marcus henderson

TRUST facilitators go home but find new blood to lead

November 14, 2019 by Marcus Henderson

TRUST participants, members and facilitators share one last photo before leaving prison

Great companies and organizations are the ones that can stand the test of time and San Quentin’s T.R.U.S.T rehabilitative group is one of those programs.

The transformative group hosted its 14th Annual San Quentin T.R.U.S.T Graduation Ceremony and banquet. The October 10 event honored more than 60 people graduating from three different programs: The Health and Wellness Group, Project L.A., and T.R.U.S.T. (Teach- ing Responsibility Utilizing Sociological Training) classes. The Spanish Anger Management group was also in attendance.

TRUST’s Lanie Melnitzer, Christina Eckstrand, Anna Shoop, graduate Michael O’Neal, with Project LA’s Catherine Lonazo and Saun Hough

Robb Rogers, Project L.A. chairman, and Philip Senegal, T.R.U.S.T vice chairman, both received warm goodbyes and congratulations for be- ing found suitable at the pa- role board. The two longtime members expect to be released at the end of the year.

The men who “do programs” at San Quentin get out, said Steve Emrick, SQ’s recently retired Community Resources Manager. “The parole board and the outside community recognize the work that is being done in these programs. I hope all of you who take part in the programs walk away with the things you learned and become productive re- turning citizens.”

Susanne Siciliano, Melnitzer, Eckstrand, Shoop and Quilley Powers cheer as Diana Kronstadt speaks

The large crowd of volunteers and graduates recognized Rogers for his humble and direct personality that helped shape the Project L.A. program.

“After 38 years, I look for- ward of being home. This program provides all the necessary tools to survive upon release,” said Rogers. “I’m going to get involved with the Jericho organization once released. I look forward to helping the people coming after me.”

Project L.A. is a goal-set- ting and pre/post release program that assists people from Southern California with their re-entry needs. The Jericho organization, based in Los Angeles, works closely with the program.

“When people from our community are housed this far away they need this type of program,” said Saun Hough, executive director of Jericho, who also was formerly incarcerated. “We let the men know that they have a team when they come home. I once walked this road (incarcerated and reentry). I’m honored to be a part of some- one else’s team. We are on the ground, we provide real-time support and help those returning navigate the resources.”

Hough served more than 20 years in prison and has been free for eight, but every so often he reflects on his life journey.

“I was sitting in Dunkin’ Donuts the other day and I start thinking about my freedom. I began texting my daughter, then my wife and I just said, ‘I’m home—I’m home!’”

Hough said he prays to keep having that feeling.

Senegal is waiting for his second chance at freedom. He is one of the last founding members of T.R.U.S.T., established in 2003.

“I shall not do harm to myself, my family or my community; that is the golden rule of T.R.U.S.T,” said Senegal. “I’m no longer the cancer that did harm to my community. Now, I’m that healing agent.”

What motivated the founding of the group was when former Gov. Jerry Brown, who was the Mayor of Oakland at the time, stated on a news program that the core problem and the rise of crime in the community and the surrounding area of Alameda County was due to the influx of incarcerated people coming from San Quentin, said Senegal.

“This program provides all the necessary tools to survive upon release”

“We took offense to that statement and wanted to change that perspective. So with the help of the prison administration, they brought the curriculum inside and we developed the program,” he said. “If you don’t invest in yourself, change can never come about.”

Since the start of the program it has graduated hundreds of men within the prison. It also hosts the SQ Health Fair, the largest medical event, probably in the country, for a prison.

TRUST participants, members and facilitators share one last photo before leaving prison leadership but we welcome the new blood coming in,” said Diana Kronstadt, one of T.R.U.S.T’s sponsors. “Phillip bought us the history of the program with him. Robb is such a talented guy. I think they will do good things on the out- side—their presence will be missed.”

Kronstadt expressed confidence about the continued longevity of the program while the new graduates smiled as they walked across the chapel stage to receive their certificates of completion.

“I feel selfish because we learn so much more than we give to these programs,” said Christina Laird, program volunteer. “These guys are masters of de-escalation. I learned how to use the ‘I statement’ from them. I had a chance to use these techniques at my job and I just own that space.

“These guys are preparing themselves for society,” Laird added.

Louis “Louie” Light, T.R.U.S.T member and MC of the event, kept the mood festive and on schedule with his humor, plus seriousness. He made sure everyone had their time to speak and get their picture taken.

The SQ Jazz band provided soul-soothing instrumentals as the participants enjoyed their meals and their accomplishments.

Wall City Volume 2 Issue 2: The Women’s Issue

October 21, 2019 by Marcus Henderson

These pages are written by women, about women. Here’s why.

How powerful is a voice when no one will hear the cries? “Everyone has a voice, but not

everybody has a platform,” said Tracy Brumfield. Brumfield is the founder of RISE Up News. She is one of the formerly incarcerated women featured in our “Over the Wall” section.

Her statement made me imagine someone alone in the woods surrounded by mountain-high trees. The person starts to scream at the top of their lungs, look- ing for a way out, but no one hears them. Not a soul understands the desperation of being separated from the rest of the world and not knowing if they will live or die in this dangerous environment.

All people know is that you strayed off the path. Only a few people wonder how you got lost. You start to wonder your- self how you got lost.

The woods are an unforgiving place. Some have come out the other side battered and abused but primed to help the world. Others stumble out more damaged and disconnected than be- fore. Some never make it out at all.

Women’s voices are growing loud around the world with the #NeverthelessshePersisted, RESIST and #MeToo movements. There is a segment of women who have suffered the same hardships as the women who start- ed these movements, but their voices are rarely heard. The men of San Quentin News are honored to give the pages of the third issue of Wall City to these incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women so we can hear their stories.

Charisse Shumate is one of the women whose stories can be found in these pages. Shumate helped change California’s prison healthcare system. She was the lead plaintiff in Shumate v. Wilson, the first ever class action lawsuit filed by women prisoners in California. Formerly incarcerated firefighter Amika Mota is also in these pages. She details some of the pain, struggles and joys she navigated in prison while she fought fires. We also hear the voices of the young women housed in Ventura Youth Correction Facility. They give us insight into the trials of reckoning with their

actions and growing up in an institution. In our legal section, Sara Kruzan shares her story of surviving violence only to be re-traumatized as she went in front of the parole board. Kruzan has become a parole success story—she now works as an advocate, preparing others for a positive parole hearing.
Some of these stories would not have come to fruition without the help of the California Institution for Women and the Department of Juvenile Justice Administrations. We thank them for getting the word out to the women within their institutions and facilitating getting us the stories. We could always be critical of the administration, but in fairness, they are juggling safety and security concerns with rehabilitation efforts. Once we understand that we are all an integral part of this system of incarceration, we can build the bridges that truly heal our society. This system tests everybody’s humanity—whether you are a prisoner or an administrator.

We also thank the California Coalition of Women Prisoners for their contribution to this project. It’s their continued work both inside and outside of prison that brings awareness to women’s issues. I thank all the contributors and advisers for making this issue possible. All your words and stories have challenged the flawed male belief system I grew up with of being self-centered, domineering and uncaring. Thank you for giving me insight into your trials and strengths. Let me say, I hear you.

HBO film O.G. reviewed at Sing Sing prison

September 11, 2019 by Marcus Henderson

Incarcerated audience was invited to engage in Q&A dialogue with film’s director Madeleine Sackler

The groundbreaking film O.G. was shown to a packed house of prisoners at the notorious Sing Sing prison in New York. The fictional film features an incarcerated man facing release after more than two decades in prison.

Sing Sing prisoners, Hudson Link volunteers and O.G. director Madeleine Sackler pose for a photo after the screening

The incarcerated men were given a chance to critique the film and have a Q&A with the film’s director, Madeleine Sackler. The event was brought to the prison courtesy of the prison college program Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison.

“The film was recognized by our organization because of its groundbreaking inclusivity,” said Sean Pica, executive director of the sponsoring organization.

The film was released last year on HBO and is considered unique because it was shot in the Pendleton Correctional Facility in Indiana; almost every role in the film is played by someone who works or lives in Pendleton, according to the organization’s press release.

The college program, along with the film’s director Sackler, was granted permission to screen the film inside Sing Sing for the Hudson Link students. Hudson Link has a college program in eight New York state prisons—Sing Sing is one of them.

Pica made the surprise announcement at the organization’s Spring Benefit Dinner, following the presentation of its Bill Webber Award for Community Service. Sackler was this year’s award recipient.

Sean Pica said that Sackler created the film to challenge the image of prisons that is currently portrayed in popular culture: “These images can be incredibly misleading,” he said, “and ultimately fail to represent the realities of those caught within the system.”

Sackler is an Emmy-winning director of films that shine a spotlight on social injustice. Her award-winning documentary, The Lottery, brought attention to the US public education crisis. According to the press release, this led her to investigate criminal justice issues and problems in prison systems.

“Our currently incarcerated students love hearing about those whose work we recognize and celebrate,” said Pica, “so this film screening not only gave them the opportunity to meet someone who has done incredible work in her community, it also gave them the chance to assess that work for themselves and offer their responses.”

After the film, students discussed their critiques, focusing, for example on the portrayal of violence. The group praised the film for capturing the disorienting experience of facing release from prison.

“We would like to thank the administration at Sing Sing for continuously encouraging unique educational opportunities for our students,” said Pica. “We wouldn’t be able to host any of our incredible events or programs without their support.

“We would also like to thank Madeleine and her team for visiting our program and taking the time to encourage our students. This was an incredibly unique experience which we know the Sing Sing students will be talking about for a long time.”

A walk on the yard sends youth to camp

August 12, 2019 by Marcus Henderson

Visitors and inmates making the circle of peace at the Lower Yard

“We march in solidarity, we all are behind bars,” were the lyrics of a rap song that blared through a massive speaker on San Quentin’s Lower Yard. The song captured the voices and themes of SQ Project Avary’s 3rd Annual “March for the Next Generation.”

The June 22 event had inmate Philippe “Kells” Kelly and Eric McCanty of Project Avary rapping those powerful words in front of a host of prisoners and guests.

“Incarceration carries so much grief with it that it lasts throughout generations,” said Zach Whelan, Project Avary’s executive director. “That’s why it’s important to connect with the men here to help break that intergenerational cycle.”

Project Avary is a Bay Area organization dedicated to helping kids of incarcerated parents. This was the third year the organization partnered with San Quentin’s Kid CAT program, an incarcerated youth support group, to hold the event.

This year the march raised more than $1,500 from the men inside. A matching fund campaign for the walk received $24,000 from out-side donors. The donations will send 24 kids of incarcerated parents to summer camp.

“Everyone knows what happens to a person once they get arrested—they get put behind bars, but no one really knows what happens with the kids,” said Ziri R, 18, of Project Avary. “I was put in a foster home until I was adopted by my father’s sister.

“To this day his absence hurts me. I used to think I didn’t need him—that I’m better off without him. I realize that’s just me trying to pretend I don’t care. The truth is I always cared.”

Consuelo R. giving the crowd words of wisdom

Ziri talked about her experiences in elementary school and how her classmates would talk about their dads. She would watch them run and hug their dads picking them up from school.

“I overcame that pain and turned it into motivation,”

Cesar said he has an album coming out titled “Ridin’ Solo.”

Antwan Banks and Eric “Maserati E” Abercrombie, SQ residents, rocked the event with a medley of their original hip hop and rap songs. Their masterful lyrics and musical production gave the yard a true concert vibe.

“There was a force of energy that ignites you after experiencing this event,” said Mary Richards, an administrator for San Francisco Unified School District. “Being responsible for over a thousand students, you are always looking for the next best things to do.

“We have to give our teachers the opportunities and the tools to empower the kids who have an incarcerated parent,” Richards added.

The day ended with all the participants forming a large “healing circle” and in unison reciting, “With every step we walked, it’s a healing for our families. We are thankful for the future things coming.”

said Ziri, who is headed to Sacramento State University. “I hope you are proud of me, Dad; I know Mom is.”

More than 200 participants walked a lap of silence around the rocky dirt track to start the march. The festivities included prayers, speeches, poems and music that bought smiles and tears. Jonathan Rivas, KidCAT participant, shared his story about being a father in prison and his fear of the intergenerational effects for his daughter.

“I had to watch my daughter grow up through a county jail window,” said Rivas. “I feel that I have failed as a father; by coming to prison I lost that privilege. My older brothers, father and uncles have been to jail. I won’t say it’s hereditary, but I do see the cycle.

“I wanted to be different from my dad. He used to beat me. He would be angry and frustrated all the time. He never showed me love or com- passion.

“I just want to be different and teach my daughter how to be at peace. She deserves a great father,” Rivas added.

Consuelo R, spoke about raising children while the father is in prison, giving back and Project Avary.

“I think people need to see this [event],” said Consuelo. “As people of color, some- times we feel entitled not to give anything back. Coming here made me look at prison- ers in a different way. I will give back more.”

Consuelo thanked Project Avary for the program where her children can meet with other kids going through similar issues. Her son has a mentor to share things with, if not with her. Now her daughter has joined the program.

“I didn’t think having her father in jail would affect her as much as my son, but it has,” said Consuelo. “I’ve seen a change since she started the program: she has opened up more to me and she is more joyful.”

Consuelo left the men with these words.

“Everything you do doesn’t only affect you, it affects everyone connected to you. So please, go back and call your son, daughter or family member and tell them how much you love them, because trust me, they are waiting patiently for your 15-minute call.”

Throughout the speeches, various prisoners and guests participated. Fateen Jackson, who expects to parole soon, performed a spoken word piece titled “Revealed.”

“Losing all sense of self and scared to ask for help as if it was death itself.

I came to prison because I didn’t listen to my intuition.

That would’ve put me in a different position.

And a better condition that I currently live in,” Jackson’s poem concluded.

Cesar, an Avary participant, who goes by the rap name Solo, engaged the audience with his song “It’s a Cold Game.” Cesar’s catchy hook had the crowd repeat- ing it.

“There no friends in this cold game (uun),” he rapped.

Cesar said he has an album coming out titled “Ridin’ Solo.”

“We have to give our teachers the opportunities and the tools to empower the kids who have an incarcerated parent,” Richards added.

Editorial: Marcus Henderson

June 24, 2019 by Marcus Henderson

I am proud to have worked and walked the journey of prison journalism with a remarkable group of men for the past five years. These dedicated men have produced the award winning San Quentin News while also balancing college and rehabilitative programs.

That hard work has paid off for some of those in the newsroom: Six of our fellow staff members received commutations from former Gov. Jerry Brown, while other staff members have been “found suitable” by the parole board and are home now.

I am honored to have my name recently added to the distinguished list of editors- in-chief of San Quentin News. Coming off a Level Four yard with a life sentence, I never thought I would find more to my life than just doing time.

I thought I was OK because I was functioning. I wasn’t self-medicating with drugs or prison wine. I still had my hard exterior, but I was dead inside.

I locked up a lot of the real me. I didn’t know what “making amends” was until I came to San Quentin. The first day I arrived, my old cell-mate from Calpatria State Prison, Rahsaan (“New York”) Thomas, asked me to help cover a baseball game in which the prisoners were playing a team from outside, an event that would be unheard of in my former prison world.

Thomas told me to inter- view those people. My mouth dried up, and I realized I haven’t talked with anybody besides prisoners and guards for more than 15 years. That was my introduction as a reporter. I had to learn the power of capturing history and fairness, no matter if you like a topic or not.

I have been working for the paper for five years now, after beginning as a member of the Journalism Guild and working my way up to become the Journalism Guild Chairman. I learned the importance of telling our stories.

When we produce this paper, we do have all of you in mind, your families and ours and those who have paroled and are trying to reintegrate back into society.

We read all your letters, your complaints, support and grievances. We want you to know and understand that we are a news agency; it’s our responsibility to report on different aspects of our prison life. Our mission statement is to report on rehabilitative efforts to increase public safety; that is our task.

Some question us on why we are reporting on sports and entertainment? I would like to say San Quentin has a long history of entertainers performing within the prison –from Eartha Kitt, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, Common and many others.

By coming in to entertain us, these visitors give us a sense of normalcy. It is a moment in time to allow us to imagine being free. These same people are using their celebrity status on behalf of criminal justice reform, including Kim Kardashian, Common, J. Coles and many others we have covered in the San Quentin News.

Bob Meyers, Golden State Warriors general manager, and Eric Reid, former 49ers safety, who took a knee with Colin Kaepernick, sat on a Sports and Social Justice Roundtable at San Quentin that was moderated by Van Jones, a CNN political commentator and founder of #Cut50, an organization to reduce U.S. prison population by 2050.

These people make contributions beyond sport and play by adding their voices to our cause. Meyers gave a former San Quentin resident a shot at the D-League. Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant produced a documentary, called “Q-ball,” about the basketball program here and its rehabilitative nature.

We recently hosted a team of CDCR recreational coaches from around the state prisons system to discuss how they could bring some of these sports programs to their institutions. We continue to work to show that change is possible for those who want it.

Some readers want more legal advice, but not one of us is a lawyer, and we wouldn’t want to misdirect anyone.

But we will always report on CDCR policy changes and any new laws that are passed. Believe me, we hear you— and we are doing time just as you are.

Even if you don’t like something or someone, it is not for us to take away their voice. Our stories are intended to give voice to all of our audience, including volunteers, staff and administration.

San Quentin News has been working for our incarcerated population since its revival in 2008 and that’s more than a decade. Our staff will continue to get a newspaper out and into your hands, despite lock-downs, quarantines and searches.