The No More Tears program hosted a graduation ceremony inviting more than 85 San Quentin residents, public officials, outside guests, and facilitators on June 1. The event celebrated the commitment of graduates to non-violence, and validated their efforts in understanding the far-reaching impacts of violence.
The ceremony included several guest speakers, performances, and special acknowledgements. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins was amongst the many attendees present.
“It is unbelievable, every time I come here [San Quentin], the level of intelligence that are behind these walls,” Jenkins said. “It brings tears to my eyes how smart you all are. Show the world what you were always capable of.”
No More Tears is a program dedicated to stopping violence in communities, and was founded by Lonnie Morris in 1999, former San Quentin resident whom served over 40 years behind bars. Those who have completed NMT and paroled have maintained a 15% recidivism rate, according to Mick Gardener, the program’s executive director.
“It is a passion for me to see people out in the community who were once in here,” Gardener said. “What has happened is a result of over a thousand people who have partaken in this program, and a good 300 have gone home.”
NMT was created as a result of several panel discussions about violence in the outside community. At the time, Morris noted that most violent offenders in the community were cycling consistently through San Quentin. In response, several incarcerated individuals formulated a 12-week curriculum aimed at giving others behind bars tools to mitigate their violent behaviors.
“The unique thing about us is that the curriculum was created by incarcerated individuals. It is from their mindset. It is like peer-communication,” Gardener said.
Former SQ resident and NMT outside volunteer Aaron Martin shared insights from his experience behind bars, and the challenges he now faces as a free person.
“I am still working on myself, it is not over [just] because I am free,” he said. “You are worthy of freedom and you are worthy of forgiveness.”
Certificates were given to graduates and special acknowledgements awarded to participants who made a significant impact in the class.
Several NMT members gave performances. These included music performed by residents James Lipston, Henok Rufael, and Timothy Young, and poems by Steven Warren and Curtys Taylor.
“[NMT] impacted me deeply,” shared Taylor. “It taught me about my wrong thinking, and it let me know… that my way of approaching life was distorted.”
SQ Correctional Officer Hunter performed an acapella rap about the California Prison Model and fostering a positive relationship between staff and incarcerated individuals.
“I wear green, he wear blue; but yeah, we both rap,” she rapped.
Resident facilitator Steven Warren described his experience with the program as a “brotherhood.” He spoke about his past negative influences and his NMT brothers who now provide him with positive motivation.
“I was humbled by today’s event and grateful to see so many people graduate the class. Just to see the genuine smiles on people’s faces,” he said.
Several members of the SF District Attorney’s office conveyed their thoughts about the impact of programs like NMT.
Investigator Jessica Zamora noted that being a law enforcement officer doesn’t allow officers the opportunity to “get to know someone [that you are arresting],” and that coming into SQ helped her better understand the stories of incarcerated people.
“Every time I come to San Quentin I really believe we are all equal, and I encounter many good people who made mistakes,” added Robert Guzman, a member of the San Francisco District Attorney’s office. He expressed that while accountability is necessary, it should be carried out “in a way that is fair.”
The event concluded with parting words from several resident facilitators. They conveyed their gratitude towards the group’s founders and sponsors.
“Brother Lonnie influenced me to come to this group, and even though I did not say much, I learned a lot,” said resident and graduate Dante D. Jones.
25 years after founding the organization, Morris gave thanks to all members of the No More Tears family and extended a warm welcome to all graduates.
“Everytime I come in, I see the impact it [NMT] has on the men, and this helps me,” he said. “I could not do this on my own, the family is involved in everything we do.”
― Aristeo Sampablo, Staff Writer, contributed to this story
