

After the choir sang “O come, all ye faithful,” Archbishop Cordileone reminisced about Christmas with a story about commercialism of the holiday outside.

“This time of year is hectic outside. Sales at one store after Thanksgiving included a very low price for a DVD player. The price created a wait at the store before it opened, where long lines created a big rush for the discounted DVD player. A woman who was first to get it was trampled unconscious but still held on to the DVD player…What tenacity!” said the archbishop.

“Why can’t we be that tenacious about God?” he asked.

The archbishop said the Catholic Church believes Christmas is becoming more and more mate- rial. “The real meaning of Christmas is about God giving us our gift of His Son through the Virgin Mary,” he said. It took some 2,000 years to prepare the Jews, Israel and the 12 tribes, he added.

The archbishop referred to David’s victory over King Saul and King David’s affair with Bathsheba. He commented that the biblical stories show that even in times of strife, David never wavered from worshipping the God of Israel — he never committed idolatry.

The message noted Jesus came from the lineage of David to unite His kingdom.

He expressed his desire for all Christians to maintain a silence during prayer and devotion.

The archbishop then dis- cussed current goals of Christians everywhere. “What matters most is if we stay true to God. How do we show truth to GOD?”

His answer: “Walk like His Son; show no idolatry, no pride, no self-doubt in spirituality, no addiction to sins. Stay focused on God by attaining the silence of God through si- lent prayer.”

The gift of God’s son comes with responsibility, said the archbishop. “He wants this gift (of dedication) from us in return.”

Call to action for renewed faith during October Revival Week

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San Quentin Protestant chaplain, “Mother” Mardis Ralph Jackson, and some of the member leaders, took time to discuss the church’s Revival Week, which was celebrated during the third week of October.

Revival Week is celebrated with weeklong services from Wednesday through Sunday. It featured the chaplain, Elder Derrick Holloway, Pastor Harry Hemphill and outside members of the Protestant faith which included Deacon “LT” who brought key members of his congregation from The Church of I Sit at theTable located in Houston, Texas. He opened the weeklong celebration.

The beginning of Revival Week, sought a spiritual breakthrough as Pastor “LT” demanded that all Christians “have to die (death=surrender to god) and we must shed light into a dark environment of today’s non-believing world,” said the preacher.

“We do this by sharing the love of Christ and celebrating the fact when you lose (give up sin or fleshly desires) you gain God,” he continued.

The rest of the week ended as strong as it started. Pastor Harry Hemphill paved the way for Mother Jackson, who then was followed by the church’s Elder Derrick Holloway.

Pastor Harry Hemphill enjoyed his last revival week when he led the Saturday night service.

It was his last service preaching as an incarcerated man. “Pastor Harry” was scheduled to go home on Monday Nov. 4, after he received a date from the Board of Parole.

Pastor Hemphill emphasized the season’s instruction of change was designed to give eternal hope of a new life and love to all.

“Young Christians must understand death through the acceptance of Christ’s resurrection—that he died for all of us—this is the only way to be saved. Once truly believed, they will not be afraid to shed their sinful ways,” said Pastor Hemphill.

Sunday morning the anchor of Bay Area Protestants and chaplain here at San Quentin, “Mother” Mardis Ralph Jackson, stayed within the core theme of the week. “Christ blew the trumpet in Zion to save all men through redemption,” said Chaplain Jackson.

“We must hear the trumpet of God and receive His redemption for us by dying, knowing losing our sinful desires is our victory.” Mother Jackson continued, “We must send out this calling to all Christians and pray they receive the call to action.”

Elder Holloway finished the weeklong service with some passionate callings. His Sunday night sermon demanded Christians take accountability.

“How can you say you are too tired or too busy to attend and participate in Christ when our leader, “Mother” Jackson, lives away from her husband and family to guide us, and commutes to Pasadena, California, on a train 12 hours each way to give us God’s gifts?”

“She never complains or makes excuses, so there are no excuses for the Men in Blue; you must come to God,” stated the second in command at Garden Chapel.

 Kevin “Boston” Kelly, an aspiring Protestant evangelist, has never missed a service in two years. He personally described his definition of the week, saying Revival Week is designed to renew our faith.

“It’s a call to acknowledge spiritual warfare is continuous and it is not a joke,” said the man who has just reconnected with his daughter after two years.

He continued, “Revival Week is a reminder not to fall back on the gifts God gives us. You must eat it (the word) and love it.”

Passionately the young Christian supports Deacon “LT’s” demand to die (surrender) for God.

Ministry volunteers bring message of hope to San Quentin inmates

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Where would you run for cover and whom would you take with you if you woke up tomorrow and the world had come to an end? Ask Pastor Tom Pham and his minis- try team these questions and they’ll tell you exactly what they would do – that is, running to God for cover and taking with them as many lives as possible.

It is this spirit that brought Pastor Tom, Pastor Loc, and Sister Kim to San Quentin many years ago. They have traveled a long distance; for Pastor Loc, it is an hour-long drive. Each owns a small business and has so many errands to run, but every Thursday, rain or shine, they find them- selves sitting side by side with the men inside San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel, leading and teaching a Bible study group. Even on Thanksgiving Thursdays, when his house is full of guests, Pastor Tom sneaks out and comes to San Quentin to worship God with the men.

Guest speakers are often invited from different parts of the world. They come from Texas, Arizona, Vietnam, and Germany to speak with the men.

“Attending the Bible study group while I was in San Quentin has enabled me to share with others. The group was so warm and welcoming. I felt like I was not alone. It got me closer to God,” said David Le, who paroled in July 2019.

Since his release, Le obtained a job in accounting. He continues to attend college and reconnect with his father. Nonetheless, Le still finds the time to attend Pastor Tom’s church regularly. The lives that Pastor Tom and his ministry team have led have inspired Le to serve and give back to the community. “I recently volunteered to direct traffic at this year’s annual event in Oakland’s China-town, and I have also been volunteering at the Second Chance Life ministry group in San Francisco, where Pastor Tom presides,” said Le.

Gary Vong, another former Bible study student, reflected, “Attending the Bible study group at San Quentin has helped strengthen my faith in God.” Paroled from San Quentin more than a year ago, Vong has continued to receive strong love and support from the church. “With Pastor Tom, the difference is, he is doing it out of his love for God,” said Vong.

Earlier this year, even while he was still on parole, but at Pastor Tom’s invitation, Vong was able to travel to Seattle to give a testimony at a conference. He shared with the crowd how God changed him while he was incarcerated. “Many people were willing to receive my message with joy. The trip was great, and I needed that,” Vong recalled appreciatively.

When a member of his min- istry brothers is released from prison, Pastor Tom voluntarily takes a day off and picks him up at the gate. Pastor Tom then takes him out for his favorite dish as his first meal and spends some time with him. Financial support is also given at the church’s expense.

What happens next is expected to fall into the magical hands of the fashionista, Sister Kim, who will then take the brother out shop- ping for new clothes. For those that have no taste for tight pants or for whom own- ing a pair of baggy pants is a matter of life or death, Sister Kim’s message to them is, “good luck.” “Stores no longer sell baggy pants these days. If you really want them, you will have to look really hard,” Sister Kim not- ed playfully.

Finally, if the brother doesn’t speak or read English well, Pastor Loc will provide him with a Bible in his native language. And not just any bible, but the best one out there. “When you give for God, you got to give the best,” said Pastor Loc.

Over the years, more than 15 formerly incarcerated Bible study students have been added to Pastor Tom’s church. For those who had no family or nowhere to go, Pastor Tom often opened up his home, offering a temporary place for them to stay until they were able to get back on their feet.

All have been working very hard to rebuild their lives. They rekindle positive family relationships with their loved ones. Many volunteer to serve and give back to the community and assist in the Second Chance Life ministry group in San Francisco that Pastor Tom teaches. None has returned to prison.

Today, Pastor Tom’s church is mostly filled with formerly incarcerated men. For some church members, this causes them to feel uncomfortable and to stop attending church. “Even with Christians, some can be very unforgiving; all we can do is pray for them,” said Pastor Tom.

Many brothers inside San Quentin are looking forward to someday soon attending Pastor Tom’s church. They speak of it with such resolve that it is certain their plans will come to fruition. “Prior to attending the Bible study group, my original plan was to parole to Sacramento, but now I will parole to San Francisco just so I can be a member in Pastor Tom’s church,” said Inmate Vadim Zakharchenko, who had a change of heart. Zakharchenko further told San Quentin News that he has not yet made his plan known to his mother and that she is go- ing to be “pissed” when she finds out about it later.

Pastor Tom, Pastor Loc, and Sister Kim not only have been consistently exhibiting God’s love by showing up every Thursday, but also by working tirelessly to turn many lives around both inside and outside San Quentin. Their words and actions have tremendously touched and affected many lives. Their sacrifices cannot be overstated, and they will, just as the Bible says, continue to serve as the salt and the light of the world for others for many years to come.

SQ Garden Chapel hosts Christmas banquet

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Opera Singer Sanet Allen
Opera Singer Sanet Allen

“Jesus is not only the reason for the season – but for all 365 days a year.”

The gospel song “Lord, We Praise Your Name” rang loudly throughout the San Quentin Garden Chapel as the prison choir greeted more than 300 inmates and guests to celebrate its annual Christian Banquet.

Pastor Tom Pham praying with Vietnamese Bible study group
Pastor Tom Pham praying with Vietnamese Bible study group

The May 11 event brought fellowship, food and festivities to honor the hundreds of volunteers who have steadfastly shared the love of Christ with the inmates throughout the year. The banquet is the only time members of the dozens of churches that participate can get to know each other.

Comedian Jessie Ayers
Comedian Jessie Ayers

The event was scheduled for Christmas time, but was postponed twice due to prison lockdowns, including a quarantine. A gold and white banner hanging on the pulpit simply said “Victory,” capturing the faith and determination of the worshipers, volunteers and organizers.

“I am pinching myself because it is finally happening,” said Chaplain Mardi Ralph Jackson, who welcomed the crowd. “It was a long journey. Thank you, Jesus – Halleluiah!”

Elder Derrick Holloway opened in prayer, “Jesus is not only the reason for the season – but for all 365 days a year.”

New Faith Cathederal with Andress Yancy, Darnell Hill, Leonard Walken, Greg Dixon and Markee Carter
New Faith Cathederal with Andress Yancy, Darnell Hill, Leonard Walken, Greg Dixon and Markee Carter

The dozens of volunteers mingled with the incarcerated worshipers as they all sat together at tables spread with tablecloths and bouquets. The overflow crowd meant extra chairs were placed around the walls, where many prisoners wait- ed for an opening at a table.

The music by the prison’s Garden Chapel Worship Team had bodies swaying with hands waving high in the air as the large crowd joined in singing “We praise your name, Lord, and we lift you higher, higher.”

The audience remained standing for the uplifting performance by The Prodi- gal Sons – a inmate quartet – that sang an original gospel song titled “God Answers Prayers.”

Sanet Allen, sporting a red jacket, took the stage next. She dazzled the crowd with an operatic solo of The Lord’s Prayer, prompting a rousing standing ovation.

Tiburon Baptist Church volunteers John Eagan, Susie Erin & Sanet Allen
Tiburon Baptist Church volunteers John Eagan, Susie Erin & Sanet Allen

“Music ministry is part of my life,” Allen told a San Quentin News reporter. “I like to give something back.” She began volunteering in San Quentin last fall. She said she found something unexpected in the prison.

“There was so much love and joy; it was overwhelm- ing,” Allen said. “Now I’m addicted.”

Allen’s professional music career includes singing with the Cape Town Opera in South Africa and touring internationally.

Allen volunteers with the Tiburon Baptist Church, one of dozens of churches and groups that sponsor Christian services in the prison chapel.

“They guide us and let us know we’re not alone,” said Quincy Paige, a 31-year-old inmate. He has attended the services on Saturdays and Sundays since transferring to San Quentin about a year ago.

“When I’m in this chapel, I don’t feel like I’m in prison.”

Paige added that today he was here for the fellowship and the food.

The meal was far finer fare than standard prison chow. Each guest was served roast beef, barbecued chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, corn, carrots, a biscuit, punch, apple crisp, and a cookie.

“This is a banquet indeed,” said one content diner.

Guest with Andrew & James Vick
Guest with Andrew & James Vick

“Hace 10 años que no me siento en una mesa con un florero,” (It’s been 10 years since I’ve sat at a table with a bouquet), said 64-year-old inmate Arnoldo Rivas. It reminded him of being home – with friends and family. Rivas attends the services in Spanish on Friday and Sunday nights.

“I was a soldier for a prison gang for years,” said 53-year-old David Rodriguez. Incarcerated for 27 years, he rededicated his life to Christ in 2010. This was Rodriguez’ first banquet. Two days earlier, he was found suitable for parole. “I’m a true miracle of the Lord – He opened the doors.”

Volunteers & Inmate guest chatting in pre-banquet fellowship as music plays
Volunteers & Inmate guest chatting in pre-banquet fellowship as music plays

This was also the first banquet for Susie Erin, who has been volunteering in San Quentin for over five years. Every three months she comes in with Tiburon Baptist Church on Saturday evenings. Their pastor delivers the message and Erin sings with their choir.

“The guys sing better than we do, but we sing anyway and they appreciate it,” Erin said.

“The guys that come in are really exuberant. They’re not just coming here to get out of their cells. They really want to worship.” Erin said that was unexpected at first.

After the meal, the celebration continued with some comedy by inmate Jessie Ayers. On stage, he said he was asked to do a clean comedy act, but couldn’t comply – because he got barbecue sauce on his shirt. The comedian wished the mothers a happy Mother’s Day and added, “I want to invite you all to the Mother’s Day banquet. It will be in December – right around Christmas.” The chapel roared with laughter through Ayers’ entire routine.

Musical worship by Sister Linda Jackson and The Well got the audience sing- ing and moving again.

Then Chaplain Jackson took the stage. “We’d like to acknowledge all the volunteers with certificates of appreciation,” she said.

“The San Quentin Garden Chapel Christian Fellowship presents this certificate to (each group) with our deepest gratitude and thanks. This certificate expresses our gratitude for you and all you do to share the love and fellowship of Jesus Christ with us,” Chaplain Jackson read.

Some of the groups and volunteers recognized were Cornerstone, One Accord Ministry, Malachi Dads, Aldo Yannon, Steve Wiegert, Overcomers, Evangelist Leslie Smith, Brother Donald Mack, Pastor Tom Pham, Elder Darryl Jenkins, Nathaniel Sparks, Anthony Evans, and Sister Hipple.

Chaplain Jackson concluded, “I really do love each and every one of you. God bless you.”

The Prodigal Sons delivering "God Answers Prayers"
The Prodigal Sons delivering “God Answers Prayers”

Solid gospel by New Faith Cathedral had the entire crowd on their feet, clapping, swaying, and repeat- ing full-volume, “Halle – Halle, luiah – luiah!”

After the grand gospel finale, the audience settled down for the closing prayer by Brother Patrick Baylis.

—Marcus Henderson contributed to this story

The origin story of New Hope: San Quentin's LGBT church

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Minister Kim McBride

In 2014, two transgender inmates founded an LGBT church at San Quentin called New Hope. Kim McBride, a minister for 19 years, and Adriel Ramirez wanted others to have a place to worship without judgment.

New Hope is made up of primarily LGBT people, but doesn’t exclude anyone who wishes to attend New Hope. Kim said, “The meaning of New Hope is a fresh start in the Lord Jesus Christ as a family.”

“I was inspired to have New Hope at SQ because I saw how I was received by other inmates,” Kim said. “I was welcomed at the door and asked to sit among them, but the snide remarks under their breaths and the non-fellow- ship outside the church made me sad.

“I prayed and asked God for guidance, and He lead me to Adriel, and the rest is history,” Kim added. Father George Williams of the Catholic Church is who Kim and Adriel went to with the idea of New Hope. “Father George,” Kim said, “is the biggest supporter for New Hope.” New Hope meets on Saturdays 9 to11 a.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with staff on Saturdays and inmates only on Sundays, with oversight from Father Williams.

“My role in the church is music,” Adriel said. “I would either share a special song or lead the congregation in song, as well as leave time aside where if someone needed to talk I would make myself available for the individuals to do so.

“The goal for New Hope is not to be recognized as a gay church but open to all who seek to have an intimate relationship with God who loves them all.

“My experience in New Hope has given me a strength where I can attend other churches or participate during a service without having to hide who I am and what I truly mean to God.”

Michael Adams, who has attended New Hope for four years, said, “I got involved with New Hope because it is the first time in 20 years of incarceration that there was a place for me to celebrate and function in all of me, not just my faith.”

When asked what he would like to see for New Hope in the future, Michael said, “Growth that opens us up to those from the outside who have learned to be sincere and navigate their faith in light of so much holy opposition.

“We need to learn from each other. “New Hope has been a safe place for me to express my faith. However I understand it to be a by- product of trauma, I will rise above someday.”

“We at New Hope would like more of the LGBT. population to attend,” Kim said. “All we require is an open mind, open heart and a hunger for the Word of God. We will treat you like family in the chapel and promise once you join us you will return.”

When asked if she were re- leased today, would she continue the work she has done in prison with New Hope on the outside, Kim said, “I plan to start New Hope wherever my feet land. From this home church at San Quentin, I will establish other New Hope Congregations.”

The uplifting experience of Good Friday at San Quentin

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Watson Allison, who spent more than 30 years on San Quentin’s Death Row, was one of many in awe of sunset ser- vices for Good Friday — the day Jesus Christ was crucified.

Allison stood inside the Protestant Chapel as light filtered through its blue-tinted windows, dusk approached and men-in-blue mingled. Listening to Raul Higgins slapped the congas, Albert Flagg’s fingers danced on the piano while Greg Dixon rang out his piping organ. Dixon switched to a Fender guitar, adding a new dynamic to the drumming of Sincere Carter over Leonard “Funky Len” Walker’s bass guitar.

Edward Dewayne Brooks stood stage left, clapping and rocking in conversation with fellow ushers, choir members and the Worship Team.

As he listened, Allison said that he felt like he’s on the right path.

“I have a lot of support from people checking-in with me,” he said. “People come over to me just to see how I’m doing. That’s enriching to the soul.”

Nine long, fresh palm branches sat on the chapel stage. They shared the stage with the cross at the center. The palms stretched, nearly touching the chapel ceiling. A lone branch lay sideways on the stage’s steps.

Chaplin Mardi Ralph Jackson stood at the rear of the chapel as 34-year-old Carrington Russelle took the stage to share his addition to the sermon.

“She spends more time with us than she does with her family,” Russelle said about Chaplin Jackson. He encouraged the men-in-blue to take advantage of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

“We made some poor choices to get into this blue attire,” Russelle said. “Now you can make the best decision of your life by accepting Jesus.”

He emphasized that Jesus Christ was not murdered–he sacrificed his life to save us.

Vadim Zakharchenko, 32, gave a tearful sermon that brought attending men-in-blue to their feet. Zakharchenko said that, in the past, he came to church only semi-committed to Jesus Christ. He became tired of living that way, and after a conversation with his mother, he became fully committed to Jesus Christ.

George E. Moss, 49, shared his experience in administrative segregation in isolation after catching the flu. The experience restored his faith, and helped him understand God’s wisdom.

Armando R. Gonzalez’s sermon grappled with where true power comes from and why Jesus Christ sacrificed himself.

San Quentin’s 52nd annual Native American Pow Wow

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Healing sister, Mike “Lil Voice” Powell & Gregory “White Eagle” Coates dancing to bless the ceremony

Native American spiritual leaders from across California and the na- tion brought the spirit of family and the traditional healing dances to San Quentin’s 52nd annual Pow Wow.

Colorful dancers from Oklahoma and elders from Oregon mixed with the local Native American prisoners to celebrate the sacred circle of life.

“We came to let the men know that they are warriors and not gang members. A warrior takes care of his family,” said Tish Jordan, a reform advocate from Oregon. “We came to encourage them in the Native life-style and sobriety. One cannot enter the circle until one is purified.”

Sun, Gourd and Fancy dancers twirled and stomped around the prison visiting room to bless the event with their traditional tribal steps.

Jingle dancer I. Madril

A Grass and Jingle dancer rounded out the ensemble, representing another part of Native Indian spiritual life through dance.

“It was amazing that this prison helps the people in their culture, where they can wear their regalia and sing their songs,” said Cindy Famero of the Comanche Nation, who traveled from Oklahoma. “I’m really honored to have connected with the people here, to hear their stories and hold prayer.

“It’s because of that feeling of being disconnected that this cycle of incarceration continues,” Famero added.

The March 22 event also celebrated the life and death of Myra Smith, a long-time San Quentin Native American Group volunteer. Smith was dying of cancer in the hospital, while the Pow Wow was underway.

“She touched a lot of people’s lives,” said Bill Churchill, a visitor, who performed the “Offering” (funeral) prayer for Smith at the ceremony. “She helped a lot of people get sober. She made the path of sobriety attractive and helped a lot people become empowered.”

Churchill’s song and spiritual chants filled the room. He sought to evoke a vision of Smith’s soul traveling over the plains and rivers of America as she makes her way back to the “Great Grandfather” (Creator).

“My friend, it’s me, I’m dancing in the west and watching you,” Churchill chanted in his Native tongue, “it means the sun rises and ends,” he explained.

Lee Planco, a visiting elder, 81,warned the small crowd not to take life for granted, nor to take for granted holding this event inside a prison.

“We never had jails or prisons in our ancient world,” said Planco. “So remember, behind that blue uniform there is an Indian. A women gave you birth, and she is sacred, remember that.”

Planco is a retired correctional officer, chaplain and advocate for Native American prisoners’ rights throughout the nation.

“We would have liked the men’s children to have been a part of this event,” said Jordan, the prison reform advocate from Oregon. “Most departments of corrections don’t allow the children to participate, but our circles are inter-generational; it teaches the future generations.

“When we come together as a people, it’s medicine and our kids’ spirits are innocent,” Jordan added.

James Gregory, Elijah Williams & Mike “Lil Voice” Powell

San Quentin resident Gregory “White Eagle” Coates was given the honor to lead the ritual Grand Opening Dance. Everyone left the visiting room and danced their way back in forming a circle, representing the infinity of life. The dance was done before the meal was served.

“I had to learn my culture in prison,” said Coates. “So having others come in from out of state helped expose us to more of our traditions. The best was dancing for Myra (Smith, who was gravely ill) — she was a great woman.

“Our women have been holding it down. They have been keeping the language alive and the sweats (sweat lodge ceremonies). They are teaching the children. It’s time for us men to do our part,” Coates added.

“The drum is the heartbeat of the people. It feeds the spirits and the ancestors we carry within us”

Mike “Lil Voice” Powell, the colorful Fancy Dancer, performed the traditional Buffalo and Horse dances. The dances are for purification and healing as the steps are intended to banish evil.

Powell’s regalia was based on a spiritual vision he had. He created the dress that blended the colors of tall green grass, rainbows and eagle feathers. Powell is from the Ponca Tribe and is traveling the country to bring healing through the dances.

“I’ve been in and out of jail myself. I’ve been an addict and homeless, so I pray for the men here,” said Powell. “Once my family broke up, I stopped dancing and that started my downfall. But I prayed and received help. I was led back to dancing – now it’s tradition over addiction.”

The dancing and singing blended with percussions sounds of the Central Valley Native American Drumming Group. The rhythmic drumbeats are to simulate the human heartbeat, fast or slow.

The drum is one of the major parts of Native life; it is used for prayers, calling people together even announcing lunchtime. The songs and drum rhythms are passed down like the dancers’ steps through the grandparents or elders.

Most of the drummers are versatile in Southern and Northern tribal drum rhythms and officiate at inter-tribal marriages.

“The drum is the heartbeat of the people. It feeds the spirits and the ancestors we carry within us,” said Jordan. “Who are we if we don’t identify with our traditions and culture?”

Eddie Madril teaches inmates the traditional Hoop Dance

The men in blue learned the Hoop Dance, taught by visiting Grass dancer Eddie Madril, who also MC’d the event. Madril’s sister was the Jingle dancer, her dress made of healing bells for the community. James Gregory performed the Tracking and Scouting dances. He is from the Men Southern Traditional dancers.

“It is important for the men here to know the dances that heal the community,” said Madril. “They need to understand that we used dance to tell our stories.”

Gregory also danced for Myra Smith, who helped him get clean and sober.

“She taught me how to dream again. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be sober now.”

Healing sisters symphony of love

The ceremony bought together the various forms of tribal healing, steeped in tradition and grounded in family, which included the Native Indians who are incarcerated; the music and chants intended as a symphony of love.

San Quentin celebrates Holy Week

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Holy Week is the Catholic Church’s most sacred time of the year. It is the remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

The celebration at San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel, which was open to all, started with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 18, and ended with Vespers on Easter Sunday.

“This is the high point of the Christian year, and it goes back to the earliest celebration of the Church,” said SQ Catholic Chaplain Father George Williams.

Thursday night’s mass began with the Last Supper celebration. “It continues with the washing of the feet, communion, and the solemn procession of the Eucharist to the altar of repose where the faithful spend time in adoration and prayer,” according to the Inland Catholic Byte.

On Friday there was a noon service for the Stations of the Cross, which commemorates Jesus’ ordeal on the road to Calvary. Later in the day there was also the Good Friday evening service in remembrance of Christ being crucified and buried.

“On Holy Saturday night, in silence and in darkness, we enter into the Easter Vigil… Thanks be to God!” said the Inland Catholic Byte.

The main celebration took place Saturday night—Easter Vigil Mass and the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. It included Baptism, Confirmation and Oblate Vows.

Everyone received their own candle upon entering the Catholic Chapel. Before the service began, SQ’s Deacon Matt went around getting all the candles lit.

The lights went out, and candlelight filled the chapel. “The candle is a sign of the light of Christ,” said Deacon Matt.

More than 70 inmates and 20 visitors from the outside had a candle in hand.

“It was a glorious vigil. There had to have been more than 20 visitors from outside of San Quentin,” said inmate Greg Jordan.

Ken Miller, a visitor from San Francisco, said, “I’m a converted Catholic myself, went through confirmation in the 90’s. It’s always a neat experience. I attend the vigil every year. This is my first vigil at San Quentin.”

Later, in the service inmate Eric Rives was baptized, fully submerged under water by Deacon Matt.

Rives said, “I feel the love of Christ.” In explain- ing why he became Catholic and decided to get baptized, said Rives by saying “Simply love, love of God, love of Christ, love of the Holy Spirit, love of the church. I feel loved; deep tender, compassionate love. This love impels me to love others with the depth of God’s love and Christ’s love; to walk in service of others just as Jesus did. I am free.”

Founder of San Quentin’s Buddhadharma Sangha remembered

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Seido Eishu Lee
Seido Eishu Lee
Seido and Norman Fischer at Green Gulch
Seido and Norman Fischer at Green Gulch

Responding to a call from inmates interested in starting a Zen group, Seido Eishu Lee founded the Buddhadharma Sangha inside San Quentin State Prison in 1999. He went on to serve as the Sangha’s Head Teacher until his retirement in 2015.

Seido Eishu Lee Lüssen de Barros passed away peacefully on March 6 surrounded by family, friends and Sangha. He is survived by his wife, son, three stepchildren and six grandsons.

Since the day Lee founded it, the San Quentin Sang- ha has met nearly every week, bringing the lineage of Dogen Zenji and Suzuki Roshi behind the prison walls and touching the lives of hundreds of inmates and volunteers.

Lee conferred the Bodhisattva precepts on many Zen students, including more than 30 inmates and several non-inmates lay-ordained inside San Quentin over the course of four Jukai ceremonies between 2002 and 2015.

Lee Lüssen de Barros was ordained a Soto Zen priest in 1989 at Green Gulch Farm by Sojun Mel Weitsman, receiving the Dharma name Seido Eishu, “Clear Path, Constant/Endless Effort.” He received Dharma Transmission at Tassajara in 1998` from Norman Fischer.

Along with his wife, lay Zen teacher Martha de Barros, he lived for more than 10 years at Green Gulch Farm and Tassajara. He filled senior staff roles at Green Gulch and served as Tanto at Tassajara.

Seido Lee de Barros (center) with Zen students and volunteers at a San Quentin Jukai
Seido Lee de Barros (center) with Zen students and volunteers at a San Quentin Jukai

Lee was deeply involved in and much beloved by the Marin County Interfaith community. He was active in the Marin Interfaith Street Chaplaincy, serving as street people see who inmates are turning into and that they’re not the same people they were years ago.

As Norman Fischer de- scribed him, “Lee was a true priest and a good one. He liked to keep things light and modest but underneath that was a fierce and deep spirituality.”

A memorial for Seido Lee de Barros will be held at Green Gulch Farm at 4 p.m. on April 27.

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