One secret to winning parole is to work hard with rehabilitation programs, says James Houston.
In a rare case, he was found suitable for parole at his first board hearing after serving 17 years of an 18 years-to-life term for second-degree murder.
“I was arrested trying to prevent a woman from being robbed at gunpoint by an assailant,” said Houston. “I took the gun from the assailant and shot him.”
After being determined suitable for parole, Houston walked out the gates of San Quentin State Prison a free man on May 29.
Houston, the oldest of three children, was born in Illinois and relocated to Richmond, Calif. He says he was raised in an unstable home where he witnessed his father physically and emotionally abuse his mother.
Growing up he admits to having anger issues and experimented with alcohol to fill the void of a father figure that was missing at home. Houston eventually became a troubled teen and turned to the streets to fill that void. “I sold drugs because I wanted some power and control over my life,” said Houston.
He left a 10-month-old son behind when he entered prison. Reflecting back, he says he’s saddened by not being able to raise his son and fears he is continuing a cycle of fatherless sons. Houston says, “I feel guilt and shame at the thought of my son being raised without a positive male role model.”
After a difficult three years without any contact with his son, his family brought his son to visit him in prison. According to Houston, during the visit he witnessed his son crying. He vowed to do whatever it takes to get back home and reconnect with his son, James Houston Jr.
“I realized his life was a reflection of my life. I understand, now, how important it is for Junior to have me in his life,” said Houston.
“James is a person who is God-fearing, humble, family-orientated, and gives good advice. The only problem is that he’s a Forty-niner fan, and not a Dallas Cowboys fan!” said Troy Phillips, his cellmate for nearly two years.
While incarcerated, Houston developed many life skills. He achieved his AA degree with Patten University, and became a certified Crisis and Substance Abuse Counselor. As a counselor, he often dedicated his time walking the yard counseling others through their problems.
“His presence and leadership in San Quentin will be missed. He has helped me get through hard times and I can’t thank him enough for that,” said inmate and friend who didn’t want his name printed.
Correctional Officer S. Beasley said, “I met him and worked with him in the education building back in 2003. He never seemed to have had a bad day. I admire his patience, humility, and it kept me grounded with his strong opinion and understanding.” she added, “Go Houston!”
For the past nine years, Houston has been involved with SQUIRES, a program that shows at-risk youths the reality of incarceration if they continue their destructive path. “He had a knack of disseminating information to kids in a way that they can understand. He always grasps their attention,” said a fellow member of SQUIRES, Gary Scott.
He also facilitates programs like Victims Offender Education Group (VOEG) a program that helps educate offenders about the impact of their crime, thereby bringing healing to offenders and victims. Houston’s co-facilitator, Nghiep “Ke” Lam, observed his ability to connect with others saying, “He’s so compassionate, genuine, and gifted at what he does that I’ve witnessed a guy that has never opened up to anyone before open up and display his vulnerability.”
Upon his release, he plans to open an after-school program called the Teen Tech Hub, which is supported by venture capitalist and Richmond native Erik Moore. “The Hub is a mentorship program, which teaches life skills to at-risk youth in Richmond,” said Houston.
His advice to other lifers who are struggling towards freedom, “Find your purpose, because no matter where you’re at, we all have one.”
