by Reaper I was born in Mexico but moved to California when I was seven months old We settled in the Canal (near San Rafael, CA) for about three years, then moved to San Pablo. In San Pablo we had two houses, a block away from each other. We lived in the smaller one at first but then decided to move to a bigger one as our family germinated. Meanwhile, we rented out the smaller house. I went to school every day K-5. I used to receive perfect attendance awards ever year as well as my siblings. I have a two
Continue ReadingYear: 2015
VOLUME 20.37/38
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this latest issue.
Continue ReadingDear Me
by Ryan Dear Me, I really hope you found what you’re looking for: love, happiness, and success. I hope you stay clean and sober. I hope you find a good twelve-step program. I really hope you stay sober, you need to. Your mind works better while sober. You’re a lot smarter when you’re sober. You need to finish school or go get your GED. You need to study hard and pass. I know you want to get into the coast guard. They wont accept you if you’re not fit and haven’t finished high school. If you want the home and car
Continue ReadingReady To Be Released
by JJ Ramirez If I was to be asked the question, “Are you ready to be released?” My answer would be that of, “Hell yeah!” Reasons being that I have learned so much of myself through my confinement I have fought my inner demons, which lived beneath my skin, and won. “Victorious.” First you must understand I grew up without a father “like so many behind these walls.” But I guess I can say without a mother as well. Mom always at work, so many hours I never really saw her. Used to come around on payday with a bag
Continue ReadingTHE BEAT WITHIN/JJIE
Greetings Friends! The JJIE (Juvenile Justice Information Exchange) website, has posted another stellar piece of writing from The Beat Within. We are thrilled to be in partnership with the JJIE which is based at Kennesaw State University near Atlanta, GA. They are the only publication/website covering juvenile justice and related issues nationally on a consistent, daily basis. Today they are running Lydia’s piece, “Windows to the Soul.” Lydia has been a valued contributor in our weekly writing workshops for the last few months. She wrote and submitted this piece from the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall in San Jose, CA. http://jjie.org/from-the-inside-windows-to-the-soul/139745/ If you want to read
Continue ReadingTHE BEAT WITHIN/JJIE
Greetings friends, We can’t keep up with the JJIE (Juvenile Justice Information Exchange) website, who is posting our pieces faster than we can send them. We are truly honored to be in partnership with the JJIE which is based at Kennesaw State University near Atlanta, GA. They are the only publication/website covering juvenile justice and related issues nationally on a consistent, daily basis. Today they are running Darnell McGregger’s piece, “Consumed by the Gang Life.” Darnell is a first time contributor to The Beat Within. He wrote this piece from the California Men’s State Prison in San Luis Obispo, CA. He has been incarcerated since age 19
Continue ReadingThe Beat Within/JJIE
Greetings!! Over the last month we have strengthened our partnership with the JJIE (Juvenile Justice Information Exchange) based at Kennesaw State University near Atlanta, Ga.. They are the only publication/website covering juvenile justice and related issues nationally on a consistent, daily basis. Today they are running our colleague and friend, Emile DeWeaver’s piece, A Secret. This piece came out of The Beat Within’s monthly San Quentin State Prison writing workshop. http://jjie.org/a-secret/136250/ Last week they ran, Markayla’s powerful poem, My Generation. Markayla is an outstanding contributor in our weekly writing workshops inside Central Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles. http://jjie.org/the-beat-within-my-generation/133988/ If you want to read other entries from The Beat
Continue ReadingTHE BEAT WITHIN/JJIE
Our friends over at the JJIE (Juvenile Justice Information Exchange) have picked up and posted another thoughtful piece of writing that has come out of our weekly workshops inside juvenile hall and beyond. This latest piece, by Chapo From The Inside: Someone Always Will Have It Worse Than Me, is one of their feature stories today on their website. You can go directly to Chapo’s story http://jjie.org/from-the-inside-someone-always-will-have-it-worse-than-me/130688/ You can also see the several other pieces JJIE has featured from The Beat Within http://jjie.org/category/ideas-and-opinions/the-beat-within/ Thank you for your continued support. We wish you a great week!
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VOLUME 20.35/36
Please contact Lisa Lavaysse if you would like to purchase the full PDF or a printed copy of this latest issue.
Continue ReadingDon’t Lose Hope!
by Kenneth Donaghe By now you have probably heard about S.B.260, “The Juvenile Lifers Bill.” This bill gives Juveniles a 2nd chance. I can be one of those Juveniles. I was recently found eligible for Parole after 22 years and four appearances before the Board. Since SB.260 became law, Juvenile Offenders have been paroled after their first appearance. Imagine that! This was unheard of before. Don’t misinterpret what I’m saying. The Parole Board will not just hand you freedom because you served the time. Not at all! You must stay out of trouble and show maturity. It was hard for me
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