In spite of chilly weather, more than 1,000 prisoners wearing white T-shirts packed onto San Quentin’s Lower Yard on July 27 in support of the third annual Day of Peace celebration.
Throughout the day, inmates and volunteers took part in activities and viewed performances centered on the idea of promoting peace within the prison walls.
“This is my second Day of Peace event,” said Chief Sponsor, John Curzon, associate warden of health care. “At the first event, it seemed that people were a little reluctant.” It’s much better now, he added. “This event signifies the culture of San Quentin.” The event was the brainchild of a group of men who came together after a 2006 race riot took place on the prison’s Lower Yard. Many of the event organizers are serving life sentences.
“Of course the first Day of Peace was the best one,” said inmate Kevin Tindall, one of the original organizers. “At that time we had to make sure that all the inmates were going to let bygones be bygones.”
Tindall added that it helped having former Community Partnership Manager Laura Bowman to help organize the first event. Participants interacted with each other around the various information tables sprawled across the yard. Tables were staffed by representatives from prison groups such as Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin , Peace Education Program , Richmond Project, Alliance for CHANGE and If a Foundation. Center to the area was Tindall’s table. He taped a long bed sheet to its top, giving individuals an opportunity to sign their names in support of the Day of Peace.
Organizers encouraged every prisoner to pledge “Peace for just one day.” The Day of Peace Committee urged inmates to be voices of reason in times of crisis and to help others find their voice through a commitment to peace.
“Our goal is to stem the tide of violence by saturating our prisons and society with peace,” the Day of Peace program proclaimed. Richmond Mayor Gail Mclachlan addressed the crowd, sharing her admiration for the ability of prisoners to create a safe place behind bars. A Friends Outside representative reported organization plans to begin serving inmates’ basic visiting and reentry needs in the near future.
Event Chairman Richard Poma implored the crowd to “stop expecting others to change and instead become the change (they) wish to see in the world.”
Just before noon, a fire truck’s siren sounded for one minute while everyone on the yard raised their hands in silence.
“The fresh air and programs make San Quentin a lot better than other prisons,” said Wesley R. Eisiminger, 66, originally from Orange County. Eisiminger staffed the VVGSQ table and has been at San Quentin for about three months. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1965-66. He has been incarcerated for 14 years.
“I’ve been at San Quentin only a few months,” said Bernard R. Werner. “The no-violence compared to the prison I came from here is amazing.”
There was a sidewalk chalk-drawing contest, set up by prisoner Scotty McKinstry. About 30 contestants drew artistic pieces related to the concept of peace. Community volunteer and facilitator Pat Maloney examined each piece, deciding Eddie Delapena’s work was the best.
Associate Warden Curzonassured organizers that disabled inmates in the hospital were provided treats, a wristband, health bars and Gator a de, along with all the other inmates who partook in the Day of Peace.
Glen Harder, Alberto Mendez and Shaka Senegal Mohammad, workers in the Inmate Daily Assistant Program, delivered the bags to the disabled inmates.
“ This event would not have been possible with out the generous support of the volunteers,” Curzon said. “This is not just one day out of the year. I hope that the message of peace transcends into the street.”
Three main sponsors made the Day of Peace possible: The Prison University Project, Bread & Roses and the William James Foundation.
“This is my second time participating in the Day of Peace,” said community volunteer Jun Hamamoto, who sat on the committee that helped plan the event. “I have a deep and great appreciation for the men that helped make this happen. I congratulate them for all their effort.”
The Oakland Interfaith Choir was a last minute addition to the Day of Peace schedule. “ The choir almost had me in tears; they were so good. Their voices exemplify what peace is all about,” said Tindall. “I’d like to thank the whole entire general population for their conduct during the Day of Peace.”
The event closed with the native Hawaiian group’s prayer.
“I remember the creation of the Day of Peace,” said Community Partners hip Manager Steve Emrick, who is also a sponsor of the event. “This is the first time that we invited spiritual leaders to participate. It was unique and more inclusive.”
The Day of Peace Committee included Chairman Richard Poma, Vice Chairman Robert Frye, Treasurer Ray Richardson, Executive Secretary Chris Schuhmacher, and Sergeants-at-Arms Jorge Heredia, Stephen Pascascio, Edgar Salazar, Adam Verdoux, and Danny Cox, who has since been released.
The event could not have been put on without the assistance of co-sponsors John Kelly and Jun Hamamoto, said Chairman Poma. Donors to the event were, the Lazarus Foundation, JH Robbins Foundation, and William James Foundation.