San Quentin News WRITTEN BY THE INCARCERATED – ADVANCING SOCIAL JUSTICE VOL. 2020 NO. 2 February 2020 Edition 125 SAN QUENTIN, CALIFORNIA 94964 www.sanquentinnews.com POPULATION 4,053 SQ keeps tradition of giving Veterans’ Toys for Tots continues to warm the hearts of many Photo courtesy of Scott Budnick Vlade Divac hugging an incarcerated person When sports turn an eye toward prison Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN One-and a-half-year-old Zy’ir Lewis chooses his toy By Joe Garcia City Council member Steve Hansen, Journalism Guild Chairperson walked through one of Folsom’s hous- By David Ditto “You should visit me more and “Seeing the little kids’ eyes light ing units—to see for themselves how Staff Writer get more presents,” said Ruelas, up when they see the toys really The Sacramento Kings showed California treats its prisoners. laughing with his nephews. Dur- gives me hope,” said Marine Corps love to Folsom State prisoners during “The men—two to a cramped cell The cheer of Christmas giving ing his 10-year incarceration , they veteran Carl Raybon, the new chair- a special night of community healing. that looked like a cage—stared at us filled the San Quentin State Prison had visited before but this was their man of the Veterans Group at San In a circle within the prison chapel, with hollow eyes,” Ranadive wrote. visiting rooms as children celebrat- first time getting toys. Quentin (VGSQ). The 35-member they shared life experiences before “I know there are victims on the other ed the holidays with their incarcer- The other prisons where Ruelas group of incarcerated veterans or- celebrating Folsom’s newly renovated side of the equation… ated loved ones in December. was before coming to San Quentin ganizes the toy giveaway each year. outdoor basketball court. “But seeing men in such conditions “We got absolutely excited!” in 2018 didn’t have toy giveaways Raybon was one of six veter- Kings players, owner Vivek Rana- is something I will never forget.” said 11-year-old Omar Elias, who for children, but incarcerated vet- ans wearing pointy red and green dive, coach Luke Walton and others What seemed to move Ranadive came to the prison to visit his erans at San Quentin have kept the striped elf hats and blue VGSQ hats joined filmmaker-turned-social activ- the most, however, was the time spent uncle Ramon Ruelas. Elias and Toys for Tots tradition of holiday who offered toys and holiday cheer ist Scott Budnick to hear personal sto- in the circle listening to voices of in- his younger brothers Ismael and giving alive for 31 years. to every family with children vis- ries from incarcerated and formerly carceration. Danny were three of about 100 “It’s a really great act. I really iting during the weekends before incarcerated individuals at the Play “Each person spoke with honesty children who got toys during San appreciate it!” said nine-year-old Christmas and on Christmas Day. For Justice event Dec. 12. and integrity—more than I encounter Quentin’s Annual Holiday Toy Danny to the veterans who gave “My recent visit to Folsom State in daily life,” he said. “There were no Program. them the toys. See Toys for Tots on page 11 Prison hit me in the gut in a way I excuses. have rarely felt before,” Ranadive “Each took complete responsibil- wrote in a Sacramento Bee op/ed. ity for their actions and—even when “140 years of captivity, fear and hope- the hope of leaving prison was slim— Highlighting an early lessness hung in the air.” worked hard every day to better them- Similar to San Quentin State selves.” Prison’s style of public tours, the out- side visitors, including Sacramento Californian abolitionist See Justice on page 23 By Marcus Henderson taurants, and boarding houses. She have been partly financed by her, Editor in Chief was known as a wise investor and according to some historians. The became one of the richest women unsuccessful 1859 raid was led by Offering cultural education The Southern States are the usual in the city, according to the ACLU both Black slaves and White abo- focus of discussions about African report. litionists. American freedom struggles be- Abolitionist John Brown’s raid through Kwanzaa fore the Civil War. But California on Harpers Ferry in Virginia might See History on page 4 had its own prewar struggle against By Anthony Tariq Faulk and his wife Veronica, who assisted racism and slavery. Managing Editor with planning. Speakers included Unlike Dr. Martin Luther King incarcerated artists and social jus- Jr., Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman, Over 100 San Quentin residents tice organizers who emphasized the Californian Mary Ellen Pleasant’s ushered in Kwanzaa 2019 with a importance of using Kwanzaa as an name is rarely discussed. But Pleas- night of enlightening and cultur- opportunity to celebrate Black cul- ant has been hailed as the mother ally relevant speeches and inspir- ture. of the abolitionist movement in ing performances. The speakers and Dejon Joy, the event’s emcee, led California during the Gold-Rush performers focused on uplifting Af- a group of brothers in the reading era, according to Gold Chains: The rican and African American culture of the seven principles of Kwanzaa Hidden History of Slavery in Cali- and acknowledging the ways they before the performers and speakers fornia, a web-based series created have contributed to society at large. took the stage. by the ACLU of Northern Califor- The December 26 celebration nia. was organized by Arthur D. Jackson See Kwanzaa on page 3 Pleasant was a self-made mil- lionaire and civil rights leader. Like many others, Pleasant and her husband moved to San Francisco seeking to make a fortune during the Gold Rush. Pleasant began working as a cook and she would reportedly eavesdrop on wealthy customers’ conversations in the hopes of over- hearing valuable bits of informa- tion about financial transactions. What she learned helped her make a substantial fortune. She Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN built a strong, diverse portfolio that File photo Lit candles for Kwanzaa celebration included real estate, railroads, res- Mary Ellen Pleasant BOXER AND TAP NO MORE ESPAÑOL DANCER JOE SPORTS ON PAGE TEARS GRADU- ON PAGE Inside this issue: ORRACH 21-22 ATION 15-16 ON PAGE 3 ON PAGE 2 Page 2 SAN QUENTIN NEWS www.sanquentinnews.com February 2020 San Quentin News is written and produced by prisoners. We are supported solely by grants and donations from the outside community. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit our website at: sanquentinnews.com or send a check or money order payable to: Social Good Fund/"Friends of San Quentin News," P.O. Box 494, San Quentin, CA 94964 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY Thank you Graduate School of Journalism for your support! Two dozen graduated from violence prevention program A Recipe for Healing By Linda Heiderer In a large bowl combine: a bunch of Rocky’s tenderness a cup of Drew’s enthusiasm stir in the light that shines in Mel’s eyes and a touch of Lee’s deep faith Then fold in Warren’s belly laugh with a slice of D’Angelo’s smile add a sprinkle of Matt’s sincerity, a pound of Dwight’s encouragement, a tablespoon of Reese’s leadership, a handful of Aaron’s softness, a dash of JaJuan’s thoughtfulness, a pint of Shaka’s silver words, a heap of Spike’s vulnerability, all of Adam’s courage, the magic of Nefu’s poetry and a heaping scoop of every graduate here. In a second bowl add all those who love you Combine bowl one and two and add Lonnie Morris to taste Mix thoroughly Photo by Javier Jimenez SQN Keep the heat warm and low and watch the healing rise. No More Tears graduates and volunteers with Alameda DA Nancy O'Malley By Juan Haines courageous life, it’s a lifelong said, “I learned about trig- Senior Editor process. When you go back gers when I got in this class. It to your housing unit and talk helped me deal with people on Alameda County District to your cellie or your family, the yard—it helped me a lot.” Attorney Nancy O’Malley you have to share what you’ve O’Malley talked about what joined Alameda County Su- learned here.” she learned from listening to C. Rogers I.L. Bryant D. Adams J. Vick M. Albukhari pervisor Keith Carson on a Carson added, “I can’t talk people impacted by the crimi- trip inside San Quentin to to people on the streets, like nal justice system. The reason watch about two dozen incar- you can. That is the funda- she said was to find a program cerated men graduate from a mental difference in what you that would solve “what is hurt- violence prevention program. do here.” ing our community.” “What I see at this gradua- Lonnie Morris, the lead O’Malley came up with tion is more than what we ask incarcerated facilitator, ad- Developing Impacted Lives H. Sassounion T. Shirriel T. Bradford P. Bellard S. Brooks for in our citizens out there,” dressed the graduates. (DIL). The program reaches O’Malley told the graduates “Everybody has shown out to the youth to supply of No More Tears. “You have their vulnerability,” Morris them employment, housing dug deep to understand your said. “That takes courage. and educational opportuni- life. Most people don’t do that. Every man in this room has ties. It would be easy for you to shared their story and have “We have 18 certified DIL have stayed on the yard, but it torn down barriers—from Peer Support Specialists, and takes courage to come in here that we have developed em- we are working on a second A.