The fifth annual San Quentin News Journalism Guild Graduation took place in the Garden Chapel on March 15. Forty graduates from the 2024 class and dedicated volunteers received acknowledgment for their commitment and hard work as San Quentin News anticipated to continue its growth.
The day started with a mingling of attendees and the graduates.
“The writing process was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I was attracted to the class to learn writing formats, but considering other classes available, the Guild is the most legitimate class I’ve seen,” said 75-year-old graduate Brian Joy.
Managing Editor Bostyon Johnson emceed the event and began by welcoming those in attendance for the Fifth annual ceremony that recognized advisors, administration, and the English and Spanish Graduates of the SQNews’ Journalism Guilds.
SQRC’s new warden, Chance Andes, attended the event to congratulate the participants. Andes took a flight to South Korea three hours later, but still made it a point to attend the event.
“We can’t do this without everyone of you. I frequent the Media Center and see all the magic that goes on. It is truly amazing,” Warden Andes said.
“SQNews is our showcase. When I was at CSP-SAC they urged me to start a one-page paper but we could never match what was done here. My first visit at SQ included the Media Center and it was amazing to see all the wardens who supported it,” said Andes.
Andes quickly left to catch his flight, and Managing Editor Johnson took over to emcee the event. He showcased a video called Changing Lives, which highlighted persons in the Media Center and the all-important volunteers who helped the newsroom to grow.
Keynote speaker Professor Lisa Armstrong addressed the graduates. Armstrong, a professor of UC—Berkeleys’ Masters’ Journalism Program, served as instructor of the SQNews’ English Journalism Guild, working with resident and SQNews’ Guild Chair Jerry Maleek Gearin for the past cycle.
“Last year was personally a tough year and I looked forward to class each Friday as it was the highlight of my week,” said Armstrong. She then spoke about the reasons she dedicated years to covering marginalized communities.
“I started covering incarceration for the same reason I cover most things. I wanted to know why—why this country incarcerates more people than any other.” said Armstrong. “I talk to my students about the power journalists have to impact how our audiences see the world.”
“Student-writers changes the way I see others and myself,” said Armstrong.
At the end of her speech, Jesse Vasquez, Executive Director of SQNews’ parent company, the Pollen Initiative, appeared in the crowd and was asked to take the stage.
Vasquez arrived late because of his traditional commitment to feed the entire graduating class, which has now become a tradition at SQNews graduations.
The executive director then spoke of his passion to take care of what he was a part of as a formerly incarcerated individual.
“Why do I do what I do?” asked Vasquez. “I learned journalism from Yukari Kane, Monica Campbell and other great mentors like John Eagan. They, our volunteers, made us more than writers, they made us better individuals through the time and patience they gave us,” said Vasquez.
“SQNews gave me a purpose and a method and allowed me to find a way to be about hope and purpose, because that is what kept me going while I was in prison.”
Vasquez said he visited other prisons throughout the country, trying to enlarge prison journalism.
“Wherever I go, they always say, Wow, you’re from SQNews?” said Vasquez.
English Journalism Guild Chair, Jerry Maleek Gearin, and the Spanish Guild Chair, Edwin Chavez, then took the opportunity to praise the graduates.
Gearin spoke about his class and the benefits he received leading the English Guild.
“It is a great honor to acknowledge those who have stood by us,” said Gearin. “When meeting someone, if we choose to acknowledge them, we say Hello. What are we really saying when we say Hello? We acknowledge there is a body and a personality in front of us,” added Gearin.
“Imagine what our lives would be like if every time someone greeted us they said, “I see you,” honoring the true self. [They would be affirming] your goodness, your strength, and your brightness,” said Gearin.
Gearin thanked the following volunteers, past leaders, and current volunteers by saying:
“Jan, Alastair, Amanda, Meredith, I see you; Joan, Monica, Yukari, Lisa, Mo and Maria, I see you; Lt. Berry, I see you; Professor Drummond, I see you; The Berkeley Students, I see you; John “The General” Eagan, Stuart Wagner, I see you; Jesse, I see you all the time; Arnulfo Garcia, Elmo Chattman I see you may you both rest in peace. And for those who are not present, I will always see you through memory and to the 2024 Journalism Guild Graduates, I see you,” said Gearin.
Outside attendee, Stephanie Stubbs, who teaches court reporting at the College of Marin, said she was crying the entire time. “The integrity of the News agency is beyond belief,” said Stubbs.
After Gearin congratulated the 20 English Guild graduates, Spanish Guild Chairperson Edwin E. Chavez stepped up to the podium.
“We let SQNews’ largest Spanish Journalism Guild Class represent the voiceless in spite of language barriers. For this reason, I am proud and honored these brothers will represent the largest ethnicity that is imprisoned in this country. We will continue breaking barriers,” said Chavez.
After Chavez congratulated the Spanish Guild, San Quentin Public Information Officer Lt. Berry took the podium.
Berry urged the graduates to hold those in power accountable and continue giving a voice to the voiceless. She also asked the graduates to shine a light in the darkest corners and to challenge the status quo to inspire change. She then congratulated the graduates.
As the graduates, volunteers and donors mingled, the new writers and guests in attendance shared their joyful perspectives.
Sarah Short a journalist, and podcaster who has expanded into the field of independent filmmaking and who produced a documentary called Solitary Confinement, was in attendance.
“Being at the graduation helped me see how much impact SQNews has on incarcerated lives in spiritual, emotional and practical areas- its just a positive experience and amazing how completely powerful all the news the men cover,” said Short.
Short’s documentary was inspired by her own experience of living in solitary confinement in an Iranian prison for 13 months.
Donors Peter Fletcher, Matt Cameron, and Mitchell Marriott all said the ceremony was inspiring, heartfelt, transformative, and encouraging.
Mitchel Marriott said it was the most inspiring few hours he had spent in a long time. He said the speakers were articulate and he was surprised by the genuine happiness displayed in a prison environment.
55-year-old Spanish Guild graduate Ernseto Fuentes summed up the celebration.
“It was wonderful, I’m very emotional! I learned how to write better, it was exciting, and I’ve never worked like this before. The instructors were very patient, and were good communicators and instructors. SQNews is a very special place,” said Fuentes.
― Martin DeWitt Contributed to the Story
