Colin Kaepernick’s political activism continues to generate momentum and controversy. This January, Steph Curry teamed up with the embattled NFL star to help complete his year-long pledge to contribute $1 million to various charities, including violence prevention organization United Playaz, reported KTVU news. Kaepernick faced fierce criticism in December for visiting prisoners at New York’s Rikers Island facility, according to articles in The Washington Times and New York Daily News. “At a time when jail violence is soaring and assaults … [Read more...] about Two NBA players assist Kaepernick in donating
Sports
San Quentin Kings recruit new talent
The talent and hustle displayed during full-court scrimmage basketball games helped coaches of the San Quentin Kings decide who will replace players leaving the prison. “We need to improve in all areas,” Orlando Harris, the King’s head coach, said. “I think one recruit can help.” The Kings lost several post-up players, who left on parole or transfers, including J. “Mailman” Ratchford (transferred) and Julio Saca (paroled). They also lost shooting guard Aubra-Lamont “Coocoo” McNeel, who paroled. Trevor Woods showed he could fill their shoes … [Read more...] about San Quentin Kings recruit new talent
Formerly incarcerated man helping others on parole
While serving a life sentence, Nighiep Ke Lam promised to help restore the community. Now on parole, despite several struggles, he is keeping that promise. Lam overcame incarceration, deportation, the daily struggle, and other barriers the formerly incarcerated face, to become an Asian Prisoners Support Committee (APSC) reentry coordinator. He helps people acclimate back into society after years of incarceration. “The ability to look back and help those who are going through that struggle helps me find some healing in my own life,” Lam … [Read more...] about Formerly incarcerated man helping others on parole
Basketball as a saving grace
An exceptional idea in 2013 inspired San Quentin inmates to find a way to reach out to younger incarcerated men; the result, Graced Out Ministries. “Mother Mardi Ralph Jackson had the vision for something geared to the youth,” said incarcerated mentor, Ferrari Moody, 35. He adds, “I see young men who are yearning for unity, love and positive role models.” Graced Out Ministries Benefits The Youthful Offender Program Last Presidents Day, 21-year old Xavier Wiggins was a beneficiary of Graced Out Ministries. That day he didn’t have to work in … [Read more...] about Basketball as a saving grace
Record holder reminisces during three mile race
As a chilling wind blew across the prison yard on Feb. 23, members of a running club prepared for a 12-lap race around San Quentin’s lower yard. Some runners stretched and ran laps to warm up, then signed in one by one. At 8:58 a.m., as everyone lined up to start the 9 a.m. race, they seemed to forget about the Bay Area winter weather, everyone except timekeeper, Melody Anne Schultz. “Running makes me feel great. I feel high, and it keeps me healthy” The sleek 76-year-old Schultz stood freezing in her black tracksuit but said she was … [Read more...] about Record holder reminisces during three mile race
Black History Month hosts Basketball Skills Challenge on Lower Yard
For Black History Month San Quentin hosted a Basketball Skills Challenge, where prisoners showcased their agility and coordination on the Lower Yard. Montrel Vines and Brad “Reign Man” Shells pushed each other to the limit as they drew to a tie, completing the makeshift obstacle course with the time of 00:27. “I knew I had this,” Shells said after the challenge. “We’ve been doing drills like this since high school days.” Shells set the bar high by weaving flawlessly through the course on his final round, trash talking as he moved through … [Read more...] about Black History Month hosts Basketball Skills Challenge on Lower Yard
Retired NFL Player Devon Still visits SQ
Just weeks after Defensive Lineman Devon Still retired from the National Football League at 28 years old, he visited San Quentin State Prison to record an episode for his new podcast, Undefeated. Undefeated features the stories of people who overcame huge obstacles. Scheduled for the first season is Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll, whose TED talk received more than 2.8 million views. “His TED talk caught my attention,” Still said. “I work with a lot of people who are trapped mentally. To see someone in prison so free—you can always find the … [Read more...] about Retired NFL Player Devon Still visits SQ
‘Future of SQ Warriors’ learned to play in prison
San Quentin Warrior Montrell Vines goes by many nicknames on the basketball court. Some people call him “Mad Defense” for his lockdown dee. Other’s call him “Jack that thing up” for his quick release three-point attempts. His coach, Rafael Cuevas, calls him the future of the team. What many people don’t know is that Vines never played basketball on the streets. “I learned to play basketball in prison,” Vines said. “I never thought I would make the team, then I did and I got to foul Mark Jackson a few times.” Vines’ upbringing didn’t include a … [Read more...] about ‘Future of SQ Warriors’ learned to play in prison
SQ New Year’s activities
Tournaments held at San Quentin over the holiday weekend secured the winners as champions going into the New Year. The tourneys included Scrabble, tennis, dominoes, handball, three-on-three basketball, soccer, Ping-Pong and horseshoes. Both first and second place won prizes of granola bars. Darwin Billingsley emerged as the master of seven-letter words in the Scrabble contest, with Chuck Stubblefield taking second. In tennis advanced singles, Chester Boddie served his way to first place, while Paul “Black” Alleyne came in second. Boddie … [Read more...] about SQ New Year’s activities
Runners renew bonds in the new year
In the name of honoring community, members of the 1000 Mile Club held a half-marathon run on New Year’s Day. “What better way to kick off 2018 than in solidarity,” said Tommy Wickerd, one of the organizers. “It was a good showing. Almost 20 people showed up to keep the tradition up.” No one kept track of laps or times, as the runners joined in together, without coaches, sponsors or a chronometer to time the meet. “No better way to start the year than to push yourself to endeavor,” Glen Mason said. The unofficial half-marathon began on New … [Read more...] about Runners renew bonds in the new year